Hon Steve Maharey
Minister of Education

17 November 2006 Media Statement

Establishment boards appointed for Flat Bush schools

Education Minister Steve Maharey today announced the appointment of establishment boards for two new schools in Flat Bush, Manukau City.

"This will ensure that the community continues to have a strong role in the future of the new schools," Steve Maharey said.

"Jeffs Road Junior High School and Jeffs Road Primary School, schedule to open in 2009, are two of the eight new state schools planned for Flat Bush to meet increasing population growth.

"Baverstock Oaks School, opened in 2005, was the first of these schools to open, with the remaining five to be opened by 2015."

Members of the Jeffs Road Junior High School Establishment Board are:
- Ian Fox (Principal, Bucklands Beach Intermediate School)
- Christine Kerr (Associate Principal, Greenmeadows Intermediate School)
- Ranjna Madan (full-time mother, part-time teacher aide)
- Nicola Troughear (full-time mother, former secondary teacher)
- Bernardine Vester (Chief Executive, City of Manukau Education Trust)

Members of the Jeffs Road Primary School Establishment Board are:
- Seanna Donaldson (full-time mother, part-time consultant)
- Heather Mackay (private tutor)
- Amos Poh (accountant)
- Dr Laurie Thew (Principal Manurewa Central School)
- Bernardine Vester (Chief Executive, City of Manukau Education Trust)

Nominations for the boards were sought from a range of community groups including local schools, Botany Community Board, the Manukau City Council and local iwi.

“Members of the boards were chosen because of their experience, and will play a key role in ensuring the concerns of the local community are raised while the schools are being planned and built, Steve Maharey said.

"Each establishment board will elect its chair, contribute to the design of its school, appoint the principal and other staff, and determine school policy and sound governance practices.

"The establishment boards will be in place until the schools are opened and parents can elect boards of trustees. School elections are likely to be held within six months of the schools opening."

ENDS

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