KE - Parent/Guardian Guide to Address Concerns in the Dudley-Charlton Regional Schools

DUDLEY-CHARLTON REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

POLICY - KE

Parent/Guardian Guide To Address Concerns in the Dudley-Charlton Regional Schools

The Committee realizes that in order to continuously attempt to create and maintain schools that reflect the public’s wishes, a system needs to be in place for receiving, considering and acting upon complaints from parents/guardians.

Although no member of the community will be denied the right to have their concerns heard and investigated, but they will be referred through the proper channels for solution before investigation or action by the Superintendent and/or Committee is considered. Exceptions will be made when the complaints concern Committee actions or Committee operations only. Anonymous complaints will be disregarded.

While we recognize that concerns may arise in moments of frustration or heightened emotion, parents and guardians are expected to engage with school staff in a civil manner, meaning communication that is respectful and free from personal attacks, intimidation, or inappropriate language.

When a parent/guardian determines that there is a school-related concern that needs to be addressed with school officials, the sequential steps outlined below should be followed. Dudley-Charlton Regional Schools seeks to work collaboratively with to find parent/guardian the fastest resolution to any problem.

1. The parent/guardian should address the concern with the staff member most directly involved, (i.e., a question regarding the content of instructional materials or homework assignments should be shared with the classroom teacher).
2. If the matter is not resolved at this level, the parent/guardian may bring the concern to the attention of the Principal.
3. If the matter continues to remain unresolved, the parent/guardian may bring the concern to the attention of the Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent.
4. If the matter still remains unresolved, the parent/guardian may bring the concern to the attention of the School Committee by directly contacting the School Committee Chairperson and requesting appropriate action.
5. Anonymous complaints will be disregarded.

The following are examples of issues that should be addressed at the level indicated. If a parent/guardian has a concern that is not listed here, the parent/guardian may call their child ́s Principal for direction to the most appropriate person.

1. Teachers and Specialists (e.g., Art, Music, Technology, Library, Health, and Physical Education)

• Student homework, assignments, quizzes, test, and grading
• Course instructional materials, practices, academic progress, and extra help
• Issues related to classroom discipline, interactions with other pupils

2. Athletic Instructors and Coaches

• Concerns regarding athletic activities should be directed to the student’s coach
• At the High School concerns should be directed to the Athletic Director

3. Guidance and Adjustment Counselors

• Concerns between school and home, teacher and pupil, pupil and other pupils
• Personal matters relating to student development, behavior, or interaction with others
• Course selection and student schedules
• Scheduling of grade/team level meetings at the Middle School
• Course placement or career information
• Middle and high School academic records
• Accommodations plans
• Student placement issues (in a class, program or instructional level)

4. Principals and/or Assistant Principals

• Co-curricular program issues (athletics, music, drama, etc.)
• Matters related to the school building/physical plant
• Concerns regarding school personnel
• Student records, school-wide student expectations, discipline issues, or bus conduct
• Policy, procedure, and protocol concerns

5. Superintendent and/or Assistant Superintendent

• Questions regarding School Committee policies and administrative procedures
• School Committee meetings and agenda items
• Concerns regarding instructional materials/curriculum and data
• Concerns regarding school personnel or services which have not been resolved at the Principal ́s level

6. Director of Finance and Operations

• Transportation matters
• Budgetary matters to also include any issue or item of the Dudley-Charlton Regional Schools budget

7. School Committee

• Matters pertaining to district-wide policy, protocol, and procedures
• Concerns regarding the Superintendent
• Issues relating to school committee minutes and agenda items (directed to the Chairperson)
• Long-range planning
• District-wide budget issues
• Any item that should be included in future planning by the Dudley-Charlton RSD

8. Director of Pupil Personnel Services and Special Education Coordinators

• The parent should first try to address a concern with the appropriate Contact Person regarding provision of services and IEP, e.g., service providers/liaisons
• If the concern is not resolved at this level, the parent may then contact the Special Education Coordinator at their child ́s school
• If the concern remains unresolved, the parent may bring the matter to the attention of the Principal
• If the concern continues to remain unresolved, the parent may bring the matter to the attention of the Director of Pupil Personnel Services

As one moves further along the chain of communication, the staff is less directly involved and therefore, will need time to research the situation before they can give an answer or solution. If you do not hear back from the person that you have contacted within 48 hours (two school days), it is permissible to move to the next person in the chain of communication. We do not expect concerns to go unanswered for long periods of time.

The Committee will address complaints only after they have been explored by the appropriate administrative level according to the above sequences. In the event the school committee determines that the complaint is not within its jurisdiction or certain levels have been skipped, it will be referred back through the proper channels. To contact the Committee, go on to the District website and under School Committee are the listed email addresses of the School
Committee Members.

Complaints about school personnel will be investigated fully and fairly. However, before any such complaint is investigated, the complainant must submit their complaint in writing. Anonymous complaints will be disregarded.

The School Committee expects the staff to receive complaints courteously and to make a proper reply to the complainant.

REF: MGL c.66
MGL c.4 § 7 cl.26
MGL c.66A
MGL c.30A, § 19(a) 5 USC § 552
603 CMR 26.00