School Elections
One of the highlights of my job as Otaki MP is visiting our local schools and colleges. I really enjoy seeing the diversity, aspiration and achievement among our students.
A few weeks ago I spoke at the opening Kapiti College’s impressive new gym, and I’m looking forward to the opening of Poroutawhao School’s new multi-purpose building soon.
Just like businesses, schools need good governance. Elections will soon be held for Board of Trustees with school communities selecting a group of people to govern their school.
Nominations are now underway, closing within the next month, and voting will be held a few weeks after that. You can find more information at http://www.trustee-election.co.nz.
I’m urging parents to think seriously about putting themselves forward for election onto the board. It’s a three year term in which you can learn more about your school and community while making a real contribution.
If you are not prepared to stand for your local school board, then please remember to vote - your children deserve to have a board that makes the school function and perform to the highest level.
If you are considering standing for the Board of Trustees, the roll out of National Standards will be a big focus this year.
Most parents I’ve spoken to support plain English reporting on their children’s achievements and how they compare against National Standards.
Across the country we still have 20% of students leaving school without basic reading and writing skills, which is a shocking figure. New Zealand can’t succeed in the modern economy with so many young people falling through the cracks.
The scaremongering from the Labour Party and their union mates should be taken with a pinch of salt because they couldn’t address this tail of underachievement when in office. The National Government is not prepared to sit on our hands and do nothing.
This year we’re investing $26 million to train and support teachers, and $36 million over three years to assist pupils identified needing extra help.
Communities often come together around the local school. Getting involved in your local school through the Board of Trustees process is one way of providing fresh ideas and leadership that will benefit our future generations.