Dear Parent/Carer
Local Governing Board Parent Governor Election
Nomination deadline – Tuesday 3rd October, 2017, at 4:00 p.m.
A vacancy has arisen for one parent governor to serve on the Local Governing Board.
Becoming a governor is a very rewarding and worthwhile experience. Ideally, effective governors will have educational expertise or business skills and although this would be preferable, it is not essential. What is important is the need to be committed to their school, willing to ask questions and offer appropriate challenge and support.
Governors need to be able to work as an enthusiastic member of the local governing board team with the aim of raising and maintaining high educational standards for all children. Governors are asked to act with integrity, honesty and objectivity and act at all times in the best interests of the school.
The prime focus of the governing board is to develop the strategic direction of the school, be accountable to stakeholders and to ensure that financial resources are spent appropriately.
Governors also have a number of opportunities to access training or development to develop and enhance their knowledge and skills. It is important to note that governors are elected or appointed to bring the experience of that individual as a member of the local governing board. Once elected, parent governors are a representative parent but not a delegate. This means they are not expected to report back to parents on any matters relating to the school or governing board without prior consent from the governing board.
The local governing board welcomes nominations from individuals having experience of or with the skills in the following areas and although desirable, is not essential:
- governance
- data analysis
- finance management
- human resource management
- local community knowledge
- community services
- premises & buildings management
- commercial
- special needs awareness
- health and safety
- leadership and management
- marketing and PR
Further information about the commitment and role of a governor can be gained by visiting the LA Governor Services website at www.governorexchange.boltonlea.org.uk
An overview of the duties of a governor which highlights the role and responsibilities of being a school governor can be found here along with the application form.
On behalf of the local governing board I invite you to consider standing in the election to become a parent governor. Before completing the nomination form, please remember that:
(a) a person nominated must be a parent/carer of a pupil registered at the school;
(b) a person nominated must sign the form to show that he/she is willing to be a governor;
(c) a parent/carer cannot stand for election if they work at the school for more than 500 hours in a twelve month period or if they are an elected member of the local authority;
(d) a person nominated should complete the enclosed declaration of eligibility form and sign to say that they are not disqualified from being a governor;
(e) every eligible parent is entitled to vote in a ballot process;
(f) the term of office for a parent governor shall be 4 Years;
(g) all nominations must be returned to the school by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday 3rd October, 2017, for the attention of Mrs. D. Makinson, at d.makinson@sharplesschool.co.uk. or alternatively may be handed to the school receptionist.
Following receipt of all nominations by the stated closing date and time, if there are the same numbers of nominations as positions available, those parents will be duly elected. If however there are more nominations than positions available, a secret ballot will be held. Therefore all nominees are requested to provide a personal statement, of up to 200 words, about themselves to assist with the voting process. This will help other parents to make an informed choice if the voting process needs to go ahead.
All newly elected and re-elected governors must complete a declaration of eligibility form to certify that they are not disqualified from being a governor. To ensure from the outset that candidates are eligible, the person nominated is asked to read and sign a pre-appointment declaration of eligibility form.
If you are considering standing in the election and would like some further information (on the work involved in being a governor, for example) please do not hesitate to contact the Mrs. D. Makinson at d.makinson@sharplesschool.co.uk. or access the local authority governor website at www.governorexchange.boltonlea.org.uk.
Yours sincerely
MISS A. WEBSTER
ACTING HEADTEACHER
