3rd September 2024
Election of Parent Governor(s) for 2024-2028
Dear Parent(s)/Carer(s),
You are invited to participate in the election of parent governor(s) to the Board of Governors of Portstewart Primary School and Nursery Unit. A ballot will be held, if required, to elect the parent governor(s). There are up to two parent governors to be elected for the term of office from 2024 to 2028.
The Board of Governors is the body responsible for various aspects of the management of the school. The role of a Governor is voluntary, and it does involve a time commitment to regularly attend meetings and training most of which will be in the evening time.
To help you participate in this process you may find it helpful to refer to the School Governance tab on the EA website which provides information on the roles and responsibilities of school governors. A further useful source of information is the booklet, ‘Becoming a School Governor’ which can also be accessed via the EA website at www.eani.org.uk/school-governance/apply-to-become-a-school-governor
Each person who holds parental responsibility of a pupil will be eligible to vote. The Department of Education provides very robust rules on how the election of governors should take place.
The following points should be noted:
- Each person who holds parental responsibility of a pupil registered at the school are entitled to vote in the election;
- Each person who holds parental responsibility of a pupil is entitled to one vote only in respect of each parent governor vacancy;
- The Board of Governors has appointed Mrs K Taylor to act as clerk of the election and chair of any meetings held during this process. A report of the proceedings will be forwarded to the appropriate EA office;
- Should you wish to self-nominate or to nominate a person(s) to stand for election as parent governor(s), please use the Candidate Nomination Form and Personal Statement that is available to collect from the school office or download from the school website. Please return the completed nomination forms and personal statements to Mrs K Taylor not later than 9amonFriday 13th September 2024.
- Please ensure you have the agreement of the candidate that they wish to stand for election (along with their Personal Statement) and a seconder for the nomination.
Candidate Nomination Form and Personal Statement Forms can be downloaded from our school website or by collecting a copy from the school office.
Please note, in accordance with the Scheme for the Management of Controlled Schools: a person, other than the principal or a teacher elected in accordance with the relevant provisions of Schedule 4 to the 1986 Order, who is employed for gain solely in the school for the purposes of the school or, for the purposes of non-school activities shall not be a member of the Board of Governors of the school.
The election will be carried out by way of a ballot conducted using an online form* to conduct an electronic ballot of all registered parents with information to be circulated on Monday 16th September2024 and to be completed by noon on Friday 20th September 2024.
* Alternative provision can be made for you to cast your vote if you are unable or unwilling to take part using digital means. Please contact the school office if you wish to avail of an alternative method of voting.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs K Taylor,
Clerk of the Election of Portstewart Primary School and Nursery Unit
