Time is running out to vote for the top candidates to stand in the School Trustee Triennial Elections as voting closes tomorrow.

Nominations have been chosen for each school and people are now voting for the top candidates to stand for the school board for the next three years.

Voting for School Trustee Triennial Elections closes in three days.

This is the ninth triennial election since self-managing schools were introduced in 1989. The elections are New Zealand's biggest single democratic event.

Mount Maunganui College principal Russell Gordon says the elections are 'extremely important.”

'Through this process parents are given the opportunity to determine what they want for a school. As the professional leader, the principal is guided by the Board of Trustees as they work in partnership to continue to develop a schools' culture.”

Russell says by having members of the school community stand for election as trustees is critical to school success.

'Parents bring with them a wide range of skills and experience which can be used to help schools develop goals and expectations as well as resource strategically which ultimately has a direct impact on the education of their students.”

Pyes Pa School Board of Trustees chairperson Jeanette Maclennan says the election is one of the greatest strengths in the primary and secondary school education system.

'These elections are a real chance for parents and caregivers of the students in the school to have a say about who they think should fill this important role.

'To decide who they think are the best people to govern the school that provides the environment for their children to achieve in their education, and to become life-long learners.”

Jeanette says it is important a school's board is comprised of people who bring a wide range of skills, experience and expertise.

'People who can provide support and direction to the school principal in terms of managing the school, and of providing direction, after consultation with the community, in different areas.

'For the students, great support for the board means that the school is much more likely to be an environment where our children can learn to be the best they can be.”

National Election project manager Elaine Hines says it is essential every school votes in sufficient candidates with the right mix of skills to stand for the board.

'It's an important position and schools across the country are needing people from their communities who can ask questions, work as a team, think creatively, or crunch numbers.”

Elaine says getting a blend of skills among members is important and something for voters to consider.

'If parents, families and wh?nau all get involved and take an active part in their school election process, they can take ownership of nominating and electing the right people to make a positive difference for our children.”

More than 15,000 people are needed to form boards at over 2400 state and state integrated schools throughout New Zealand.

Voting closes at midday on May 30 with results expected to be declared on June 5. The new board will take office on June 6.