Leadership Strategies, Challenges, and Level of Effectiveness in Implementing School Based Management Among Elementary Schools In Viga East and West Districts

Effective leadership is widely recognized as a critical factor in the success of School-Based Management (SBM), particularly in decentralized education systems where school heads are tasked with decision-making, resource allocation, and stakeholder engagement. Despite extensive research on SBM implementation, most studies have focused on well-resourced and urban contexts, leaving limited understanding of how leadership strategies function in geographically isolated, resource-constrained elementary schools. Addressing this gap, the present study investigated the leadership strategies, challenges, and level of effectiveness in implementing SBM among elementary schools in the Viga East and West Districts, Philippines. Employing a descriptive-correlational research design, data were collected from 143 respondents, including school heads and teachers, through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Leadership strategies examined included participative decision-making, instructional leadership, resource mobilization, and vision-setting, while challenges were assessed across limited stakeholder engagement, inadequate training and capacity building, insufficient resources, and resistance to change. SBM effectiveness was evaluated in terms of improved learning outcomes, transparency and accountability, stakeholder involvement, and program sustainability. Findings revealed highly observed leadership strategies, moderate challenges, and high SBM effectiveness. Correlation analyses indicated that leadership strategies strongly influenced SBM outcomes, while effective management of challenges further enhanced program implementation. These results underscore the importance of adaptive, context-responsive leadership in resource-constrained rural schools and provide actionable recommendations for policy and practice to strengthen decentralized governance and educational outcomes.