Board of Trustees

Upcoming School Board Elections – Timeline and Important Information

June 12, 2025

We're gearing up for the upcoming School Board elections at Palmerston North Adventist Christian School, and we warmly invite members of our school community to consider stepping forward for this vital governance role. We've had several people reach out for more information about serving as a Board member, so please see the details below. Don't hesitate to contact Karla Mitchell, Principal, at principal@pnacs.school.nz if you have any further questions.

Board Meetings

Our next Board Meeting will be held on Thursday, July 31st in the school library from 7pm - 8.30pm. Potential nominees are welcome and encouraged to attend.

What Does a Board Member Do?

At Palmerston North Adventist Christian School, our Board of Trustees plays a crucial role in ensuring our school continues to thrive. The Board is responsible for the governance of the school. This includes setting the school's strategic direction, ensuring sound financial management, supporting the Principal, and overseeing policy and compliance. Board members work collectively to uphold our Special Adventist Christian Character and ensure that every student has access to a rich and well-rounded education.

Time Commitment

Board members attend regular Board meetings (usually 8 per year) and are also expected to participate in subcommittees or working groups as needed. On average, members should anticipate a commitment of around 4-8 hours per month, depending on current priorities. Preparation for meetings (reading papers, staying informed) is also an important part of the role. Attendance at school events is also encouraged.

Makeup of the Board

The Palmerston North Adventist Christian School Board of Trustees is made up of:

Parent representatives (4 parent representatives are elected by the community)
Proprietor’s representatives (3 are appointed by the Proprietor to maintain the Adventist Christian Character)
Staff representative (1 staff representative elected by the school's staff)
Principal

How to Apply

To become a candidate, you must complete a nomination form. You will receive an email in the coming weeks which will include a link to complete the online nomination form. This is the best way to apply, but paper nomination forms will be available from the school office after July 18, 2025.

You don't need specific experience in education – just a willingness to contribute, learn, and work collaboratively for the good of the school.

We are especially keen to receive nominations from individuals with experience in finance, policy development, strategic planning, property, governance, risk management, and health and safety. We strongly encourage nominations from individuals who reflect the cultural diversity of our school community.

Election Process

The election follows a formal process managed by an independent Returning Officer. Key dates for this are as follows:

Call for nominations – Friday, July 18, 2025
Submission of nomination forms – closes at 12 pm, Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Voting period (if required) – from Wednesday, August 13 to 4:00 pm Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Announcement of elected Board members – Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Being a BOT member is a rewarding way to contribute to the life of the school and help shape the future of our students. If you’re passionate about education, leadership, and community service, we encourage you to consider this opportunity.

Potential nominees are welcome and encouraged to attend an upcoming Board meeting. These are held in the in the school library from 7pm - 8.30pm. Our upcoming meeting is Thursday, July 31st

If you would like to attend a meeting, have any questions, or would like to speak to a current board member about the role, please don't hesitate to contact Karla Mitchell (principal@pnacs.school.nz).