It is the full desire of the Academy Charter School staff to resolve conflicts at the lowest level possible. We value our students and parents and will work hard to create positive, professional relationships. In a community that values and models high character, the need for the higher levels of this policy, as addressed below, will be few.
Any parties in a conflict must provide clear, concise, and objective written documentation through any level of the process above Level One (6.4.1). The written communication shall state the concern, date of meeting(s), persons in the meeting, points of agreement, points yet to be resolved. At all levels, the intent of all parties must be to resolve the issue with compassion, understanding, and respect for differing points of view. Sometimes resolution means just agreeing to disagree in an agreeable way. It is also the goal of this process that all adults will model high levels of character and conflict resolution skills for our students.
If your student is experiencing a problem in the classroom, contact the teacher. If meeting with the teacher does not resolve the problem, please work within the following conflict resolution guidelines to resolve it:
Level 1 - Any concern will first be discussed in a pre-scheduled, private meeting between the parent(s) and school employee with the objective of resolving the matter informally at the lowest level within a few days of the onset of the issue/event. Brief hallway conversations and/or email are not considered a Level 1 meeting.
Level 2 - If Level 1 does not bring resolution, the parent(s) must submit in writing the nature of the conflict within one (1) work week following the discussion at Level 1 to the employee’s Supervisor and the employee. The Supervisor will then request a joint meeting with the persons in conflict. For any unresolved issues, the Supervisor shall make his/her decision in writing within one (1) work week following the meeting and communicate the decision to the parent and employee. Additional Level 2 meetings may be necessary if additional supervisors are in place between the original Supervisor and the School Leader. A supervisory level will not be passed over in this process.
Level 3 - If Level 2 does not bring resolution, the parent(s) must submit the nature of the conflict within one (1) work week following the decision at Level 2 in writing to the School Leader. The School Leader will then request a joint meeting with the persons in dispute and the Supervisor(s) who were involved in the Level 2 meeting. Clear written notes from the Level 2 meeting will be submitted along with the Level 3 meeting request. For any unresolved issues, the School Leader shall make his/her decision in writing within one (1) work week following the Level 3 meeting.
Level 4 - If resolution is still not achieved at Level 3 and the parent(s) or employee is not satisfied with the decision of the School Leader, the conflict may be presented in writing to the Governing Board at least ten (10) work days prior to the next Board meeting. The Governing Board will examine all written documents and supporting evidence submitted, by way of Working Session, which may include an Executive Session, and decide whether to let the decisions stand, or to meet with the parties involved in the conflict. The President of the Academy Charter School Governing Board will communicate the direction of the Board within one week of the Level 4 meeting request. If the Board decides to meet and discuss, the Governing Board will hear the issue at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting in an effort to resolve the conflict, provided the request is submitted at least ten (10) work days before the Governing Board meeting. All parties involved in previous levels will be invited participants to this Level 4 meeting. Decisions rendered at Level 4 will be in writing, setting forth the decision. Once approved by a quorum of the Governing Board, the decision will be transmitted promptly to all parties involved. Decisions made at this level are final.