Law Summary
Purpose and Educational Focus
- Offers a free scholarship secondary course emphasizing science and technology subjects.
- Aims to prepare students for careers in scientific and technological fields.
- Intends to contribute to social development and economic well-being in the First District of Laguna, the province of Laguna, and the CALABARZON sub-region.
Leadership and Appointment of Director
- The school is led by a director appointed under civil service laws, rules, and regulations.
- The Board of Trustees fixes the director’s compensation according to the Revised Compensation and Position Classification System.
- The director has protections against removal except for cause and performs duties typical of a public high school principal.
Composition of the Board of Trustees
- The Board includes ex officio members: regional directors of DECS Region IV, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region IV, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region IV, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Region IV.
- It includes one member from business and industry and one from scientific and technological associations, appointed by the President of the Philippines on recommendation.
- Non-government compensated members receive per diems for sessions in accordance with accounting and auditing rules.
Powers and Duties of the Board of Trustees
- Acts as the board of directors of a corporation for the high school.
- Fixes the school’s site and appropriates necessary funds.
- Approves appointments, contracts, academic ranks, compensation, and removal of faculty/employees with due process.
- Approves curricula, courses of study, disciplinary rules formulated by the executive council.
- Provides fellowships for faculty and scholarships for deserving students.
- Issues certificates/diplomas for graduation.
- Prescribes general rules and regulations consistent with the school’s purpose.
- Receives and administers legacies, gifts, and donations for the school’s benefit.
- Establishes criteria for student selection including competitive exams.
Quorum and Legal Process
- Quorum requires a majority of current members present during meetings.
- Legal processes against the Board must be served on the director or secretary.
Remuneration of Board Members
- Board members’ per diems, allowances, and honoraria are subject to government accounting and auditing rules.
Annual Reporting
- The Board must submit a detailed report to the DECS before each school year detailing progress, condition, and needs of the high school.
Executive Council Functions
- Composed of the director, department heads, and other senior faculty as determined by the director.
- Powers include student screening and selection, scholarship awards, curriculum and disciplinary policy development, and recommendation of graduates.
- Exercises disciplinary authority through the director.
- Implements Board policies and performs additional duties prescribed by the Board.
Registrar’s Role
- The registrar acts as secretary of the Board, appointed by the director with Board approval.
- Responsible for keeping records as prescribed by the Board.
Treasurer’s Role
- Appointed by the director with Board approval.
- Manages school accounts and expenses subject to government auditing.
Faculty Appointment and Qualification
- Faculty and academic personnel are selected according to Board-established criteria consistent with law.
- Selection process may include screening and competitive examinations.
Tax Exemption Benefits
- Gifts, legacies, and donations for the school or to aid students are exempt from taxes.
- Income of the school is exempt from all government taxes, fees, assessments, and charges.
School Fund and Expenditure
- All income and donations form a special fund called the Sta. Rosa Science and Technology High School Fund.
- The fund is managed and expended exclusively by the Board for the school’s purposes.
Government Employee Loan and Detail
- National and regional government bureaus/offices may loan or transfer employees to the school upon the director’s request.
- Such employees perform duties in the school with official time credited as regular working hours.
Appropriations and Fund Management
- Necessary funds for implementation are included in the General Appropriations Act annually.
- Unexpended balances remain part of the special school fund and do not revert to the general fund.
Rulemaking Authority
- The Secretary of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports shall issue rules and regulations necessary to implement the Act.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect immediately upon approval.