College BoT chairperson to aim for training of trustees

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 592, 27 June 1995, Page 7

College BoT chairperson to aim for training of trustees

By

Michele

Monaghan

Reverend Sherri Weinberg of Waiouru, recently elected chairperson of the Ruapehu College Board of Trustees, says she has definite ideas about board members' responsibilities and the direction her term will take. "I had no idea how political the position actually is," Rev Weinberg said. "From being a non-political person I am rapidly learning to become political. I'm going to feel my way into what being a chairperson actually means. Not just in terms of being a chairperson, but in terms of the Board of Trustees being both employers and business managers. Becauseboards are no longer just governors

they must have a professional approach to the job," she said. "The initial criteria for trustees is to ensure the needs of the students are being served properly. I believe it is the board' s responsibility to be informed and educated about the changing face of education in this country and to that end I will be encouraging board members to attend ongoing educative processes that are put in place for boards through such things as STA (New Zealand School Trustees Association) and other bodies that organise training programmes and seminars." "I recognise of course that the primary focus of the board is the college, the students and the teachers. As chairperson the prospect of steering a board

into a deeper understanding of their role and responsibility to both college and community is very exciting." "The college is extremely well resourced and the framework which exists at the moment will be built upon," she said. "The mission statement of the board is to endeavour to promote the full potential of our students in academic, sporting, cultural, aesthetic and social development. To encourage our students as individuals to prepare them as effective members of society. I believe it's the board' s responsibility to live up to the mission statement," Rev Weinberg said.