AP 314: Parent Inquiries Or Concerns
Organization & Culture
Background
The Superintendent ensures the right of parents and members of the public to make inquiries into the conduct of operations of the public school system. Inquiries or concerns may arise in the form of confusion or complaints and these inquiries shall be appropriately addressed.
In the interests of open communication, inquiries shall first be directed to the staff member(s) most directly involved with the inquiry or concern and follow a standard process for resolution.
Procedures
1. The Principal shall be responsible to communicate to parents, students and staff the following:
1.1. For school-based inquiries or concerns, the normal sequence of communication follows a pattern of staff member, Principal, Superintendent:
1.1.1. A parent, or member of the public, that is not satisfied with the response at that level, shall be encouraged to follow the lines of authority through direct supervisor(s) and, if required, to the Board;
1.2. In making a formal inquiry, the individual shall address the specific aspects of the concern in person or in writing to the person or persons involved.
2. Normally inquiries or concerns with respect to operations can be resolved with the parties involved. On occasion the Superintendent or a trustee may receive a request to intervene in school or department affairs. In this event the complaint shall be resolved according to the following:
2.1. The Superintendent or designate shall, as deemed appropriate in the circumstance, refer a complaint or request for intervention to the school or department, engage in mediation, or conduct an inquiry;
2.2. The Superintendent or designate shall ensure, in cooperation with schools and departments, that parents or members of the public are provided with the opportunity to express their complaints and be heard fairly by school-based administrators; and
2.3. The Trustee, upon receiving an inquiry or concern, shall inform the Superintendent of the inquiry or concern. The inquiry or concern shall then be dealt with as outlined above.
3. Upon receiving an inquiry or concern, the Superintendent or designate shall ascertain if all local avenues for resolution have been considered. If not, the individual shall be advised to do so as the first means of achieving resolution.
4. If the individual feels that a concern has not been adequately addressed by the person against whom the concern has been lodged, the concerns are to be taken to that person’s immediate supervisor.
5. If all local avenues have been exhausted, the Superintendent or designate shall meet with the individual and school-based administrators in an attempt to resolve the issue.
6. If resolution of the issue is not achieved at the Superintendent level, the individual shall be advised of his/her right to an appeal to the Board if the matter significantly affects the education of a student.
Approved:
