<![CDATA[Educational administration that focuses solely on procedural compliance has not fully ensured openness and accountability in school governance. Previous studies have predominantly examined transparency and accountability in school financial management, while trust (amanah) as an ethical foundation for educational administration as a whole, particularly in public schools, remains underexplored. This study aims to analyze the implementation of trust-based educational administration and its role in strengthening transparency and accountability at SMA Negeri 1 Bondowoso. A qualitative approach with a case-study design was employed in December 2025. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with eight purposively selected informants, observation, and documentation. The data were analyzed thematically through coding, categorization, theme development, and interpretation; trustworthiness was maintained through source and technique triangulation and member checking. The findings show that trust is operationalized through clarity of responsibility, compliance with procedures, orderly documentation, openness of information, and willingness to account for program implementation. However, the timeliness of information delivery and consistency of reporting still require improvement. This study implies that the value of trust should be institutionalized through operational standards, leadership role-modelling, information systems, supervision, and continuous evaluation to build school governance with integrity.]]>
