KEY POINTS:
The school boards of trustees system needs to be strengthened but should be retained, an educational researcher says.
School Governance in New Zealand: How is it Working? was released today, 10 days out from the close of voting in the three-yearly board of trustees elections.
Author Dr Cathy Wylie said her survey of secondary schools was conducted in 2006 and found there were problems in 10-15 per cent of schools.
"Most trustees and principals agree their board lacks some expertise, with strategic planning and legal skills the biggest gap," she said.
"But there's no evidence the system is about to fall over, or than any problems are so widespread, intransigent or costly to student learning that a new form of school governance should be considered."
The survey should most boards were stable and most trustees positive about their role. Three-quarters had a very good working relationship with their school, while 18 per cent had a good relationship.
However, it was time to be realistic about how much volunteer trustees were expected to do, Dr Wylie said.
The system needed to be strengthened through such things as increased funding for administrative staff and measures to helps schools understand legal, regulatory and policy issues. As well, help was needed with appointing principals.
- NZPA
