Joint Chairs of Governors emails : j.conradi@summerswood.herts.sch.uk 

                                                       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: Co-Chair of Governors, Co-opted Governor (November 2018) Pupil Premium Governor, Current term of office: Mar 2023 - Mar 2027

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: Co-Chair of Governors, Co-opted Governor (January 2022) - 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: Vice-Chair of Governors, Parent Governor (November 2022) - 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

Mr John McConville: Deputy Headteacher - Staff Governor (2017), Current term of office: Oct 2021 - Oct 2025

I joined Summerswood in September 2017 as the Deputy Head. I attend the full Governing Body meetings, resources committee and school improvement committee. My main area of focus during meetings is school data and explaining current attainment and progress to the governors. Currently I am working with the governing body and staff of the school to update the behaviour policy and curriculum.

Pecuniary Interest - Deputy 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

Mrs Karen Simpson: School Business Manager - Staff Governor (2022)

I joined Summerswood Primary School in 2015 as a Finance Administrator and then moved to the role of School Secretary, before taking on the role of School Business Manager.

I have 3 children who all attended Summerswood Primary School and are all adults now.

I enjoy working in the school environment and helping our children and Summerswood families.

Pecuniary interest - my husband's business (SBS Property Maintenance) completes work for the school.

Mrs Pat Strack: LEA Governor (1979) Current term of office: Sept 2021 - Aug 2025

I have lived in Borehamwood for over 40 years. One of my 4 children and 4 of my 6 grandchildren attended Summerswood. Two of my children still live in Borehamwood with their families. Before I retired, I was a teacher in Haringey and I then became an adviser to teachers, implementing changes to the curriculum, providing training for SATs, supporting schools in administering SATs and moderating their work. Separately, I ran a company training staff in design and technology, science and IT, and selling resources to schools to support those subjects.

I have been a governor at Summerswood since 1979, appointed by the Local authority. My other interests are Woodcock Hill Village Green, EBGBS, and the NSPCC Committee. I support Scouting in the town and am a member of the Studios Rotary Club. I help run three clubs for Seniors, namely the Monday Club, Dementia Club and DR96, and I have been a Town councillor for 12 years.

Pecuniary Interest - None

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