Schools across Central Otago are inviting parents to step up as representatives on their governance boards and play a direct role in shaping the future of the district’s young people.

Elections for what many people know as school boards of trustees - but are now officially called school boards - are set to kick off, alongside a national campaign aimed at convincing a diverse range of people to put themselves forward for election.

At Cromwell’s Goldfields Primary, board presiding member Bridget Sangster has announced she will not be seeking re-election.

Reflecting on her eight years of service, Bridget said the role had been “incredibly rewarding”, with one of the biggest changes during her tenure the school’s growing diversity.

She said it was important the board reflected that changing community and welcomed new voices.

“While finance and building expertise are always valuable, it’s a mix of experiences, backgrounds, and skills that make up a strong team.

“If you are thinking of standing, you don’t need to be an expert in education - just someone who is a team player, open to learning, and keen to be a future thinker to support our growing school, staff, and students to be even more outstanding.”

Timea Welsh, the presiding member of the board at Roxburgh Area School, said having no prior experience shouldn’t be a barrier to joining a school board.

“What really matters is a willingness to listen, learn, and work collaboratively to create a thriving environment for tamariki,” she said.

“Individuals bring their own specific skills and knowledge that complement, enhance, and strengthen the board, but I really feel a willingness to be part of a team working towards collective goals is essential.”

Timea also highlighted a common misunderstanding about the board’s role: “Parents should know, the general day-to-day school business is the role of the school manager, the principal, not the board.”

She encouraged people to get involved, emphasising the broader community impact of serving on a board.

“When you step up, you’re not just supporting the school - you’re investing in the heart of your community.”

Jayden Cromb, the presiding member of the board at The Terrace School in Alexandra, said having some knowledge of governance, the education system, finance, and your school community can be helpful for parent representatives, but it is not essential.

“The principal is there to support you through the process. So if you have an interest or passion to play an important role in your child's education, go for it.”

Even if someone thinks they might not have much to contribute, every parent brings valuable perspectives and experiences that enrich school board discussions, he said.

“School boards have a high level of independence, and with that comes a high level of responsibility to the students, staff, and community.

“We need a diverse group of parents around the table with different views, knowledge, and experiences to help support the school.

“Sometimes you will read a report and a random experience or thought will pop into your head. Most of the time, that random moment can help solve a challenge or make a decision better. So if you're thinking about running, just do it.”

One of the biggest misconceptions, he said, is that school board members can personally step in and fix problems as they arise.

“There are legal requirements and internal systems that changes need to go through before they can be implemented.”

Three out of six parents on the current board are stepping down this year, along with the staff representative, he said.

Last week, Te Whakarōpūtanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa - the New Zealand School Boards Association (NZSBA) - launched its national campaign, ‘Get on Board 2025,’ aimed at encouraging prospective board members to step forward.

NZSBA president Meredith Kennett said school boards play a critical role in New Zealand’s education system.

“They make decisions that affect students, teachers, and whānau across the country.”

She said she wants all New Zealanders to feel empowered to take part.

The triennial elections are scheduled for September, and nominations for most schools are now open.

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