60% of trustees planning stand in elections

60% of trustees planning to re-stand in school trustee triennial elections

60% of school trustees are planning to re-stand in the 2010 triennial trustee elections, with a further 10% yet to make up their mind says the President of the New Zealand School Trustees Association.

This is a very encouraging result says Lorraine Kerr, and at this point in time, indicates that the percentage re-standing may be higher than in previous years, which has traditionally run at round 50%.

NZSTA, which is undertaking the national promotion and school support for the 2010 triennial elections, has recently surveyed almost 500 boards to assess the current state of play leading up the launch of the national election campaign in late February.

Those trustees deciding to re-stand identified a number of reasons why they have made this decision:- 75% stated they feel they have something to offer, 59% stated they enjoy the experience while others indicated they are re-standing to provide continuity between board (61%) or have a child(ren) at school.(58%). (note some respondents made multiple choices).

For those 30% that will not be re-standing, 63% identified children leaving/left the school as the reson for not standing, while 42% thought it was time for some “new blood”. (note some respondents choose both reasons).

Overall, 93% of trustees described their experience as a school trustee as very positive (58%) or positive (35%) while only 1.4% had negative feelings about the trustees experience.

92% of trustees surveyed considered that the time on the board had benefited them in terms of personal growth, with many respondents identifying they had gained key skills in such as leadership, in understanding the education system, working with school staff, strategic planning, finance, property , as so on. Strong leadership and governance, focus on student achievement, better school environment, a catalyst for change and representing the school community were some of the common areas where boards throught they had benefited the school.

This first survey paints a very positive picture of value of trusteeship in NZ, both for the school and students, and for trusteeship itself, says Lorraine Kerr, and provides a positive outlook for the triennial election process in May 2010.

I am also delighted that the vast majority of boards of trustees (92% of respondents ) have confirmed that the boards policy framework and documentation is in place for the new incoming board says Ms Kerr, as this makes for an easier transition for new newly elected board members.

The common date for the 2010 triennial trustee elections is set for 7 May 2010.

ENDS

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