What made you want to be a governor?

As a retired teacher, I wanted to use some of my experience to serve schools and the community.

Has the experience fulfilled your expectations?

There has been a greater chance to become actively involved with the children than I thought, which has been particularly rewarding.

What dodon’t you like?

I don’t like the continual juggling where hard decisions have to be made based on finance and not on the best option for the children.

Has the experience changed you?

I have realised what challenges today’s teachers face, not only in the classroom but also in school management. And many teachers lack the expertise needed to manage schools as businesses.

What is the biggest, best or worst change you’ve seen?

The biggest is the growing responsibility of governors and the grey areas of legal accountability. Most governors think that in difficult decisions the local authority would back their judgment. Several recent cases have proved that wrong.

What does your family think of your commitment?

They believe that I am committed to the school I serve. They also think that certain offices on the governing body should be paid for.

If you could wave a wand, what would you wish for the school?

Resources, resources, resources.

And who or what would you make disappear?

More teachers should be able to use their own initiative and judgment.

Janet Prescott