Chair of Governors' email : d.docherty@summerswood.herts.sch.uk

What is the role of the Governors?

The Governors are a body of people who are responsible for a huge array of duties ranging from managing the school budget, to employing staff, to overseeing the curriculum, and ensuring the upkeep of the building. Our Governors work very hard for the development of successful learning at Summerswood.

Who are our Governors?

Mr James Conradi: (November 2018) Associate Member, HR, Pupil Premium, Current term of office: Oct 2024 - Sept 2028

I am an HR professional with almost 10 years’ experience working in Financial Services. I currently work as Head of HR for a Global International Finance Company, where I have built up a professional career in HR. I want to be able to bring my skills and experience into a different environment and help out my community in a new capacity.

I have experience in recruitment, employment law, employee relations (i.e. disciplinaries, grievances and contentious exits), compensation & benefits, payroll, policy development and implementation, compliance & regulation, finance, GDPR, organisational design & development, and L&D.

I am looking forward to the opportunity to be part of Summerswood’s Governing body and to work with other governors to help improve the school for the benefit of all.

Pecuniary Interest - None

Mr Dean Docherty: (January 2022) Chair of Governors, Co-opted Governor - Current term of office: Dec 2021 - Dec 2025

I am a Vice President at a large investment bank and have worked within senior fraud roles for 20 years in both the public and private sector. I am a local resident and wish to bring my skills and experience to my local area and Summerswood.

I have experience in policy, strategy, risk and financial services. 

I look forward to contributing to Summerwoods’s governing body and working alongside other governors.

Pecuniary Interest - wife is a teacher at the school

Ms Zara Vangelova: (November 2022) Vice-Chair of Governors, Parent Governor - Current term of office: Nov 2022 - Oct 2026

My daughter is currently attending Summerswood Primary School and I really wanted to get involved and contribute to the continuing improvement and development of the school and the local community.

I am a qualified accountant, and I have extensive experience in financial management and controls, statutory accounting, process improvement and business transformation across the private and not-for-profit sector.

I believe in the importance of raising confident and inspired children who strive to bring the best in them and others, and I look forward to working with the other governors to support the school.

Pecuniary Interest - child in school.

Miss Sarah Kneller: Headteacher (September 2014)

I became Headteacher at Summerswood in September 2014 and am enjoying working alongside our governors. They are a supportive group of people who are committed to working alongside me to make Summerswood the very best it can be.

Pecuniary Interest - Headteacher

Mrs Jenny Crabtree: SENCO - Staff Governor (2022), Current term of office: Sept 2022 - Aug 2026

I have been the SENCO at Summerswood for the last 3 years. Previous to this role, I worked in a primary school in Watford where I was the English, French, History and PE lead. I was also a Governor there. I enjoy gardening and spend time at my allotment, reading and various crafting projects.

Pecuniary Interest - None

Staff Governor: Vacancy

Ms Paula Gregory: Co-opted Governor (2002) Current term of office: Oct 2022 - Oct 2026

I have been a governor at Summerswood Primary since 2002 and have seen so many positive changes. I have two grown up children that came to this school and thoroughly enjoyed their time here. I am a Computing teacher at a local secondary school and a swimming teacher at Borehamwood Swimming Club.

I am the Vice Chair of the School Improvement Committee and responsible for safeguarding.

In my spare time I enjoy growing fruit and vegetables and love a good novel!

Pecuniary Interest - I am a local swimming teacher and committee member; Squirrels leader of the First Elstree & Borehamwood Scouts; my son is a Teaching Assistant.

Mrs Abbi Rozentals: Parent Governor (September 2023) - Current term of office: Sept 2023 - Aug 2027

I'm a parent of a child at Summerswood School. I volunteer within my community including in nursery kitchens, cooking for the NHS with You Donate We Deliver during Covid, and at Borehamwood Foodbank. I previously worked in school raising awareness about the effects of crime through workshops, and gave emotional and practical support to young victims and their parents. I have also been a Zumba teacher, am trained in teaching exercise to music, and am a trained gym instructor. I am currently studying nutrition online and have a small business making healthy meals.

Pecuniary Interest - child in school

Mrs Anna Klein: Co-opted Governor (September 2023) - Current term of office: Sept 2023 - Aug 2027

I am a portfolio manager specialising in equity derivatives at a large investment bank and have worked in the industry for 10 years. I am excited to be able to make a positive impact in my local community and use my skills to help Summerswood further it's goals. My expertise is in finance, management and operations, and I am looking forward to using my experiences whilst working with all of the governors, teachers, parents and pupils of Summerswood.

Pecuniary interest - None

Mrs Emma Bunn: Co-opted Governor (June 2023) - Current term of office: Jun 2023 - May 2027

I work as a School Business Lead in a Primary school in Barnet. I was appointed as a Parent Governor and bring both administrative and finance skills to the Board, along with my school experience.

I am married and have 2 sons, one of whom used to attend Summerswood, and the other is at Townsend C of E Secondary School in St Albans. In my spare time you can often see me jogging the streets of Borehamwood! 

Pecuniary Interest - none