Board Chair (Presiding Member): Le-arna Russ (board_chair@sps.kiwi.nz)
Parent Elected Members: Fiona Jansma, Le-arna Russ, David Chadwick, Kate Fairhurst and Jason Bolton.
Parent Co-opted Members: Fiona Riddick (13 October 2025)
Staff Rep: Deborah Campbell
Principal: Jason Elder
Board Members and Board Sub Committees: Click here to view
Board Minutes 2025:
10 February 2025; 7 April 2025; 26 May 2025; 23 June 2025; 21 July 2025; 15 September 2025; 13 October 2025, 18 November 2025 (Yet to be approved).
Work of the Board:
“The Board is entrusted to work on behalf of all stakeholders and is accountable for the school’s performance. It emphasises strategic leadership, sets the vision for the school, and ensures that it complies with legal and policy requirements. Policies are at a governance level and outline clear delegations to the Principal.
The Board and Principal form the leadership team, with the role of each documented and understood. The Principal reports to the Board as a whole with committees used sparingly and only when a need is identified in order to contribute to Board work. The Board is proactive rather than reactive in its operations and decision making and does not involve itself in the administrative details of the day-to-day running of the school. The Board is encouraged to ask the right questions. Enhancing student achievement is its focus”.
All of New Zealand’s state and state-integrated schools have a Board. The Board 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 whānau, 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. To find out more about becoming a Board of Trustee Representative for Stratford Primary School, click on the following link: https://www.trustee-election.co.nz/
Board of Trustees
Why did I stand for the Stratford Primary School Board
Kia ora koutou,
My name is Le-arna Russ, and I am standing for re-election to the Stratford Primary School Board. I have proudly served on the Board for nearly five years, including the past four years as Presiding Member (Board Chair). This role has been incredibly rewarding, and I remain passionate about making a positive difference for our school community.
My husband Andrew, a Senior Sergeant with the NZ Police, was born and raised in Stratford. Together, we have four children who have all attended Stratford Primary School. Our youngest daughter is currently a student, and we continue to enjoy being part of a school that offers so many great opportunities to its learners.
I bring over 25 years of experience in the Early Childhood sector, and for the past 16 years, I have been the Head Teacher at Koru Kindergarten. I am particularly passionate about supporting positive transitions to school and have built strong professional relationships with local primary schools, including SPS.
I initially joined the Board because I wanted to be part of a team that focuses on improving student achievement and creating a supportive, inclusive environment where every child can thrive. I strongly believe in inclusive practices and equitable outcomes, and I’m committed to upholding the well-being of all ākonga, staff, and whānau.
I would love the opportunity to continue representing you on the Board, helping guide Stratford Primary School into a positive and successful future for all our tamariki.
Ngā mihi nui,
Le-arna Russ
Email: board_chair@sps.kiwi.nz
Why did I stand for the Stratford Primary School Board
Tēnā tātou kātoa,
Ko David Chadwick tōku ingoa or better known as “Chaddy”. I am looking to stand on the Stratford Primary School Board and serve the Stratford Primary School whānau. With prior experience as a member of the Board, I bring an understanding of governance—strategic planning, financial oversight and policy development. I am committed to upholding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi: partnership, protection, and participation. I believe our school should be a place where every student and staff member feels seen, supported and empowered to thrive in a high-achieving learning environment.
I am committed to being approachable for all members of our school community. I believe that every voice matters, and I welcome open, respectful kōrero with whānau, staff and students. I will actively listen to concerns, ideas, and aspirations – ensuring matters which need addressing are brought to the Board table for thoughtful discussion and consideration. By fostering transparent communication and genuine engagement, I aim to strengthen trust and ensure our governance reflects the needs and values of our kura and community.
Together, we can continue building the school culture where tamariki thrive, staff feel supported, and our community remains actively engaged in shaping the future of Stratford Primary School.
Nga Mihi
Chaddy
Why did I stand for the Stratford Primary School Board
Kia ora,
My name is Fiona Riddick and I am a Chartered Accountant working at CMK Accountants here in Stratford.
I am originally from Ireland and made the move to Stratford—my husband’s hometown—in 2007. We have two sons at Stratford Primary: Hunter (Year 8) heading to Stratford High and Charlie (Year 6). We feel incredibly lucky to be part of a school that offers such a positive and engaging environment, with committed staff who go above and beyond to support and inspire our children.
Over the past Board term, I have had the opportunity to serve as a Board member and have really valued the experience. I enjoy the governance role and the chance it gives me to contribute to the strategic direction of the school. I am also part of the Finance Committee, where I have been able to put my professional skills to use in supporting sound financial management.
I believe in transparency, collaboration, and supporting the leadership team to ensure the school continues to deliver excellent education and maintains its nurturing, high-quality learning environment.
Stratford is a wonderful community to raise a family in. Our boys are heavily involved in local sports, and I am actively engaged in the community as Treasurer for the Stratford Eltham Junior Rugby Committee and as treasurer for the Stratford Eltham Rugby and Sports Club.
Ngā mihi,
Fiona Riddick
Why did I stand for the Stratford Primary School Board
Kia ora koutou,
My name is Kate Fairhurst and I am standing as a candidate for the Board of Stratford Primary School. As a member of this school community and a passionate advocate for quality education, I am committed to supporting our tamariki, whānau and staff in ensuring every child thrives in a safe, inclusive, and inspiring learning environment.
Professionally, I work as a Children and young person’s librarian at the Stratford Library, where I have already met a lot of the children here at Stratford Primary School and have gained valuable experience in working within our community.
As a parent of children at Stratford Primary, I understand the importance of strong leadership, clear communication and a shared vision between school and home, If elected I will work collaboratively with the Board and leadership team to continue growing the strengths of our school, supporting student achievement, and promoting wellbeing for all.
Ngā mihi nui,
Kate Fairhurst
Why did I stand for the Stratford Primary School Board
Tēnā koutou
I joined the Board in 2020 when a position was made vacant. My journey with the Board started a long time before this. I moved to Stratford in 2006 with my husband Bart. We now have three children, Corrin, Elise and Adam. When it was time to choose a school, it was a no brainer, Stratford Primary School was the place for our children. The walk through made us completely at ease, the staff and students were all smiles and welcoming.
Shortly after, I joined the Home and School (PTA) in the role of secretary, as I wanted to give back to the school. I was then asked by the Principal to do the minutes for the Board, which I accepted, as I thought it was a great opportunity to learn about what the Board was all about. My role was to write up the minutes, I have filled this role since 2018. This has given me a good insight into the roles and responsibilities of the Board.
I believe S.P.S is an awesome school for children to learn and grow. I love seeing the passion that the teachers and children have for our school, I want to help support the school in making S.P.S even greater.
Our school provides so many opportunities for the children. I love being involved with the school in any way I can, seeing the children progress and develop over the years that they are here, brings me great satisfaction and I would enjoy the opportunity to continue to do this.
Ngā mihi nui,
Fiona Jansma
Why did I stand for the Stratford Primary School Board
Kia ora,
I’m standing for re-election to the Stratford Primary School Board after proudly serving over the last 4 months. During this time, I have focused on supporting our Principal and staff particularly in the property and infrastructure areas, ensuring the facilities are safe, functional and fit for the future.
I am passionate about our school and its role at the heart of the community. I believe every student deserves a safe, inspiring space to learn and grow. I also believe in clear communication, good governance, and making practical, future focused decisions.
If re-elected, I will continue to work closely with our leadership team to support the vision for our school, while bringing a strong, steady voice to board discussions.
Thank you.
Jason Bolton
