Meet The Governing Body – Howard Park Community School

Our Governing Body

Sub-Title

Our Governing Body is a dedicated team of parents, staff, and community representatives who work together to support the strategic direction of our school. We are committed to creating a nurturing, ambitious environment where every pupil can thrive. By providing challenge, guidance, and oversight, we help ensure that the school continues to grow, improve, and serve our community with pride.

Our Governing Body meet on each term – records of the minutes from these minutes can be found here.

Mel Greenwood

Chair of Governors

I am thrilled to be the Chair of Governors at this wonderful school. I own my own Private Day Nursery in Halifax and have been a Primary School Teacher and Leader for 15+ years so I am happy to bring my enthusiasm, knowledge, experience and passion to the role. I LOVE books and I am a big believer in Early reading and learning through play. Howard Park is such an inviting, warm and happy place and I can’t wait to visit more in this role. My own children are in High School and Primary School. Arthur is in Y8 and Polly is in Y5. I have loved watching their journey through school and experiencing education from a parent’s view. I have always loved every part of my job and it all started with a fond memory of one of my teacher’s at Whitcliffe Road.

Kevin Huby

Vice Chair of Governors/Parent Governor

I have 2 children who attend the school and when I heard that a position was available to be a governor I jumped at the chance as I really wanted to contribute to the school. As a governor you have input into matters of the school giving and hearing ideas to benefit the school and also make sure we are as a school keeping the high standards that is expected for the educational needs of the children. The great thing about Howard Park School is the real sense of community and is a friendly environment, not just being a place of education but also source of help and encouragement if called upon. Being a Governor is a great role to have as this allows me to contribute to already amazing team and community.

Gordon Muir

Co-Opted Governor

I became a Governor because my daughter was a pupil in Year 1 at the time and I wanted to know how school worked behind the scenes and what I could do to help. Howard Park is always praised by visitors for being a friendly, welcoming school and I agree with them. The staff are all very committed and hard-working and work together as a team. The pupils are committed to learning and we get a lot of help from the parents. The school is dedicated to helping all the pupils that come to us no matter what their circumstances. I like to think we can improve the life chances of all. My ‘real’ job is as a consultant Structural Engineer, which basically means that I make sure that buildings stay standing up. I have a partner called Sonja who is from Austria and a daughter called Teresa who used to be a pupil at Howard Park school. I like watching a lot of sports especially football and my favourite team is Manchester City since I grew up in and around Manchester. I also read as much as I can about as many subjects as I can.

Joanne Thompson

Co-Opted Governor

I have lived locally all my life and want to give back to the community and help support such a wonderful school. I am responsible for monitoring Early Years and Nursery. I am proud to be a governor at Howard Park; the school has a fantastic reputation with dedicated staff and wonderful children. I love coming to visit and see the children developing in a safe and happy environment. I work full time for Citizens Advice. Outside work have 2 fantastic boys, Jake and Daniel. I have a campervan and enjoy going camping and exploring new places. I enjoy theatre and live music and love to spend time with my friends and family.

Vanessa Edmondson

Co-Opted Governor

I became a governor at school to use my skills to help where possible in the school my son attends. I attend the meetings and I am the chair of the standards committee ensuring high standards of education are maintained. Howard park is a friendly school where everybody appears to know all of the children. It has a real community feel where the children are well cared for and supported. The staff are caring and very approachable.

Ryan Bridges

Parent Governor

Tracy Ball

Co-Opted Governor

Rachel Jinks

Staff Governor

My role is to represent the staff on the Governing body. Howard Park is the best place to go to school, we all know that! The Governors’ job is to make sure that stays the case and I love being part of that. I teach part time in Year 5. Outside of work, I love spending time with my lovely family, my friends and pretending to play the piano.