School Trustees Applauded For Their Commitment

Media Release

School trustees applauded for their commitment

The New Zealand School Trustees Association and the Minister of Education Steve Maharey are joining forces to thank the more than 100,000 New Zealanders who have served on school board of trustees.

NZSTA president Lorraine Kerr says the 2007 election campaign provides an appropriate time to recognise the enormous contribution of those trustees who have already served on school boards over the past 18 years. An estimated 13,000 trustees were appointed during the recent seventh triennial elections.

"Since the inception of boards of trustees in 1989, over 100,000 New Zealanders from all walks of life have contributed to the building of a world class education system through their involvement in the governance of their local school."

Ms Kerr says the success of this year's election shows that New Zealanders continue to recognise one of the most important contributions they can make is to stand for their local board of trustees.

"People who have served on the local school board over the past 18 years have my utmost respect. I would also hope they have the gratitude of their local community for their commitment to their community, young people, as well as to the education sector as a whole."

She says trustees serve a vital role and are so much more than "well meaning volunteers".

"School trustees are far from volunteers as they are required to provide professional governance to the school and in doing so, are accountable to both the government and the school community for the running of, in many cases, a multi million dollar state entity."

Research shows over 96% rate their experience on the board as a positive experience and that for 92% of trustees the experience on the board has benefited them personally in increased knowledge, confidence and skills.

Minister of Education Steve Maharey also extended the government's thanks and appreciation to the 100,000 New Zealanders who have served as school trustees.

"New Zealand has a world class education system, and past trustees can feel very proud that they have played a key part in that. Our education system was the first in the world to place responsibility directly in the hands of the community, through the elected board of trustees."

Ms Kerr says while other countries have moved to self management/self governing models over the years, New Zealand remains unique in the extent on the power communities hold through their elected boards, and in the ability to self govern.

It is a tribute to both former and current trustees that the recent 2007 NZCER report - School Governance in New Zealand- How is it Working?, recognises the demanding role that boards of trustees undertake, she says. Overall the report supports the continuation of boards of trustees.

ENDS

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