Governing bodies which are ineffective, or in some cases a hindrance as a result of infighting among members, or because of personal agendas, have seen their schools deteriorate in a spiral of despair and demoralisation. Commitment and involvement are not bought - they are the product of a genuine concern for the youth of our country, and a striving for a better life for all. Functioning schools are communities in their own right. For schools to make this happen, we need committed, responsible and accountable parents, who support the school governing body which they themselves have elected to govern their schools. For those of you who have not yet had the privilege of serving your school, community and nation, I urge you to stand for election as a member.
Skills are important, but skills without commitment are useless.
And commitment can overcome a temporary lack of skills, since the required skills will be developed through participation. If you have already been serving as a member of a governing body, I appeal to you to make yourselves available for a further term of office. The continuity and experience will be vital in ensuring that we build upon what has already been achieved. But I cannot ensure that they all open on time, that they are run well, that teachers are present and that pupils receive the tuition they are entitled to. Protect, nurture and develop them by taking up a place in a governing body.