Administrative Procedure 152

COMMUNICATING CONCERNS AND GRIEVANCES

Background

The Charter Board shall hear appeals regarding matters specified in the Education Act. These and other concerns or questions can be communicated as described below.
In essence, it is desirable that we all deal with questions, issues and concerns at the level at which they are occurring. The Charter Board and School staff are committed to communicate resolutions and decisions back to stakeholders.
In general, when making suggestions or raising questions and concerns: Focus on a positive outcome – we are all in this together! Remember that resolving issues does not always mean “getting your own way.” Assume that everyone is acting out of good will and doing their best. If you have questions or concerns, communicate them directly to the person involved. If you are not satisfied with the response, speak to that person’s supervisor. Avoid gossip. Be practical and solution-oriented.

Procedures

1.If you have a question or concern regarding the actions/decisions of a School staff member, discuss the matter with the staff member directly. In the event that the matter is not satisfactorily resolved, discuss it with the Principal.

2.If you have a question or concern regarding the actions/decisions of a bus driver, discuss the matter with the bus driver directly (not when the driver is transporting students). In the event that the matter is not satisfactorily resolved, discuss it with the Transportation Director.

3.If you have a question or concern regarding the actions/decisions of the Principal, discuss the matter with the Principal directly. In the event that the matter is not satisfactorily resolved, discuss it with the Superintendent.

4.If you have a question or concern regarding the actions/decisions of the Superintendent, discuss the matter with the Superintendent directly. In the event that the matter is not satisfactorily resolved, discuss it with the Charter Board Chair.

5.If you have a question or concern regarding the actions/decisions of the Charter Board or Charter Board Chair, discuss the matter with the Charter Board Chair directly. In the event that the matter is not satisfactorily resolved, discuss it with the Superintendent and the Charter Board Chair.

6.If you have a question or concern regarding the actions/decisions of the School Council, discuss the matter with the School Council Chair directly. In the event that the matter is not satisfactorily resolved, discuss it with the Principal and the School Council Chair.

7.In Summary, who to contact if there is a problem or concern: Sometimes it is unclear who parents are to contact if there is a particular question or concern. Generally, parents are to begin by contacting the staff most directly involved–the classroom teacher for school matters, the bus driver for bus matters. If the matter is not resolved, follow up as indicated above. Contact can be by way of email, letter, phone or video conference. A conversation over the phone or by video conference is always a good way to begin the conversation to clear up any questions or misunderstandings; written communication ensures that your views are accurately represented and interpreted. Please remember that email can be very public, and is best not used for sensitive (personal) issues.

8.If you would like to make a presentation to the Charter Board, please contact the Board Chair, or one of the Charter Board members. You can call the main phone number of the School (780-356-2370) and ask for an email address to contact the Charter Board.

References: Section 25, 26, 31, 32, 33, 34, 41, 42, 196, 197, 222, 225 Education Act