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