Simple Version

The Board of Trustees is accountable for student achievement.

It sets the vision for the school or kura.

It ensures the school or kura complies with legal and policy requirements.

Detailed Version

First and foremost a Board is accountable for student progress and achievement to its parents, community and the Crown. The Board has the overall responsibility and accountability for the school or kura. The legal responsibilities of Boards are determined by the Education and Training Act of 2020.

1) A school’s Board must perform its functions and exercise its powers in such a way as to ensure that every student at the school is able to attain his or her highest possible standard in educational achievement. 2) Except to the extent that any enactment or the general law of New Zealand provides otherwise, a school’s board has complete discretion to control the management of the school as it thinks fit.

Here are some of the specific things Boards do:

Set the strategic direction and long-term plans for the school or kura in consultation with the school or kura’s community.

Monitor the Board’s progress against the charter goals and targets.

Monitor and evaluate student progress and achievement.

Oversee the management of staff, property, finances, curriculum and administration

Ensure that government priorities are met.

Fulfil the intent of the Treaty of Waitangi by valuing and reflecting New Zealand’s dual cultural heritage.

Appoint and support the principal and assess their performance.

Act as good employers to all staff at the school or kura.