Many planning to stand again in 10th trustee elections

Many planning to stand again in 10th trustee elections

School trustee elections are one of the most significant democratic processes in New Zealand This is the 10th election since the introduction of self-managed schools in 1989.

The 2016 campaign aims to attract candidates to stand for seats on around 2,500 school boards. The theme of this year’s election is "Make a difference, Ki te whakapiki". This triennial election is calling for people who can make a positive difference to our children’s learning.

Election project manager Janet Kelly says it is important that the board reflects its community.

"A good balance of gender, ethnicity and skills around the board table will influence and support educational opportunities for each and every student in our schools."

In a recent survey of board chairs, 25% said all their current trustees will be seeking re-election. Another 60% indicated that less than half the current trustees would be restanding for election. 78% indicated they are confident of receiving enough nominations to fill the positions on the board.

All parents of students enrolled in a New Zealand state or state integrated school are eligible to nominate themselves or someone else from the community, for election to a school board.

The New Zealand School Trustees Association is running the 2016 School Trustee Elections in partnership with the Ministry of Education.

If you have a child at school, you can nominate yourself or someone you know for your school’s board of trustees.

Nominations open on 6 May, close on 20 May and voting takes place between 25 May and 3 June.

Make a difference, Ki te whakapiki.

ENDS

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