Every state school in New Zealand has a Board of Trustees (BoT). School board membership includes elected parent representatives, an elected staff representative and the principal.
There are six parent representatives on the Otari School Board of Trustees. All members and their roles are as follows:
Chairperson: Natasha Kuka
Original Strand Liaison: Catherine Wilson, Claire Peacock
Måori Immersion Strand Liaison: Natasha Kuka, Anischka Walmsley
Montessori Strand Liaison: Antony Dixon, Chris Tipuna
Staff Rep: Britta Martini
Principal: Clifford Wicks
Accounts Service Provider
The BOT employ an Accounts Service Provider who works closely with the Principal and the finance committee. She prepares the budget, monitors it and provides reports every month for the finance committee and the wider board. The accounts service provider is Alison Dyer.
The Role of the Board
The Board is accountable for student progress and achievement to its parents and community. The Board has overall responsibility for the school including curriculum, property, personnel, finance and health and safety.
The Board also:
- sets the strategic direction for the school
- monitors student progress
- ensures that the educational needs of Maori and Pasifika learners and learners with special education needs are identified, planned for and met
- fulfils the intent of the Treaty of Waitangi by valuing and reflecting New Zealand's dual cultural heritage, and
- appoints and supports the principal and assesses their performance.
Te Kura o Otari can have between 4 and 6 members on the Board. While the primary governing role of each Board member is to represent the best interests of the entire school, representation is encouraged from all strands to ensure the most effective BoT liaison possible.
BoT elections are held every 3 years. Please consider standing for the Board at election time. Boards need a balance of skills and experiences. Parents, caregivers and people from the wider community can be nominated for election. The school staff and parents elect the Board.