Are you considering standing for the school board in the upcoming elections? If so read on ...

With Board of Trustees elections just around the corner, Board members felt it would be useful to give anybody considering putting their hand up an insight into what is involved with being a Board Member. From our own experience, and anecdotally, it can be difficult to determine what’s really involved, the time commitment required, and the skills that are useful for board members to possess.

What makes an effective board member?

There are no prerequisites for becoming a board member. A very common thread across school board members is a desire to make a positive difference within their school community. Board members ensure that their school has the most targeted and effective strategy, policies and procedures in place to ensure that all students have the very best opportunities available to them during their school years. As a board we need the ability to see this through the lens of all ages, gender and cultures to make an informed decision on what's best for students as a majority and minority. This is an amazing opportunity and one not taken lightly!

There are a broad range of skills that are useful to bring to a board, but mostly passion, commitment and the ability to productively question and challenge, while collaborating as a team are a must. Skills including strategy, finance, communication and community engagement, HR, property and facilities are all excellent, but not essential.

What do the Board ‘do’?

Here are some things that a board will cover:

• Appointing and supporting the principal

• Engaging regularly with the local community to ensure that the school works in a way that is appropriate for the students, families and wider community that it serves

• Creating the school charter and strategic plan, and setting goals that will help make them happen

• Monitoring progress towards the long-term plan and goals

• Monitoring and evaluating student progress and achievement to make sure that every student is getting the preparation they need to thrive.

• Principal led, the board makes overall decisions about the school property (grounds and buildings), finances, curriculum and administration.

• Ensuring that the school gives effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi

• Employing all staff including the principal, taking responsibility for ensuring the school provides a safe and healthy environment for them all to work in

What does an average month look like for a board member?

Typically, the Board meets once a month as a full board for around 2 hours. If there are any urgent matters during the month we may meet again for ‘special’ board meetings, however these are the exception and not the norm. In addition, each board member will take part in, on average 2-3 sub-committees, requiring up to 2 hours per month each for meetings. Sub-committees cover areas such as Curriculum, Health & Safety, Communications, Property, and Finance.

There will be other times during the month that board members will be covering follow-up items, and for the board chair and board secretary ensuring board matters are fully covered, however other than the Board Chair, this would rarely exceed 1-2 hours per month.

What have the board been involved with over 2021/22?

Some of the key projects the board have worked on over 2021/22 include:

• The 2022-26 Strategic and Annual Plan, including setting the new school vision and values

• Distribution of the Ministry of Education’s SIP Funding Investment Package

• Covid-19 Response Plan

• ERO review process

• Working with the Ministry of Education re Halswell School Enrolment Zoning