Passion For Community Led To School Board Role

Friday, 18 April 2025, 2:30 pm
Article: David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

A North Canterbury school board chair says anyone with a passion for their local school should consider standing in this year’s board elections.

Kaiapoi North School board of trustees presiding member Greg Thompson said serving on the school board has been a rewarding experience.

‘‘I just really wanted to give back to the school,’’ he said.

‘‘I am an ex-pupil and I was just keen to give back and I saw it as an opportunity to see what governance is all about.’’

School board of trustees elections are being held in September.

‘‘It can be a little bit daunting, but it is not as daunting as it seems,’’ Mr Thompson said.

Training is provided by the New Zealand School Trustees Association and there is plenty of support available, he said.

While there is a meeting allowance, Mr Thompson said the role is very much voluntary.

A variety of skills are needed to make a board successful, but Mr Thompson said the most important thing is a passion for the school.

The key skills are ‘‘commonsense’’ and the ability to look at ‘‘the bigger picture’’, he said.

School boards provide governance for the school and set the overall policy direction, looking after property, employment, health and safety, and finances.

The Kaiapoi North School board made the decision six years ago to support the senior leadership team in implementing structured literacy.

‘‘It was a big decision, because there was no funding available for professional development, so the board had to find the money,’’ Mr Thompson said.

‘‘But the school is now reaping the benefits of that decision and it means we haven’t had to make as many changes with the new curriculum.’’

The board employs the principal and can also be involved in employing teachers and support staff, he said.

Board members are also called upon to resolve disciplinary matters.

‘‘There are processes which need to be followed and the board needs to meet within seven days of a student being stood down,’’ Mr Thompson said.

‘‘No-one likes making the decision to exclude a child, but you also have to look at how the behaviour impacts on the other students and how effects the teachers.’’

Fortunately the board has not had to deal with any staff disciplinary matters during his six years on the board, he said.

Kaiapoi High School principal Jason Reid said the school board plays an important role is setting the direction for the school.

‘‘Governance is a fantastic thing to be involved in. We would love for people who have an interest in how schools work to stand for our board.

‘‘The board plays a key role in shaping what direction the school is going and then it is up to the leadership team and teachers to build the machine.’’

For more information about this year’s school board of trustees elections go to schoolboardelections.org.nz, or speak to your local school principal or board members.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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