Clock counts down on school trustee nominations

Media release

Clock counts down to closure of school trustee nominations

People wanting to make a difference for children’s education by becoming a school trustee have just two days left to put their name forward to their local school.

Nominations for the 2007 School Trustee Elections close at midday on Thursday. More than 13,000 people are needed to fill positions on boards of trustees at 2,500 schools throughout the country.

Election Project Manager Janet Kelly says the two week nomination period is drawing to a close with the majority of schools reporting nominations were coming in slowly.

“A slow start to the nomination period is the same pattern seen in previous elections. It is usually followed by a last minute flurry of nominations coming through in the final days.”

Nominations were on track, but as the elections entered the final 48 hours of the nomination period, it was time for those who had not yet put their name forward to take action.

“Being a school trustee is extremely rewarding and I would encourage all those still considering whether to stand to allow their name to go forward for nomination.

“It is also a last chance to approach others in the community who you think would make a good trustee,” she says.

To stand for election as a trustee, candidates do not have to be parents nor do they have to have children at that particular school. People from throughout the community, including parents, can be trustees

“What people do need is a commitment to children and education, and the skills to ultimately help the school lift student achievement,” Janet Kelly says.

Schools are looking for informed people with a range of skills and experiences to put their name forward. Many current trustees have also indicated their intention to stand for re-election.

The common election date is 29 March. Parents and caregivers of school children are eligible to vote and schools will publicise the list of candidates prior to voting.

Key dates:
Call for nominations by 1 March, 2007
Nominations close noon, 15 March
Polls close noon, 29 March
Results declared 4 April

ENDS

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