Hands up for school trustees

Parents of Waiheke High School students are being urged to put their hands up to be on its Trustee Board.

The call comes from board chairman Dr Barnett Bond who is encouraging parents focussed on quality education to stand for election.

Nominations will be accepted from next Monday, March 15 until April 23.

Dr Bond has been chairman for the last six years but has made the decision not to stand again in order to allow more time for other interests.

He says the board makes vitally important decisions - the most important of which is appointing a new headmaster when a principal leaves.

“The appointment of Neil Watson proves the point. The position for principal was contested by three candidates and Neil was the successful one.

“The performance of the school has improved dramatically under his tenure. Waiheke High School now outperforms a large number of Auckland schools.”

Mr Bond says the school has a focussed learning environment where parents can feel their child is breathing the cleanest air in Auckland, getting one of the best educations in the region, and suffering no “lost time” from family and sport by commuting.

“It is vital we do not lose the gains we have made. The people who can ensure this are the parent representatives on the Board of Trustees.

“Poor governance decisions could undo the good work that has been done.”

He is now urging “strong, focussed parents” to stand for the board, which will be elected on May 7.

See website www.trustee-election.co.nz to download election forms or call Waiheke High School, on 372 8938, for more information.

- Waiheke Marketplace