Trustee Elections - Background Information

Background:
 

The trustee elections are the largest democratic event in the country, involving the election of a board of trustees for 2,500 state and state-integrated New Zealand schools.
 

The event is held every three years and this is the seventh election since the introduction of self-managed schools in 1989.
 

More than 13,000 people are needed to form boards and more than 90,000 people have taken on the trusteeship role since 1989.
 

The theme of the campaign is make a difference for our schools – asking New Zealanders with a balance of skills and experiences to take up this critical  role in their school community.
 

Trustees do not have to be parents nor have children at the school they stand for. 
 

Trustees need to have a commitment to children and education and the skills to ultimately help the school lift student achievement.
 

The board of trustees has overall responsibility for the governance of a school.  It sets the educational goals and strategic direction of the school.
 

Boards can choose how they want their school to develop.  They ensure that students are achieving, that the school complies with the law and is a responsible employer.
 

Trustees support the principal and staff.
 

Ongoing training and support is offered to trustees to help them in their role.
 

Key dates in 2007
Nominations called                               by March 1

Nominations close                                Noon, March 15

Polls close                                            Noon, March 29

                        Results declared                                   April 4

Ends 

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