Ringing in the trustee election campaign

Ringing in the trustee election campaign

The country’s largest democratic event kicked off today with the launch of the trustee elections.

The campaign was officially launched by Education Minister Trevor Mallard and NZSTA president Chris France signalled the beginning of the five-month campaign by ringing a school bell.

The theme of the campaign is “stand and be counted” and thousands of New Zealanders will be asked to put their names forward when nominations open on March 5, 2004.

Elections Project Manager Janet Kelly says the election campaign is about finding the right people to govern our schools for the next three years and get strong and able boards in place.

“We need people with a commitment to students and education, who have ideas, energy and skills and who are committed to the priority of lifting student achievement.”

Janet Kelly says it is important that boards are made up of a range of people with different backgrounds, cultures and skills.

“Boards need to reflect the diversity of their school communities and have the skills to take responsibility for the strategic direction of their school.”

More than 13,000 people are needed to be trustees and they will join more than 100,000 who have already carried out the role.

Most schools will be choosing the common election date of 2nd April, 2004. Nominations open on March 5.

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