Becoming a board member
Why join a school board?
School board members are active leaders in our schools. They have an important role of supporting strong professional leadership and ensuring effective teaching for all students through informed governance.
Parents/caregivers and people in the wider community can be parent representatives. School boards need to represent the diversity of their school communities to ensure a bright future for all our children.
The school board elections are the opportunity to vote for candidates who will make a positive difference for children’s education. We need more people willing to use their skills and experiences for the benefit of students!
"Board members are entrusted by the community to ensure the success of our schools and a bright future for our children. We need an education system where all children are expected to succeed and one where we all take shared responsibility in ensuring this happens. As a member of a school board you can make things happen - you can make a difference."
- Lorraine Kerr, NZSTA President
What does it mean to be on a school board?
Our Community member guide to the role of school boards provides information on what school boards are, the role of members, and how to become a board member. You can also check out our information for parents on the NZSTA website.
Our communities need great boards to help build great schools
School trustees (now known as school board members) share their experience on what it's like to be on the board.
What sort of skills do board members need?
Every board member brings their own unique set of skills and experiences to the board.
As a member of your school's board, you will need to work well in a team and have good communication skills. It can help to have an understanding of the education sector. You may have financial skills and experience in managing people, knowledge and understanding of particular communities within your school, or experience working within your school and wider communities.
Every school board member is well-supported by NZSTA’s range of learning and development opportunities, our Advisory and Support Centre and our regionally based team of advisors.
Read more about NZSTA here
How do I become a board member?
Contact your local school for information on who is on the school board. Ask the presiding member about going along to a board meeting to see how it works. Take the opportunity to ask the board members questions about their role and the board’s work.
Contact your school for a nomination form.
Want to know more?
Whether you’re interested in becoming a board member or you just want to know more about what school boards do, then why not come along to our online Kōrari Question and Answers session?
In this triennial election, NZSTA is hosting an online Kōrari Question and Answers session. This will provide an opportunity for people to ask questions directly from our regional advisors.
This is a free event open to anyone in the community with interest in the work of school boards. Register online here.
You can also check out our information for parents on the NZSTA website.