Raising Concerns and Appealing Decisions

Raising Concerns and Appealing Decisions

In Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows School District No. 42, we believe in working together to support children. With input from parents/guardians, students, staff, and community members, we have developed guidelines to help prevent/resolve conflicts.

Under Section 11 of the School Act, parents/guardians and students have a right to appeal a decision made by an employee of the board if this decision “significantly affects the education, health or safety of a student.” The SD42 Board of Education Appeal Policy and Procedures bylaw outlines the guiding principles for all steps of the appeal process.

The recommended steps to follow in case of an issue or concern are outlined below.

We encourage parents/guardians and/or students to bring another individual – a relative or a trusted friend or advocate – to meetings at any step of the process.

STEP 1
Talk to your child's teacher

Discuss the issue with the person who made the decision or took the action you are concerned about (e.g. classroom teacher). Issues can usually be solved at this level but may involve ongoing dialogue.

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STEP 2
Talk to your child's school principal

Discuss the issue with the school principal. The principal may involve appropriate resources/personnel as required.

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STEP 3
Talk with the assistant superintendent

Discuss the issue with the director of instruction or assistant superintendent responsible for the zone in which your child’s school is located. (Refer to table below.)

Elementary Schools
(East Zone)

Jovo Bikic – 604.466.6283

Albion, Alexander Robinson, Blue Mountain, cə̓sqənelə, Kanaka Creek, Webster’s Corners, Whonnock, Yennadon, French Immersion/FSL

Elementary Schools
(Central Zone)

Michael Scarcella – 604.467.1101

Alouette, Environmental School, Eric Langton, Glenwood, Golden Ears, Harry Hooge, Laity View, Learning Services

Elementary Schools
(West Zone)

David Vandergugten – 604.466.6218

Davie Jones, Edith McDermott, Fairview/Odyssey, Hammond/Montessori, Highland Park, Maple Ridge Elementary, Pitt Meadows Elementary, After School Programming, Early Learning and Childcare, StrongStart

Secondary Schools

 

Ken Cober – 604.466.6218

Garibaldi Secondary, Maple Ridge Secondary, Pitt Meadows Secondary, Samuel Robertson Technical Secondary, Thomas Haney Secondary,  Westview Secondary, SD42 Alternate (Connex, Reconnex, Outreach), post-secondary initiatives (programs, partnerships), trades programs, Riverside Centre (International Education, Continuing Education/Connected Learning Community, Ridge Meadows College), K-12 English Language Learners, and summer school.

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STEP 4
Talk with the deputy superintendent

Discuss the issue with Deputy Superintendent Cheryl Schwarz: 604.466.6228.

 

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STEP 5
Appeal staff decisions to the Board of Education

If the decision significantly affects a student’s education, health, or safety, the decision can be appealed to the Board of Education within 15 school days of completion of step 4 in accordance with the Board of Education Appeal Policy and Procedures Bylaw, using the Notice of Appeal to the Board of Education form.

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STEP 6
Appeal board decision to a provincial superintendent of appeals

Decisions of the board may be appealed to the Superintendent of Appeals of the Ministry of Education and Child Care (provincial appeal process). 

Our vision
Our vision is for every individual to feel valued and for all learners to reach their potential.
Our mission
Our mission is to support all individuals in their development as successful learners, and as respectful, caring and responsible members of society.