Tomorrow's Schools voting coming up

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 280, 28 March 1989, Page 3

Tomorrow's Schools voting coming up

The following press release from the Minister of Education outlines some of the key points regarding the setting up of Boards of Trustees for schools. Most schools in the area have appointed their returning officers and the next step is for school children's parents and other eligible voters to register for the roll.

Parents have until Thursday April 6 to ensure their names are on their children's school's electoral role. A supplementary role will be, however, established after that date, but parents on this second role will f>e eligible to vote but not to stand for nomination. Nominations for the elections will be open in the last week of March and will close at noon on April 6. Staff and student election will be held from April 10-24, while parent elections will be held between April 16-29. All parents on the school electoral roles will be sent voting papers. They will be able to vote by postal ballot or take their vote direct to their school before noon on Saturday April 29. According to the Government, plans are proceeding well for the elections with over 95% of the 2700

schools involved having identified their returning officers and begun the compilation of rolls. It is expected that most of those who have not replied to the department will have designated the principal as their returning officer. Interest in standing for Boards of Trustees is now gaining momentum and is expected to increase over the next two weeks as the Department's information programme moves into high gear. Schools and parents are receiving pamphlets, newsletters and kits to tell them more about Boards of Trustees and the role and responsibilities of Board Members. The payment to Trustees of $55 per meeting for up to ten meetings a year and the planned training programme for Boards of Trustees should encourage parents to stand for nomination.