School boards of trustees - questions answered

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 577, 14 March 1995, Page 18

School boards of trustees - questions answered

Nominations for school boards of trustees candidates close this week, Friday 17 March. Many people may not know what is involved in being a trustee, so the Bulletin publishes the following, supplied by Ruapehu College, to help people make up their minds about standing for election. Being a School Trustee - Common Questions & Answers Your school office holds copies of the pamphlet "Guide For Candidates" which is a formal guide to standing as a candidate in the school board of trustee elections and contains a nomination form. What is a Board of Trustees? The Board of Trustees is the team responsible for policy implementation, setting the direction for a school. Every state primary, intermediate and secondary school in New Zealand elects its own board of trustees. Each board of trustees consists of three or more (depending on the school, but usually five) people elected by parents on the school ro 11, (a secondary student representative where applicable), a staff representative and the principal. Some boards also co-opt additional people with specific skills (but not more that the elected number of people to the board). How do I become a Trustee?

Trustees (except the principal, staff representative, and co-opted members) are elected by parents on the school parent roll once every three years. Talk to your board and let them know you are interested in becoming a trustee. The election is on 31 March 1995. To stand as a parent representative do I have to have children at the school? Ko, but you must be nominated by a parent and elected by parents who have children at the school you wish to stand for. Do I have to have professional qualifications? No, the only qualifications you need are an interest in providing children with the best education possible and a desire to make a contribution to the community. If a school board of trustees needs people with professional skills it can call on them directly. In all cases, training will be provided for trustees. Can I nominate myselfas a candidate? Yes, so long as you are a parent on the roll of the school of the board you wish to stand for. What happens ifl am nominated? Before the election schools will probably publish a profile of you and the other candidates in a school newsletter. A school may also hold a function for parents and candidates to meet.

On 22 March parents On the school parent roll will be sent a voting form in the mail which will contain your name along with the other candidates. Once they have made their choice of candidates they will post their completed form back to the school by 31 March 1995. The three or more (depending on the school) candidates with the highest number of votes will be elected to the board. The results of the election will be published following the election after 6 April. Ifl'm elected, will I be trained? Yes, the New Zealand School Trustees Association and re-elected members of the board will ensure you get the training you need. How much time will being a Trustee take up? Generally boards meet once a month in the evening for about two hours. The most convenient meeting day and time is decided by trustees, and there may be other meetings you need to attend from time to time. You can also expect to spend an hour a week on board business outside the monthly meeting. Are board members paid? Trustees are paid $55 per meeting for a maximum of 10 meetings a year. As a board member will I be financially liable? No, individual board members acting in good faith are not held financially liable for any activities undertaken by the board. Key dates for the 1995 elections •1 March - Nominations open. •17 March - Nominations close - school parent roll closes. • 22 March voting papers sent out. •31 March - voting closes. Please note: these dates may vary for individual schools.