BOT Elections 2025

Being a parent representative is a bit like being a parent. None of us know what we're doing at first. So don't let that put you off. There are people like the school leadership and other board members who have done it before who will help you get your bearings. I'm very happy to have a chat if it's something you're thinking about.

 Being on a School Board is really important. You work with Viki as the Principal and others senior leaders at the school towards making the school the best it can be for all students. Your insights as a parent are important.

It's really important to have a Board that is diverse. I ran for the Board after reading an article about how there was not enough Maori and Pasifika representation on School Boards. Unfortunately there are still gaps in the student achievement statistics and you will know addressing this is a priority for the OPS Board. I believe having Maori and Pasifika representation on the Board is vital as part of that focus and so the Board is reflective of OPS’s commitment to Te Tiriti and of our school community

The BOT role is governance of the School.  Its role is not to tell Viki or the OPS staff how to teach but does help with:

1. Supporting the staff and approving hiring decisions;

2. Setting strategy for the school;

3. Reviewing student achievement and progress data and helping make high level strategic decisions.

This is  a chance to contribute to the success of your kid’s school and work as part of a high functioning team.  .

In terms of the time commitment, I have found that there is about 60-90 minutes of materials to read before each meeting and the meetings (which are roughly twice a term) usually take between 1-2 hours.

Please get involved!

The timetable for the election is:

Main Roll closed:    Wednesday 16 July

Call for Nominations:  No later than 18 July. 

Supplementary Roll closes: Monday 4 August

Nominations close: Wednesday 6 August  (at 12pm)

If there are more nominations than vacancies, then parents and caregivers will receive an invitation to vote either electronically or by post. 

Voting Papers Issued: by Wednesday, 13th August 2025

Election Day: Wed 10 September

Close Poll 4pm on election day

Accept Postal Votes until Monday, 15th September 2025

Count Votes: Tuesday, 16th September 2025

Board Takes Office: Wednesday, 17th September 2025 Wk 10 Term 3 - first BOT Meeting 17/9/25 at 5.30pm

Nominations can be made online through an email link provided in the Call for Nominations.  

However, a hard copy nomination form can also be obtained from the school office.

If you wish to stand for the board, it is recommended that you provide a candidate statement and photograph.

The electoral roll will be held at the school and can be viewed during normal school hours.

All of New Zealand's state and state-integrated schools have a school board which is the Crown entity responsible for the governance of the school.

The board:

• ensures every student can reach their highest possible standard in student achievement

• is the employer of all staff in the school

• sets the school's strategic direction in consultation with parents, whānau, staff, students and the wider school community

• is responsible for overseeing the management of personnel, curriculum, property, finance and administration

Board membership

There are three types of representative members who are elected onto the board. These "representative" board members are elected by the parent community, staff members and, in the case of schools with students above Year 9, the students.

There are also other types of board members, including the principal, co-opted and appointed board members.

A standard school board's membership includes:

• parent elected (or selected) representatives (usually five)

• the principal of the school

• one staff-elected representative

• one student-elected representative (in schools with students above Year 9)

• state integrated schools: four board members appointed by the proprietor

The board can co-opt additional people onto the board for gender, skill or ethnic balance, and the Minister of Education can appoint an additional 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."

For more information read the Whānau guide to the role of school boards and check out our information for parents on the NZSTA website.

- Lorraine Kerr, NZSTA President https://www.schoolboardelections.org.nz/becoming-a-board-member/