More school trustees needed

More school trustees needed

Nominations close for the 2013 School Trustee Elections at noon on Thursday 16 May, and trustees are still required for schools across New Zealand.

Considering we need 15,000 school trustees, compared with 120 candidates for parliament, the huge scale of the election process becomes clear says Elaine Hines, National election project manager.

“Previous elections have shown that a slow start is often followed by a last minute rush of nominations coming through in the final days”, says Elaine. “As schools have re-opened for the second school term, we are expecting more nominations over the next few days but time is of the essence.”

The theme of the 2013 national election campaign is about encouraging people in the community with the right skills and experience to “Step forward” and nominate themselves or someone else.

“We really need more people to step forward, say Elaine, especially those people with the right skills and experience. Whilst financial know how and strategic thinking are important, if you are a team player, can ask questions, think creatively or are focussed on our children’s learning, then you can be a trustee.”

The role of school trustees is a significant one with responsibility for setting the strategic direction of the school, monitoring progress and reporting on the performance of the school o the parent community.

“We need parents, families and whānau to all get involved and take an active part in their school election process. This is the best way to ensure they get the highest quality trustees for their school and to ensure that their children will have the best opportunity for success”

For those considering trusteeship for the first time, Ms Hines suggests they contact their local school for more information. She also encourages people to nominate others they think would make good trustees. “You don’t need to have a child at the school; it’s about seeing your local school and its students succeed.”

Over 100,000 people have taken on the trusteeship roles since self managing schools were introduced in 1989. Surveys tell us that 95% of trustees over this time have found the position extremely rewarding. A recent survey shows 65% of current trustees are looking to stand for another three years, but there are still high numbers of new trustees needed.

Anybody interested in finding out more should contact their local school further information.

Key dates:
Call for nominations: By 2 May 2013
Nominations close: Noon 16 May 2013
Voting closes: Noon 30 May 2013
Results declared: 5 June 2013
New board takes office: 6 June 2013

ENDS

© Scoop Media