Anyone a (primary level) school governor?

[HeyToTheHo]

Just wondering if there's any appetite for governance chat here?

I am a governor at a primary school - have been for two years and enjoying it but holy shit the finances are looking difficult.

Thought others might welcome a bit of mutual support/ discussion...?

I am one - but one needs to remember the confidentiality issues.
Yes - finances looking tight, not sure whether we will have a deficit budget this year.

At the end of the day, most costs are staff related.

We have made good savings by utilising d/head for 'supply' (or similar SMT), rather than agency staff.

Been lucky with staff sickness - but there is nothing controllable about that.

Also, good at collecting money for trips,
Not really sure where else to go though.

I am...my school is OK this year and 2017/18 budget can be balanced by spending the contingency but therafter things look a lot worse.

Difficult times ahead.

I'm considering applying to be a governor, just waiting to get a reference to send my form off.

Re: school finances - check your business rates assessment is correct at VOA.gov.uk. Make sure the assessment includes only the appropriate parts of the school. Also, if you're an academy or foundation school, you should get 80% rate relief.