08 May Issue Resolution Guidelines
St. Stephen’s Academy Issue Resolution Guidelines
The objective of this policy is to establish biblical guidelines for the resolution of misunderstandings, differences of opinion, concerns, disputes, and grievances in the operation of St. Stephen’s Academy. These guidelines are to be followed whenever there is a misunderstanding, difference of opinion, concern, dispute, or grievance concerning any aspect of St. Stephen’s Academy’s operations between any two parties connected in a direct way to the school. This includes students, parents, staff, volunteers, administration, and board members. In all matters concerning a grievance or dispute, a prayerful, respectful approach is to be observed. Wherever possible, direct verbal, as opposed to electronic communication is preferred.
Students/parents to teachers:
- All issues associated with the classroom must first be presented to the teacher by the parents or, if the student is mature enough, by the student them self. If the student presents the concern, a respectful demeanor is required at all times.
- If the issue is not resolved, the parents or student may bring the issue to the appropriate principal. If the student brings the issue, they must have permission from their parents to do so.
- If the issue is still not resolved, the parents should appeal the decision to the headmaster. If there is still no resolution, they should request a hearing in writing with the St. Stephen’s Academy School Board stating the issues, concerns, proposals, or comments and steps taken while seeking resolution. This request shall be provided to the Chairman of the Board whom will first determine whether the grievance policy has been followed and if it has then the request must bring it to the full board for consideration. It is wholly up to the board to decide whether to hear the issue or to defer to the headmaster’s decision.
Parents/patrons to administrator:
- If parents or patrons have a misunderstanding, difference of opinion, concern, grievance, or dispute about the general operation of the school (apart from the operation of the classrooms), they should bring their issues to the appropriate principal.
- If the situation is not resolved, they should present their issues, concerns, proposals or comments in writing to the headmaster.
- If there is still no resolution, they should request, in writing, a hearing from the St. Stephen’s Academy School Board, stating the issues, concerns, proposals, or comments and steps taken while seeking resolution. This request shall be provided to the Chairman of the Board whom will first determine whether the grievance policy has been followed and if it has then the request must bring it to the full board for consideration. It is wholly up to the board to decide whether to hear the issue or to defer to the headmaster’s decision.
- This procedure also applies to board members who are acting in their capacity as parents/patrons and not as representatives of the board.