Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 2598)
The main purpose of Republic Act No. 8304 is to convert the San Rafael National High School in Tigaon, Camarines Sur, into a science high school known as the San Rafael National Science High School, emphasizing secondary education with a focus on sciences to prepare students for science careers.
The San Rafael National Science High School shall operate under the supervision of the Department of Science and Technology.
The Board of Trustees is composed of the regional director of the Department of Science and Technology, Region V (chairman); the director of the San Rafael National Science High School (vice-chairman); the regional director of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports, Region V; the congressional representative of the district where the school is located; and the regional director of the National Economic and Development Authority, Region V.
The Board of Trustees can appropriate funds, approve appointments and contracts, determine academic ranks and compensation, approve curricula and disciplinary rules, provide fellowships and scholarships, issue certificates or diplomas, enact rules, receive and administer donations, and establish student selection criteria including competitive exams.
A quorum of the Board of Trustees consists of a majority of all members holding office at the time of the meeting.
No, members of the Board shall not receive compensation but are entitled to reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses incurred in attendance at meetings or other authorized official functions.
The director heads the high school and is appointed in accordance with civil service laws, rules and regulations. The director’s compensation is fixed by the Board of Trustees and he/she may only be removed for cause.
The Executive Council, composed of the director and department heads, screens and selects students, recommends scholarship recipients, develops curricula and discipline rules (subject to Board approval), recommends graduates, exercises disciplinary power, and implements Board policies.
Faculty members are selected based on criteria established by the Board, which may include screening and competitive examinations. They are exempt from laws on wage and position classification, and administrative staff may be paid higher rates than comparable government positions.
All legacies, gifts, and donations to the high school are tax-exempt and deductible from donors' gross income. The high school itself is exempt from paying taxes, fees, assessments, and other charges to the government.
All personnel, assets, liabilities, and records of the San Rafael National High School are transferred to and absorbed by the San Rafael National Science High School.
The initial funding is charged against the current appropriations of the San Rafael National High School, with subsequent funds for operation and maintenance included in the General Appropriations Act.
Yes, government bureaus and offices may loan or transfer apparatus, supplies, properties, and detail employees to the high school upon the director's request, with employees performing such duties counting as regular official hours.