Become a board member

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

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:

• 5 parent elected (or selected) representatives (Board can change to any number between 3 & 7)
• the principal of the school
• one staff-elected representative
• one student-elected representative (in schools with students above Year 9)
• in 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.

School boards must hold elections for parent and staff representatives every three years (i.e. at each triennial election).

Elections for student representative board members must be held annually in September in schools with students in years 9 and above.

A board may also decide to adopt a staggered (mid-term) election cycle where half the parent representatives are elected at a mid-term election (18 months after the triennial election), and the remainder is elected at the triennial election. 

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, NZSBA President

Our communities need great boards to help build great schools! 

The board has overall responsibility and accountability for the school/kura. School board’s legal responsibilities are determined by the Education and Training Act 2020. The Act sets out boards’ four primary objectives. These are ensuring student achievement for all of its students, including for those of differing needs, making sure the school is a safe place for all, and giving effect to the Treaty of Waitangi.

As part of its focus on these four objectives, boards’ responsibilities include: 
• Setting the strategic direction for the school
• Protecting the school’s values
• Monitoring and evaluating student learning outcomes
• Approving policies
• Financial stewardship
• Building community engagement and support

It’s important to note that the board does NOT get involved in the day-to-day running of the school.

Our Community member guide to the role of school boards (467 KB, Pdf)open_in_newopen_in_newopen_in_new 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 our websiteopen_in_newopen_in_new.

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 NZSBA’s range of learning and development opportunities, our Advisory and Support Centre and our regionally based team of advisors.

For data on school boards, including elections results, go to Education Countsopen_in_newopen_in_new.

Before anyone becomes a school board member they must confirm they are eligible to be a board member. You can view the main reasons someone cannot be on a board here (90 KB, Pdf).

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, NZSBA 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.open_in_newopen_in_new

You can also check out our information for parents on the NZSBA websiteopen_in_newopen_in_new.