Dr Smith, a cognitive therapist, sexual health doctor and the Queenstown police medical officer, has two children at the high school. She previously sat on the boards of Queenstown Primary School and Queenstown Childcare Centre.
In our fourth interview with all 10 trustees, Dr Smith says the Ministry of Education missed a "golden opportunity" to buy land at Five Mile to relocate the growing 30-year-old school.
Pupils needed to be supported and educated about the effects of drugs, alcohol, peer pressure and bullying, and encouraged to achieve to secure university places, she said.
Queenstown Times: Why did you want to become a WHS board member?
Kathryn Smith: "I have two kids at school, in year 10 and year 8. I think the school is unique in New Zealand, particularly in the variety of cultural and socio-economic groups.
"Decile 10 schools in the rest of the country tend to affluent, exclusive schools, whereas Wakatipu High is inclusive. By its nature it has to be, with wonderful opportunities and quite unique challenges.
"I'm passionate about education. It's the answer to many of New Zealand's problems."
QT: What changes do you see making to the way the school operates?
KS: "I want to assist management staff to lead by example, to be given the opportunity to show what they are capable of. They are a very caring group of people.
"We need a more cohesive approach, with all the teachers working together and that involves more support for senior management and better communication."
QT: What is the biggest issue facing WHS pupils?
KS: "I wouldn't say there's any particularly issue. The kids need to be supported and educated about the effects of drugs, alcohol, peer pressure, bullying, but also we're all very aware universities are starting to restrict access to courses, so they have to do well to pursue their careers. That's nationwide.
"We certainly need an attitude change to alcohol among young people."
QT: How is the structure of mixing age groups in class rooms working?
KS: "We don't know yet. It's too early to tell. And until we get evidence, we can't say it's working, or not working.
"Just because children are the same age, it doesn't mean they learn at the same level and if mixing age groups in a class pitches the appropriate level of education to that child, it seems like common sense.
"However, it's essential children are assessed adequately and frequently before being placed in a classroom."
QT: Where do you see the future location of the school - where it is, or at Frankton, and if so, when?
KS: "The logical place for the high school is in the big hole by the airport, but I understand the site has been sold and the ministry [of Education] has missed out on that golden opportunity.
"That decision is going to be made by the ministry."
QT: How would you describe the school's financial situation?
KS: "As a decile 10, without any extra Government funding, the school is struggling financially."
QT: What feedback have you heard from the community regarding priorities to focus on?
KS: "There is some concern about mixing classrooms. All I would like to say is, give it a chance. If it's not working, it will be changed.
"There's some concern in the community about senior management leadership, but having been involved, albeit for a short time, I'm very impressed with the level of caring for the students shown."
QT: Are they your priorities?
KS: "A lot of the issues surrounding the school involve perception rather than reality. The reality is, it's a fantastic school with a unique group of talented teachers and students from all over the world, crossing social and cultural lines, and we should rejoice in that."
QT: Do you think the school communicates effectively with the community?
KS: "The school tries to. There are excellent newsletters and websites and the school tries as hard as it can to celebrate achievements and excellence.
"However, there are factions in Queenstown that look for and highlight flaws and faults, whether imagined or real."
QT: How can the community assist the school?
KS: "Queenstown is full of talented, energetic and community-minded people. And we and the school would love to harness more of that energy, so we can achieve our full potential as one of the most unique schools in the country."
• Do you have questions for the new Wakatipu High School board or have issues you want to raise? Email your queries, with "Ask the Board" in the subject heading, to news@queenstowntimes.co.nz.
Send them, or drop them off, with the address Ask the Board, Otago Daily Times, PO Box 774, Queenstown. 9348.
