About SB Charter - Parent Handbook

When there is a question or concern regarding classroom activities, curriculum, student or teacher, the following process should be used and documented. Documentation will be kept at the school in a file.

1.      To contact a teacher, leave a written message in the teacher's mail box, or call the school and leave a phone message requesting that the teacher contact you to set up an appointment, either by phone or in person.

2.      Share question or concern directly with the appropriate classroom teacher. The goal of the conversation should be for both parties to share their perspective, identify a problem if necessary and create a plan of action if appropriate.

3.      If either the parent or teacher feel unsatisfied with the interaction or outcome in any way, they may request a three-way meeting which includes the teacher, parent and Head Teacher(s). If one of the Head Teachers is involved in the conflict, the other Head Teacher will be the third party. The goal of this meeting will be to identify the problem, share perspectives, articulate each party’s needs, clarify the rights and responsibilities of both parent and teacher, brainstorm solutions, select a plan of action that is mutually acceptable and set a time to evaluate the outcome.

4.      When meeting to evaluate the outcome, the parties may identify the solution as successful and decide that the process is complete. The parties may decide that the solution is partially successful or not successful at all and determine further steps to be taken. This step may be repeated as many times as necessary.

5.      If the problem or concern persists, TC will be informed and invited to work towards resolving the issue. If the problem is related to curriculum or internal classroom operations, the TC will be given the authority to determine the outcome if consensus is reached. If consensus is not reached, the problem will be referred to the Circle of Trustees. When deemed appropriate, the TC may contact the Teacher’s Union for information and advice.

6.      The Circle of Trustees will always be notified and brought into the process when there are legal, financial or personnel implications. The Circle of Trustees also will be informed if the issue affects the overall health or well being of the school.

7.      If the teacher, TC, and the Circle of trustees agree that mediation would be effective, we will contact an outside mediator and set up a meeting with the appropriate parties. In order to protect the interests of the school and the interests of the teacher, mediation should be progressing towards resolution within two weeks and be finalized within four weeks.

8.      If parties do not agree to mediation and the problem has legal, financial or employment ramifications, both parties may participate in binding arbitration.