The Board of Trustee positions within all schools are up for Election in May 2016 for the next 3 year term. With this in mind we continue our series of information to help educate and inform our community about the Board's roles and responsibilities.

As part of this programme we have engaged a NZ Trustee Association trainer to speak at the school on Thursday the 5th May at 7pm in the staff room. The current board will also be available to help answer any questions that there may be regarding the boards role and responsibilities.  If you are thinking of standing it would be very much of benefit to join us. We also welcome those who just want to know more about School Board of Trustees. 

The board is entrusted to work on behalf of all stakeholders and is accountable for the school’s performance. It emphasises strategic leadership, sets the vision for the school and ensures that it complies with legal and policy requirements.

Broadly speaking, School trustees have a very important role in making sure every child achieves their potential at school.

Policies are at a governance level and outline clear delegations to the Principal. The board and principal form the leadership team with the role of each documented and understood, and does not involve itself in the management details of the day to day running of the school.   Enhancing student achievement is its main core focus.

Requirements of Board of Trustee members:

· Be committed to the strategic plan, vision, strategic goals and upholding the values of the school

· Be empathetic and use fair reasoning about other trustees opinions in discussions at meetings

· Be able to act reasonably, responsibly and always with respect when undertaking duties

· Be able to maintain confidentiality on both confidential and sensitive information

· Be an advocate for the school within the community

· Understand the importance and purpose of meetings, and be committed to preparing for them adequately and attending on time.

· Be able to make decisions based on what is best for the school and its students. Come with no hidden agendas.

· Have their main focus on enhancing and improving student achievement and progress for ALL students.

· Be able to analyse information and, when necessary, challenge constructively with a view to improvement.

· Be able to act as a fair, supportive and responsible employer of all school staff.

· Be able to always provide support to the principal and fellow board members.

· Be able to make collective decisions and stand by them once made.

· Be able to respect boundaries between management and governance functions within the school.

· Commit to up-skilling themselves by partaking in ongoing trustee training.

The boards responsibilities revolve around school governance NOT management.

They include:

• Setting and, as needed, modifying the vision and values of the school.

• Protecting the special values of the school

• Ensuring a sensible and feasible Strategic Plan

• Approving and monitoring the Annual Plan

• Developing and reviewing the general policy direction.

• Monitoring and evaluating student learning outcomes

• Appointing and assessing the performance of and support for the Principal.

• Acting as good employers.

• Providing financial stewardship.

• Overseeing, conserving and enhancing the resource base with ongoing review.

• Approving major policies and programme initiatives.

• Manage risk.

• The board is committed to a programme of ongoing professional development that includes new trustee induction.

• Exercising governance in a way that fulfills the intent of the Treaty of Waitangi by valuing and reflecting New Zealand’s dual cultural heritage.

For more information on the role and responsibilities of trustees please visit:

www.nzsta.org.nz or www.minedu.govt.nz/boards

Or come along to our Board info evening: Thurs 5th May at 7pm.