What is a school board?
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.
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.
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