FAQs about Boards of Trustees

What is the function of a Board of Trustees?  What does it do? What doesn’t it do?

The Board has a governance role and sets the vision for the school.  By assisting and supporting the principal, the Board helps define the long term aspirations and strategy of the school.  Specifically, the Board may have committees that are responsible for curriculum and policy, finance, property, health and safety, discipline and the employment and remuneration of senior staff.  The Board is not responsible for the day-to-day management of the school; this is the responsibility of the school principal. 

Who can stand for the Board of Trustees? Do I need any qualifications?

You do not need to have any specific qualifications to stand for the Board of Trustees.  The best trustees are those who are committed to the school and to making a positive difference to their children’s lives and to their community.  There are a few requirements for eligibility (such as not being bankrupt).  Find out if you are eligible to stand

Do I have to be a parent to stand for the Board?

No, but you will need to be nominated by a parent of a student at the school.  It is never too early to stand for the Board.  If your child is starting at a school in the next few years, think about standing now, so that when your child starts school, you are comfortable and confident with the role and make a real and positive contribution. 

What kinds of things will I do on the Board?

As a member of the Board, you will discuss and vote on all the key decisions affecting the school.  You may also be part of a sub-committee to work in more detail on a specific area such as employment of senior staff, curriculum or finances. 

How much time will it take to be on the Board? How often does the Board meet?

The Board will usually meet once a month and a meeting will usually last for 2 – 3 hours.  At this meeting the Board will hear from the principal as well as from the key committees.  If you are also on a committee you may also have an additional meeting once each month. 

Do I get paid for being on the Board?

There is no set rule and it is up to the Board to decide whether they will pay the trustees or not.  According to the New Zealand Schools Trustees Association, approximately 50 percent of Boards decide to pay trustees and an average fee is about $50 per meeting for a trustee and $75 per meeting for the chairperson.

How long will I be elected for?

School trustees are ordinarily elected every three years.  However, a school trustee can resign at any time.  A successful Board will usually be made up of trustees that serve 2-3 terms. This ensures continuity and provides new trustees with guidance from more experienced members.

How many people are on the Board of Trustees?

Although a Board can have 3-7 parent representatives, most Boards have 5 parent representatives.  The Board also consists of the principal, one staff representative and one student representative.

I am a teacher at my local school; can I still stand as a parent representative on the Board of Trustees?

No. If you are a teacher at the school, you cannot be a trustee except by being elected as the staff representative.  You can still vote in the parent representative elections.

Are you eligible?

No person can be elected to a Board of Trustees who:

• Is a bankrupt who has not obtained a discharge;
• Has been convicted of an offence punishable by imprisonment;
• Is a permanently appointed teacher or staff member at the school in question;
• Is not a New Zealand citizen and does not have approval to reside in New Zealand for more than 12 months;
• Has been disqualified by the Secretary for Education when the person is involved in contracts with the Board valued at more than $25,000 a year; or
• Is a mentally disordered person.