What is the role of the Board of Trustees (BOT)?

The BOT is the Crown entity responsible for the governance and the control of the management of the school, and are accountable for the school’s performance. 

The BOT is responsible for determining the strategic direction in which the school is heading (in consultation with parents, staff and students). The board must also ensure that its school provides a safe environment and quality education for all its students. Boards are also responsible for overseeing the management of personnel, curriculum, property, finance and administration.

The Principal is the board's chief executive in relation to the school's control and management. The Principal is required to comply with the board's general policy directions; but has complete discretion to manage the school on a day to day basis.

Who is on the BOT?

Trustees are elected by the parent community and staff members. Elections for parent and staff trustees are held every three years (next elections in 2022). A by-election can occur at any stage in the 3 year election cycle if an elected trustee resigns from the board and thereby creates a casual vacancy.

What does the BOT do?

Every Board must prepare and maintain a School Charter. The purpose of a School Charter is to establish the mission, aims, objectives, directions, and targets of the Board in relation to the Government’s national education guidelines (NEGs), national administration guidelines (NAGs) and the Board’s local priorities.

The school board has the overall responsibility for the school, including meeting certain legal obligations, responsibility for property, personnel, financial management, reporting to the Ministry and school community, and meeting national requirements set by the Ministry of Education.

The BOT makes decisions that the Principal and staff then put in place. It must also monitor and report annually on its progress towards those goals.

When does the BOT meet and can I attend?

Our Boards typically meets twice a term between February and December.  Members of the public are welcome to attend, however, they are not public meetings where everyone has the right to speak. Speaking rights can be granted in advance by the Board Chair.  Sometimes parts of Board meetings are closed to the public when the board is discussing confidential matters. 

Can I get involved?

Standing for the BOT is a great way to get involved in your child’s education. Training and support are available to make carrying out this responsibility easier.

Elections are run every three years and in order to stand for the board you must confirm that to the best of your knowledge you are eligible to be a school trustee. The website of the New Zealand School Trustees Association (NZSTA) has and excellent website with lots of great information for current or potential trustees. www.nzsta.org.nz

If you are interested in standing for election, a good idea is to talk to a current BOT member. You may also like attend a couple of BOT meetings to get a better idea of what goes on at the meetings and about the responsibility involved.

Click here for the 2022 Annual Financial Reports

Our BOT minutes can be read at the school office.