Board of Trustees

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 Who are the Board of Trustees?
From left to right: Mike Pile (Parent representative), Rachael Spencer (Parent representative), Paula Hawkins (Parent representative), Juliana Rae (Principal), Sarah Long (Chairperson), Brenda Martin (Deputy Chairperson), Linda Baran (Staff representative).

Sarah Long (Board Chairperson)
My association with the school began when our daughter began school in Whakarewa in 2015. I was elected to the Board in 2016 and elected Chair at the start of 2018. My background is in Secondary education and my particular areas of interest are student achievement and staff recruitment. I am proud to be on a Board that is high functioning with a clear sense of governance and which values people as our most important resource and priority.

​Mike Pile (Parent representative)
I have been part of the Clarkville school community since 2009 when our eldest started his schooling career. I was Co-opted onto the board of trustees in 2015 as part of the boards succession planning to the future and ensure the board had some continuity moving forward as long serving board members completed their terms.
In my time on the board I have been able to utilize my Project Management skills and building knowledge in the constant projects that crop up with the buildings and infrastructure of the school. I am involved in the regular Health and Safety Meetings, Working Bees and any Infastructual issues/emergencies that can arise with the day to day running of the school.
Brenda Martin (Deputy Chairperson)
Our family began our Clarkville journey in 2010.  We have two boys  Thomas in Matawara and  Daniel in Hōpara - they love the collaborative style we host and the strong student voice they are allowed. Prior to being elected to the Board in 2016 I was Chairperson of the PTA, I began with the PTA in 2010 and it was the best way to get involved with our Clarkville community, and assisting with making our school a better place for our tamariki via fundraising. My particular interest is around building relationships and community and being involved in all aspects of our fabulous School.  It is such a pleasure to sit at the table of our board with our strong tamariki and whānau focus.

Rachael Spencer (Parent representative)
My name is Rachael Spencer. I joined the Board as a co-opted member in term 2, 2018. My husband and I have three daughters; Rosa and Kate are in Tūhura and Whakarewa respectively and Hazel will start in 2020. As a family we love most outdoor pursuits. I am an Occupational Therapist working part time for a community provider. In my current role I primarily write rehabilitation and treatment plans for people with an intellectual disability who have been court directed into our service. I have worked in various health sectors but mostly in the area of mental health. My particular interest is in health and well being. I would like to see the research in positive psychology used in our school to promote healthy and resilient children.

Paula Hawkins (Parent representative)
I have been a part of Clarkville School since 2016 and joined the Board of Trustees in July 2019.  My husband and I have two girls, one in Whakarewa and one in Tūhura. I am a  trained  Early Childhood Teacher and have a passion for education.  I am excited to be on the Board of such an amazing school and the community it represents with it's high levels of commitment to the children and their families.

Linda Baran (Staff representative)
I began Clarkville School mid-year in 2014 as an Associate Principal following a number of years at Selwyn House School. I specifically targeted Clarkville School because I knew the environment and commitment to future-focused pedagogies would be a great fit. I've enjoyed teaching across the school, with a particular focus in the senior teams, and meeting the Clarkville families. My time in the leadership team and as Staff Board rep has given me an appreciation of the complexities and rewards involved in running all facets of the school.
What is the role of the Board of Trustees?

All of New Zealand's state and state-integrated schools have a board of trustees. The board of trustees is the Crown entity responsible for the governance and the control of the management of the school.   

The board is the employer of all staff in the school, is responsible for setting the school's strategic direction in consultation with parents, staff and students, and ensuring that its school provides a safe environment and quality education for all its students. Boards are also responsible for overseeing the management of personnel, curriculum, property, finance and administration. 

  • Set and, as needed, modify the vision, mission and values
  • Protect the special character/values of the school 
  • Ensure a sensible and feasible Strategic Plan
  • Approve and monitor the Annual Plan
  • Develop and review the general policy direction
  • Monitor and evaluate student learning outcomes
  • Appoint, assess the performance of and support the Principal
  • Act as good employers
  • Provide financial stewardship
  • Oversee, conserve and enhance the resource base
  • Approve major policies and programme initiatives
  • Manage risk
  • Commit to a programme of professional development that includes new trustee induction
  • Build a broad base of community support.
  • Exercise governance in a way that fulfils the intent of the Treaty of Waitangi by valuing and reflecting New  Zealand’s dual cultural heritage. 
The Clarkville School BOT are passionate about the school's vision, and support the principal to affect meaningful evidence-based change.