Every state and state-integrated school or kura in New Zealand has a board that governs it.
The board's role is to oversee the governance of its school or kura and to ensure that everything that needs to be done gets done - legally, ethically, and as well as possible in the best interests of its students.
The board is the employer of all staff, including the principal, and sets the overall strategic direction for the school or kura. The principal is the board's 'chief executive' and manages the day to day operations of the school or kura in line with the board's direction and policies.
A standard board constitution is made up of:
- members elected from the community;
- the principal;
- a staff-elected representative;
- a student representative - for schools or kura with students in year 9 and above;
- a number of co-opted members (who must be fewer in number than parent-elected members)
- and for state-integrated schools only - one or more proprietors’ representatives.
Board members have a term of office of up to 3 years.
What does the board do?
Section 127 of the Education and Training Act 2020 describes the board's responsibilities.
This is achieved through particular governance activities such as:
- setting the strategic direction and targets for the school or kura
- planning towards and reporting on achieving those targets
- curriculum management
- financial and property management
- policies and procedures
- health and safety
- employment of staff at the school or kura.
127 of the Education and Training Act 2020(external link)
The board has a duty to show to its parents, community, and to the government that students are being well prepared for life beyond school. Evidence of progress and future direction is outlined annually in a charter, which is a document declaring specific annual targets and long-term goals.
The board is elected by members of the school community to ensure that the school community has a voice in how its school operates.
The board must also ensure it is a good employer to all the staff in the school or kura.
Here are some things that a board does:
- work with its local community to make sure that the school or kura works in a way that is appropriate for the students, families and wider community that it serves.
- create the school or kura's charter and strategic plan. These describe the board's long term plans for the school or kura and sets goals that will help make them happen.
- monitor progress towards the long-term plan and goals
- monitor and evaluate student progress and achievement to make sure that every student is getting the preparation they need to survive and thrive in the world
- make overall decisions about the school or kura's property (grounds and buildings), finances, curriculum (what is taught) and administration. These decisions are often made on the advice of the principal and staff, and are carried out by the principal and staff once they are made.
- ensure that the school or kura gives effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
- appoints and supports the principal and assesses their performance
- is a good employer to its staff. The board employs all the staff including the principal. This means that the board has a responsibility to make sure that the school or kura provides a safe and healthy environment for them all to work in, and obeys the laws about employment.
What skills do board members need?
Board members are active leaders in their schools or kura, All members should to be able to:
- work well in a team
- understand and think about what they are being told
- ask relevant and challenging questions
- have good communication skills.
Boards also need a balance of specific skills and attributes to make sure that all the board's responsibilities are being met. Board members should have a genuine interest in the work of the school and the education and welfare of its students. Board members should also have:
- passion
- energy
- people skills
- honesty
- integrity.
Other knowledge or experience in areas such as Education, Finance, Law, Property, Human Resources, Health and /or the Social Sector may be helpful for a board, but not compulsory.
