Nominations Open for NZ’s biggest elections

Nominations Open for NZ’s biggest democratic election

Nominations are now being called for at the majority of the countries 2468 state and state integrated schools to elect a new school board.

Election Project manager Elaine Hines says that over 15,000 people are needed to form these boards, and ongoing training and support is offered to trustees to help them in their role.

Around 60% of current trustees are looking to stand for another three year term, but there are still a high number of new trustees needed.

Trustees do not have to be a parent at the school. We are looking for trustees with a balance of skills and experiences to take up this critical role in the school community.

The 2010 School Trustee Elections are New Zealand’s biggest single democratic event and this is the eighth triennial election since self managing schools were introduced in 1989.

The triennial trustee election process is ultimately about community participation in the good governance of our schools, and through that, improved student achievement says Ms Hines.

“School trustees have a very important role in setting the strategic direction of the school, setting achievement goals, monitoring progress and ensuring the reporting of the results to the school community occurs”.

The 2010 School Trustee Elections campaign aims to identify and attract sufficient candidates with the right skills and experiences to ensure that each school can elect a high quality board.

Elaine Hines encourages those who are undecided to take the time to consider the valuable role boards of trustees play in children’s education.

“We are very excited about the number of people who are considering standing for the first time. It’s great to hear the passion many people have about their local schools, and they want to see our children succeed.”

For those considering trusteeship for the first time, Ms Hines suggests they contact their local school for more information. She also encourages people to nominate others they think would make good trustees.

Nominations close at noon on 23 April, with voting closing at noon 7 May 2010.

The theme of the 2010 School Trustee Elections is “Strong leaders make strong schools” says Elaine Hines, and we need the skills and experiences of the wider community to realise our theme – and our vision of all students achieving to a high level.

Key dates
Call for nominations From 15 March 2010
Nominations close Noon 23 April 2010
Polls close Noon 7 May 2010
Results declared 13 May 2010

ENDS

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