Steps to Resolve a Concern

In June 2024, the Ministry of Education announced PPM (Policy/Program Memorandum) 170. One of the key points in PPM 170 is that school boards must establish a protocol for communicating with parents. This protocol includes guidelines for how to recognize and reply to parent inquiries.

The Rainy River District School Board believes that everyone in our school community has a role in promoting respect, inclusion, and equity. We are dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, or any negative behavior.

Parent/Guardian Concern Resolution Process

We encourage parents and guardians to reach out with any questions they have about their child's education by following the steps provided here:

Step 1 - Teacher
Your child's classroom teacher is the best person to approach with any questions or concerns related to the classroom.

Step 2 - Principal/Supervisor
For additional information or if you have inquiries that extend beyond the classroom, please reach out to your school principal.

Step 3 - School Superintendent
Superintendents are there to support school staff and can be contacted for any unanswered questions from parents and guardians. 

Step 4 - Director of Education
If the concern is not settled at the Superintendent's level, the parent/guardian shall contact the Director of Education.

Trustees are advocates of the system and the process to resolve concerns. Parents and guardians may contact trustees at any time, and trustees will assist by directing the individual to the appropriate staff member.

School councils are advocates of the schools and advise principals on matters such as the school curriculum and code of conduct. School councils will not act or advise on individual parent/guardian-teacher-student issues, and instead will refer these matters to the school principal.

Suspension Appeals
As per Policy 4.16 Safe Schools, where a parent/guardian disagrees with the decision of a principal to suspend a student, that student’s parent/guardian may appeal the principal’s decision in accordance with the Human Rights Code, and the Board’s Student Suspension Appeal Guidelines.

Where a student no longer under parental/guardian custody (18 years of age or older, or 16 / 17 years-old who has removed themself from custody) disagrees with a principal’s decision to suspend them, the student may appeal the principal’s decision in accordance with the Human Rights Code, the Board’s Student Discipline Procedure, specifically, Suspension Appeal Guidelines.

Transportation Concerns
If you have a concern about bussing, please contact the Rainy River District Transportation Services Consortium.

Special Education programming appeals
As per Ontario Regulation 181/98, If you have concerns with respect to your child's programming and supports, please contact your child's principal.

Resources
Policy 2.07 Responding to Concerns
Procedure 2.07 Responding to Concerns
Policy 4.16 Safe Schools
Shared Solutions: A Guide to Preventing and Resolving Conflicts Regarding Programs and Services for Student With Special needs

Other RRDSB Concern Resolution Processes

Delegations to the Board
Per the Rainy River District School Board of Trustees Procedural Bylaws Appendix F, individuals or groups desiring to appear before the Board of Trustees shall be permitted to do so only if the matter is within Trustee jurisdiction. Operational matters (e.g., extra-curriculars, staffing) should be directed to the source of the concern, following the steps to resolve a concern as outlined above.

Concerns Regarding Employee Conduct
Guideline 8.0 of Policy 3.86 Employee Code of Conduct discusses reporting of possible employee code of conduct issues.

Concerns Regarding Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy
Per Policy 2.80 Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy , you have the right to appeal any decision made by a government organization in regard to your request for access to information. An appeal must be made within 30 days of the government organization making its decision. To appeal, write a letter to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario describing why you are not satisfied with the government organization's decision. For more information on how to file an appeal, please refer to https://www.ipc.on.ca/.

Vendor Concern Process
Vendor concerns are as per Policy 8.09 Procurement and Procedure 8.09 Procurement.

Student Accommodation Decision Appeal Process
Appeals are per the Ministry of Educations Pupil Accommodation Review Guideline (2015).
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