Spokesperson for Education
5 December 2012
School Boards Are Not Volunteers
New Zealand First says the Government must accept that school Board of Trustees (BOT) members are not volunteers but
elected officials representing their school communities.
Dr Cathy Wylie, of the New Zealand Council for Educational Research, has recently released a book titled Vital
Connections which looks at the effects of the Tomorrow's Schools model since its introduction in 1989.
Education spokesperson Tracey Martin welcomes the findings of Dr Wylie which recognises the lack of support for BOTs has
resulted in the full potential of Tomorrows Schools not being realised.
“Several times this year I have raised the issue of a lack of professional development and skill support for our elected
BOT members.
“I have spoken about this issue with not only members of the Ministry but with the Minister of Education Hekia Parata at
the Education and Science Select Committee.
“The Government needs to acknowledge the important function of BOT’s and take their leadership role seriously.
“Boards of Trustees should be recognised and acknowledged as the leaders of their schools and resourced appropriately
with professional development and skill support.
“However in supporting and developing BOT members I agree with the Trustees Association that the way forward is not to
go back to a 1950’s model,” says Ms Martin.
ENDS