The Governing Body have a key part in the life of the school. They help set the strategic direction of the school and provide support and challenge, acting as a 'critical friend'.
The Head and the staff of the school are accountable to the Governing Body for the school's performance and the Governors are also required to explain their actions and decisions to anyone who has a legitimate interest (e.g. parents, the local authority or the Welsh Assembly Government).
Here, you can also find out a little bit more about the members of the school's Governing Body:
Mrs Sally Speedy B.Ed, M.A.,Ed.,MBA
Headteacher Governor. Headteacher since September 2007. Started her teaching career in Powys and worked in schools in Leeds, London and Swansea before being appointed to the post in Ysgol Maesydderwen. Has lived in the area since 1990 and values the opportunity to put something back into the local community. Believes that education opens doors and that every child should be given the opportunity to realise their potential.
Hugh Pattrick MBE
Comunity Governor. Chair of Governors Ysgol Maesydderwen.Retired Childrens Guardian (Child Protection) Vice-Chair of Governors Wales. Chair of Powys County Council Schools Forum.(Consultative Body) Appointed Independent Member General Teaching Council for Wales. Former Foster Carer. Keenly interested in good outcomes for all children.
County Councillor Susan McNicholas
Local Authority Governor.
Thomas Addey
A former pupil at Maesydderwen School having spent 20 years in the Opencast Mining industry as a Manager. He then moved into Community Regeneration which enabled him to be involved in several local successful Projects which include a) Palleg Golf Club Extension to 18 holes b) Upper Tawe Cycle Path c) Diamond Park. Currently the Regeneration Manager for South Powys. In his spare time he enjoys his rugby and is the Team Manager for Cwmtwrch RFC.
Kim Anderson
Non Teaching Staff Governor. Has worked at Ysgol Maesydderwen for 8 years and attended the school as a pupil between 1970 and 1975. Current post is Finance Officer and the PA to the Headteacher. Has worked for three Headteachers at Maesydderwen - Mr Rose, Mr Retallick and Mrs Speedy.
Dianne Cordall
Parent Governor of two children with very different learning needs. A past pupil of Maesydderwen. Has worked in the civil service for 35 years and wants to give a little back to the school that has played a big part in both her childrens and her own lives.
Evan Evans
Local authority (Powys) Governor. Retired Ford Motor Company employee. Member of Ystradgynlais Town Council representing Penrhos/Abercrave. Member of Caerbont/Caerlan Opencast Liaison Committee
Dawn Elizabeth Jenkins
Parent Governor
Debbie Lewis
Lived in Ystradgynlais for 45 years and a former pupil of Ysgol Maesydderwen. Greatly enjoyed her time as a pupil and made life long friendships there. Has three children who all studied at Maesydderwen gaining good exam grades as a result of the dedicated staff. All three have gone on to gain degrees at university. Been a governor now for about 12 years and seen many changes. She hopes to continue to carry out her duties as a governor as long as possible and put something back into our community.
County Councillor Krishn Pathak
Local Authority Governor. Originally appointed as first Parent Governor when his now grown-up son attended Maesydderwen. Appointed Local Authority Governor in 2004 following his election as County Councillor for the Tawe Uchaf Electoral ion. Member of Project Board following decision to invest £32.5m in the Maesydderwen Catchment Area.
Alan Price
Community Governor. Retired Environmental Health & Housing Officer. Former Parent Governor and past Chair of Governors, Ysgol Maesydderwen. Family and his four children all attended Maesydderwen. Keen rugby fan and former player over many years. Other interests - Reading, cinema theatre music and DIY. Has a small family business.
Lisa Rapado
A former pupil of Maesydderwen. Recently appointed as a Community Governor. Passionate about improving the lives of people and families affected by Autism and other disabilities.
Revd John Scott
Pastor at churches in Ystradfellte and Pontneddfechan. Twin daughters Emma and Joanne attended Ysgol Maesydderwen between 1991-8 and went on to Universities in Swansea and Cardiff. Joanne is now assistant head and Emma head of Science in St. Georges Gravesend.
County Councillor John Steadman
County and Town Councillor for Ystradgynlais Ward. A Magistrate in Brecon Court. Powys Local Authority Govenor. Has lived in Ystradgynlais for the last 30 years. Married with two children who all attended Ysgol Maesydderwen
Martin Sykes
Teacher Governor.
Alun Thomas
Lives in the upper part of the Swansea Valley with a child in Maesydderwen. Has a number of years experience as a Governor, including Chair of Governors of a Primary School in the catchment. Elected Parent Governor Representative for South Powys. Member of Powys Governors Association executive committee. Member of Premises committee, and Chair of Finance committee.
Richard Paul Truscott
Married to Caroline and have two children, Isabelle and Nathan, who both attend Ysgol Maesydderwen. Have lived here for 7 years having moved to the area from Cornwall.
Work as South Wales Regional Field Manager for the Animal Health & Veterinary Laboratories Agency at Carmarthen.
Hobbies are classic cars and caravanning as well as watching rugby and walking.
Dr Ian Walsh
Married to Karen Walsh and the father of Catrin and Carys Walsh. Serves as a Parent Governor at Ysgol Maesydderwen. In his professional life Ian is Head of School at Swansea School of Industrial Design and the Welsh School of Architectural Glass in Swansea Metropolitan University. Ian also works in the community and serves as an Elder and Youth Worker at the Mission Hall in Cwmtwrch.