Local Advisory Board (LAB)

The Local Advisory Board (LAB) plays an important role in the governance of GEMS American Academy – Abu Dhabi (GAA) and is actively engaged in the life and development of our school.

The LAB helps ensure effective school governance by upholding the school’s vision and values, advising and supporting the school on matters of strategy and policy, and holding school leadership accountable for standards and performance.

Working in partnership with school leadership, the LAB provides support, constructive challenge, and different perspectives through open and purposeful dialogue. This governance role helps ensure that GAA continues to develop, improve, and achieve its strategic priorities.

Our Local Advisory Board

The Local Advisory Board meets three times during each academic year and brings together representatives from across the GAA community.

The LAB includes:

• School leadership
• Parents
• Teaching staff
• Representatives from the GEMS Education Corporate Office
• Student Government representatives

This broad representation ensures that different voices and perspectives from our community contribute to the school’s governance and strategic development.

The Role of the LAB

As part of GAA’s governance structure, the Local Advisory Board oversees progress towards the school’s strategic aims and objectives and supports continuous school improvement.

The LAB reviews and discusses key areas of school performance, provides guidance and constructive feedback, and appropriately challenges school leadership to support high standards and positive outcomes for students.

The LAB does not have responsibility for:

• Financial matters
• Staff appointments
• The day-to-day operation and management of the school
• Student admissions

These areas remain the responsibility of the school and GEMS Education in accordance with established policies and procedures.