Sharing skills for the community

Sharing skills for the community

Jan Hewitt has always been involved with the schools in her community. Originally from Christchurch, she was on the PTA with the view of going on to the school board when she found herself moving north. So when she moved up to Whangarei with her family and found out there was a commissioner at Ngunguru Primary School where her sons would be attending, she put herself forward for the board.

Her sons transitioned to high school, and so did Jan. She is now the Deputy Chair at Whangarei Boys’ High School, where she has served for 6 years.

"When you are in a governance based role, you will face some challenges along the way," she says. "Some trustees that are new to a board may not have a strong understanding of governance. It’s very important that they gain the skills to perform their role effectively."

She has taken the opportunity during her time as a trustee to upskill through the Professional Development on offer, and now has a good understanding of governance focusing on leadership, accountability, representation and how to be a good employer.

Jan herself has gained a lot from the experience so far. There is lots of problem solving, which is something Jan enjoys. "All the skills I have learnt have been transferred back to my own business and work life. I’ve personally experienced huge benefits and rewards through trusteeship."

She also provides governance training to school boards as one of NZSTA’s approved Professional Development (PD) providers, and this opportunity has allowed her to share the skills she has developed with other boards.

Jan has been involved in the appointment of two principals at each of the schools she has been on the board for. One of them she rates as her most rewarding experience: going through the selection process and appointing the first ever female principal at Whangarei Boys High School.

"Appointing a principal is one of the most important and rewarding things you will do on a board of trustees," she says. "It’s important to have a very robust process. You have to ensure you get the right person in the principal role for the school and the wider community."

Jan has seen many changes during the 15 years she has served on school boards, and believes that boards need to be adaptive with the changing needs of the school and community, while focusing on the educational outcomes for all students. "The board is elected by the community and is there to represent the community."

And that advice also applies to how the board works effectively together. "There may be times when a decision is voted on and may not align with your ideas; you need to be able to accept the decision made and move forward as a board, working together."

Jan is standing again in the school trustee elections this year, and she encourages others to do the same. She recognises that some people may feel they do not have the skills needed for a board, but she says, "You will bring your existing skills to the table, and enhance those skills with the free PD provided for trustees."

"Don’t stand back. You can make a difference."

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

Parents, 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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