1. The Art & Craft of Chairpersonship Presenter: Tricia Chapman
NZSTA
AIS Conference 2017
The Art & Craft of Chairpersonship
Presenter: Tricia Chapman
Intro
NZSTA Programme 2015

2. THE PRODUCER
NZSTA Programme 2015

3. What is the purpose of the board?
Education Act 1989 Schedule 6, Part 2
4 (2) A board is responsible for the governance of the school, including setting the policies by which the school is to be controlled and managed.
5 (1) A board’s primary objective in governing the school is to ensure that every student at the school is able to attain his or her highest possible standard in educational achievement.
NZSTA Programme 2015

4. What is the purpose of the chairperson?
Ensuring the board achieves its purpose through managing…….

5. Workload
Relationships
Meetings
NZSTA Programme 2015

6. Consider
What key skills and attributes do you see as valuable in a board chair that will enable them to effectively manage the
workload,
meetings and
relationships of the board?
NZSTA Programme 2015

7. Key skills and attributes
Content/context knowledge: the roles and responsibilities of the board, the school and community
Interpersonal skills: including ability to listen and empathise
Communication skills: written, oral, strategic
NZSTA Programme 2015

8. Election of chair
What process does your board follow when it elects the person who will chair the board?
NZSTA Programme 2015

9. Before electing a chair it helps to:
Plan for succession well in advance
Clarify and discuss the expectations of the chair with reference to
- board policy
- person specification
NZSTA Programme 2015

10. Meetings: What are the board’s expectations of the chair?
1. Setting the agenda
2. Keeping to time
3. Ensuring everyone acts appropriately
4. Ensuring meeting process and procedures are followed
5. Determining information being put before the board?
NZSTA Programme 2015

11. Developing a culture of continuous improvement
What could improve our meeting process?
What could improve my effectiveness as a:
- board member?
- board chair?

12. Governance Framework
Policies, protocols and procedures that are:
- discussed and understood
- implemented and reviewed

13. Tools for managing the work of the board
Good understanding of governance
A sound policy and planning framework
Relevant, timely information
Keeping a focus on monitoring progress especially in regard to student achievement

14. A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way
John C. Maxwell