The opportunity to shape the future for her children motivated Emma Symons to stand for her local board of trustees.
Every state and state-integrated school in New Zealand has a board with powers that can approve budgets or even expel students.
A number of parents sit on the board and they have to be elected.
School boards of trustees elections are being held in September, and the Rangiora Borough School presiding member is encouraging people to put their names forward.
“Just give it go, even if you think you know nothing about governance and schools, you will learn and be supported,” Symons said.
“It is important for schools to have a diverse group of individuals who can put the needs of our children at the forefront.”
Symons said she chose to stand for the board while serving on the school’s Parent Teacher Association.
She wanted to learn more about how the school makes decisions and how she could help shape the future for her children.
After being elected in 2019, she became the presiding member three years ago.
Boards of trustees provide governance for the school, making strategic decisions and overseeing the strategic direction of the school.
“We help define the school’s mission, values and long term goals.”
Boards set and monitor school budgets and ensure a school operates within legal and ethical standards, she said.
During her six years on the board, Symons said the biggest decision was employing a new principal, after the school’s long serving principal died unexpectedly.
School property decisions are made by the board, and coming up on the agenda is planning for the revamp the school office and staffroom block.
Symons said the most rewarding part of being a board member is the opportunity to learn alongside other board members at local and national level at conferences and workshops.
Just like the teaching staff, professional development is an important part of the role, she said.
The board of trustees is also involved in disciplinary matters.
“These are generally quite tough to sit through,” she said. “It is an emotional and stressful time for any family to go through, and we as a board need to stick to the facts and act accordingly.”
Symons encouraged anyone who was interested in standing to get in touch with their local school.
Open evenings are being planned at Rangiora Borough School in the leading up to board elections and it will be a chance for people to meet the present board.
Local Democracy Reporting is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
