Listening, context and asking questions

Listening, context and asking questions

Alec McNeil had no pre-conceived notions of what serving on a board would be like, he simply rolled up his sleeves and concentrated on understanding the roles and responsibilities of the board.

Once you are on a board it’s about listening, seeing situations in context and asking questions.

Boards have the important responsibility of working with principals and school staff, for the combined interests of students and community. Alec says this is his most rewarding experience.

Alec has now served on various school boards. He was elected to the board of Tua Marina School, where he became board chair at his first meeting six years ago, and has since been co-opted onto the boards of two other local schools, Blenheim School and Marlborough Boys’ College. Before that, he had also served on the Marlborough Kindergarten Association. "I just wanted to contribute to the educational experience of the school community."

"I am also really proud of assisting the principal’s professional development through performance appraisal that helps them enhance their own capability to improve the educational outcomes for all the students."

As the regional chair for the New Zealand School Trustees Association, Alec has had exposure to the educational system at a local, regional and national level.

Alec says one of the biggest challenges he faced in the role was ensuring that the board stayed focused on strategic matters rather than operational.

"The core values of self-governance have not altered since their inception in 1989 under Tomorrow’s Schools. A board that can develop a safe, inclusive and supportive atmosphere around the table will grow a school from strength to strength regardless of the filters from the government of the day."

He is not standing for election to Tua Marina School this year. "The time is right for me to move on to fresh challenges, he says. "We are in the middle of our succession plan for a new trustee to grow into the role of chair."

But for the other boards he sits on such as Marlborough Boys College and Blenheim School, he will be standing for election.

His message to anyone thinking about trusteeship is, "Trustees make a difference. You can do it!"

Election Project Manager Janet Kelly says schools need informed people with a balance of skills and experiences to stand for election as trustees.

Parent, caregivers and people from the wider community can be nominated for election to a school board. It is important that the board reflects its community.

"We need people who can make a positive difference for their local school. A well run school board has the power to lift student achievement - which will then benefit the whole community", she says.

"Anyone interested in more information about trusteeship should contact their local school."

The call for nominations for school trustees will be happening for most schools by the 6th May and closes on the 20th May.

ENDS

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