Law Summary
Governance and Leadership
- The PHSA is headed by a Director appointed by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
- The Director's compensation and term of office are fixed by the Board.
- The Director holds powers and duties similar to those of a principal in the Philippine educational system.
Composition of the Board of Trustees
- The Board consists of:
- Chairman: President of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
- Vice-Chairman: Undersecretary of Education and Culture.
- Members: Director of PHSA and representatives for music, dance, drama, and visual arts.
- Members representing the arts fields are appointed by the Chairman of the Board.
- Board members receive a per diem of PHP 200 per session.
Powers and Functions of the Board
- Acts with powers similar to a private corporation's board of directors.
- Key Powers include:
- Fixing the school’s site.
- Receiving and appropriating funds for school support.
- Approving appointments, contracts, salaries, and removals of personnel.
- Providing fellowships, scholarships, stipends, and other allowances.
- Establishing selection criteria including national competitive exams.
- Issuing certificates or diplomas upon graduation.
- Managing legacies, gifts, donations, and trusts for the school and its students.
Board Procedures and Reporting
- A quorum requires a majority of all members.
- The Board must submit an annual detailed report on the school's progress, condition, and needs to the President of the Philippines by June 1 each year.
The Executive Council
- Composed of the Director, Assistant Director, department heads, and other ranking officials.
- Responsibilities:
- Screening and selecting students.
- Selecting scholarship and stipend recipients.
- Developing curricula, courses, and disciplinary rules.
- Implementing Board policies.
Assistant Director
- Focuses on the arts education component.
- Assumes Director's duties in their absence as authorized by the Board.
- Appointment and compensation fixed by the Board.
Registrar and Treasurer
- Registrar appointed by the Director with Board approval; serves as Secretary to the Board and keeper of school records.
- Treasurer appointed similarly; manages all financial accounts and expenses.
- All school financial operations are public and subject to audit by the Commission on Audit or its representative.
Tax Exemptions and Donations
- All legacies, gifts, and donations to PHSA are tax-exempt and deductible from donors' gross income.
- PHSA is exempt from Government taxes, fees, assessments, including import duties on equipment and withholding tax on payments to foreign lecturers.
Funding and Resources
- All income and donations are consolidated into the Arts High School Fund.
- The Fund is exclusively used for purposes defined by the Decree and controlled by the Board.
- An initial appropriation of PHP 1.5 million from the National Treasury is provided.
- Subsequent funding for expenses is to be included in the national General Appropriation Act.
Repeal of Inconsistent Laws
- All existing laws, rules, and orders inconsistent with this Decree are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- The Decree takes effect immediately upon signing.