What a school board does
A board is responsible for the governance of the school. The board:
- sets the strategic direction and targets for the school or kura
- develops policies and procedures
- consults with the community to make decisions
- oversees curriculum, finance, property, and health and safety
- employs staff at the school or kura.
The board must comply with the Education and Training Act 2020 (the Act) and all other legislative requirements.
The Act sets out 4 key objectives for boards. These cover:
- educational achievement
- student safety
- being inclusive of, and catering for, students with differing needs
- giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
The principal oversees the day-to-day management of the school and follows the direction of the board to make sure the school’s goals are met.
Objectives of boards in governing schools: Education and Training Act 2020 – New Zealand Legislation
Who can be on a school board
Boards typically have between 3 and 7 parent representatives, who are elected by parents of students at the school. This number depends on the size and structure of the school or kura. Boards also include:
- the principal or tumuaki
- a staff representative
- a student representative for schools with students Year 9 and above.
Boards of state-integrated schools, kura kaupapa Māori and designated character schools can have different memberships. For example, state-integrated schools usually have 4 members appointed by the proprietor of the school.
Boards may co-opt additional people onto the board for gender, skill or ethnic balance, and the Minister of Education can appoint an additional board member.
Co-opting board members – Te Whakarōputanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa
Constitution of boards of state schools: Education and Training Act 2020 – New Zealand Legislation
Changing the structure of the board
The Education and Training Act 2020 allows for flexibility in how schools structure their board. This is to make sure boards have the right mix of skills for good governance and reflect diversity within their community.
Change the structure of a school board
Support for boards
We contract Te Whakarōputanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa to support boards with their roles and responsibilities.
