Considering standing for the Bellevue Board?
Nominations are accepted from Friday 11 July - 12 noon Wednesday 30 July - the first two and a half weeks of next term.
Here are some of the frequently asked questions:
What Does a School Board Do?
School Boards are not involved in day‑to‑day running of the school. Instead, their role is strategic governance. Our School Board typically meets 2 times per term (meetings last 2-3 hours). Board responsibilities include:
1. Setting strategic direction and vision - working with the school community to develop a strategic plan that guides learning priorities and targets.
2. Overseeing curriculum, finance, property & health & safety - approving policies, managing budgets, and ensuring our school is safe, legally compliant, and well maintained.
3. Employing staff - the Board is the school's employer and is responsible for hiring the principal and other staff.
4. Ensuring student achievement, safety, inclusion & honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi - under the Education and Training Act 2020, Boards must focus on student attendance, safe learning environments, catering for all abilities, and reflect Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Who Can Be on the Board?
The School Board is made up of a range of people. Parents or caregivers of a currently enrolled student can stand - as long as you meet the criteria for Board members. Each member brings valuable perspective, whether you’re a parent, caregiver or involved in the wider community.
Why Stand for Election?
Kia ora, I’m Jeff Silverwood, and I was lucky enough to join the fantastic Bellevue board team a little over a year ago. I have two boys at Bellevue and hold the board position of Property Advisor.
Firstly, it is a privilege to be able to support Annette and Bellevue’s amazing, dedicated team. Secondly, I find genuine satisfaction in good and fair project outcomes and bring this value to Bellevue’s property management interactions. Assessing options and centering negotiations with contractors, designers and The Ministry are scenarios where we can optimise outcomes for the school. This always feels like making a meaningful difference!
My professional role is the Asset Manager at Wellington’s port, CentrePort. Before working at the port, I spent many years project managing construction activity and in infrastructure asset management.
I have loved my time on the board so far. Beginning to understand the challenges of running a school and supporting projects to improve teaching environments, accessibility, and enhance outdoor spaces have all been very rewarding. The most important thing about Bellevue though is the people. The teachers, support staff, and the students. The more I understand about the workings of the school and the challenges the teaching team face in delivering the best education outcomes they can, the more I want to help. It truly draws a person in, and I strongly encourage anyone who has even a little curiosity to reach out for a chat.
Please feel free to contact me at property@bellevue-newlands.school.nz
Serving on the Board:
Gives you a voice in shaping the learning environment for our children.
Strengthens school–home relationships and ensures voices from all households are heard.
Helps build future-ready students by ensuring strong governance, sound budgeting, and effective leadership.
What Support Is Available?
School Board members don’t need a background in education, law or finance - all you need is a willingness to learn and a care for our kids and our school. Te Whakarōputanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa / NZ School Boards Association offers:
Keen to find out more?
Being on the School Board is an incredibly rewarding way to contribute to your child’s learning journey, support our dedicated staff, and ensure our school thrives for everyone. Please think about standing for election this September. Your voice matters - together, we can help ‘Ignite Learning and Empower Learners’. We warmly invite you to consider standing for election—your perspective, energy, and skills can make a true difference for our tamariki and school community.
Talk to current Board members or the Principal—they’d love to tell you more.
