The Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) of Public Schools: A Strategic Management Analysis for Sustainable School Operations and Development

Abstract

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate how school strategic management is carried out, particularly the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) in school sustainable operations. The study gathered data and applied a qualitative phenomenological-descriptive research design by Colaizzi (1978) to analyze the lived experiences of teaching personnel of elementary schools in Narvacan North District of Schools Division of Ilocos Sur by Fiscal Year 2025. The following criteria were used to select sample schools: 1) The school offered elementary levels, Kindergarten to Grade 6, 2) the school had to be not a cluster school of another school, and 3) simple random sampling was made to select the schools as a 4:3:2 participant sampling, between big, medium, and small schools, respectively.

Data collection was through a validated interview guide, and among the teaching personnel, targeted 9 participants. They consisted of the following criteria: 1) had taught for a minimum of three years before the study, 2) Teacher 1 or Teacher 3 plantilla position as School Bids and Awards Committee member within MOOE, and 3) attended trainings in relation to school financial management.

Effective financial management entails proper planning, allocation, and control of MOOE to ensure that resources are managed effectively. In addition, collaborative budgetary activities enhance transparency and accountability, leading to sustainable development in the district.

MOOE encourages the valuable supplies, minor fixes, and programs to enhance teaching-learning. However, challenges such as delayed funding and complex procedures hinder efficiency. There is also resource abuse through weak monitoring. Schools react through transparency boards, financial records, and participative evaluation despite challenges.

There should be timely fund allocation in schools and more accountability in order to increase effectiveness. Technology integration can also be used to improve financial governance. Lastly, one must remember systemic delays and strengthen accountability to achieve benefits in school development.