The role of local public authorities in decentralizing Romanian public education system

Abstract

Improving quality and efficiency in providing public services by accelerating the decentralization process represents one of the fundamental premises of a democratic, rule of law state that is oriented towards achieving performance in public services for its citizens. Bringing public decision-making closer to the citizen, improving quality in providing public services to citizens, as well as reducing their costs, are but a small part of the advantages brought about by public services decentralization, with the major role in decentralization being played by both education institutions, and local public authorities. In this context, the study focuses firstly on approaching empirically and epistemologically the decentralization of Romanian public education system, which presupposes transfer of authority, responsibility and resources concerning decision-making, and of general and financial management towards education institutions and local community. What is also revealed in this study is the premises and stages of Romanian public education decentralization, the advantages but also disadvantages and limitations of decentralization, as well as the education public service prospects from the perspective of decentralization. Last, but not least the study approaches the subject from the viewpoint of related public policies and legislation; the research puts emphasis on the fact that in accordance with the present Romanian legislative framework, the entire patrimony of public schools- land and premises- is public property and belongs to communes, cities and municipalities, and it is managed by the respective local public authorities. Furthermore, it is local budges that finance schools, and school patrimony and funds are currently being handled by local councils. Insufficiency of financial resources on the part of local communities may represent a serious drawback in the way of achieving efficient and effective decentralization in Romania, thus indicating a need to identify feasible solutions for finding the resources necessary for the conclusion of this process.