Complaint Review Process for Parents/Guardians and Students
Conflicts may occur among students, parents/guardians, and school staff, and all parties are encouraged to resolve these conflicts when they occur. However, if the involved parties are unable to resolve their conflicts, families may use the complaint review process for additional assistance. All those participating in the complaint review process are responsible for striving toward reconciliation and acting in good faith in the spirit of the Gospels. Legal representation is not permitted at any meeting or mediation of the complaint review process. Any person filing a complaint is to be free from restraint, coercion, discrimination, or reprisal in any form. The complaint review process must be included in the parent/student handbook.
Addressing Complaints at the Local Level: Schools
First, the person bringing the complaint must try to resolve the complaint in good faith by discussing it with the people who are directly involved at the school.
Next, if the complaint is not resolved, the person bringing the complaint should follow the school's established chain of command to seek resolution (or if the principal is the subject of the complaint, the pastor or the president, where applicable).
After reviewing the facts and facilitating discussion of the problem, the principal, president or pastor will respond to the person bringing the complaint. In high schools, if the complainant is dissatisfied with the principal's decision, the complainant may request review of the decision through an appeals process that is determined by the high school.
Appeals Process on Decision
If a complainant is dissatisfied with the decision of the principal following the completion of the school's complaint-resolution process, the complainant may submit a written request for appeal.
1. Request for Appeal
The appeal must be submitted in writing within five (5) school days of receiving the principal's decision and submitted to the Assistant Principal of Student Affairs. The written appeal should identify the decision being appealed, the reason the complainant believes further review is warranted, and any relevant information the complainant would like considered.
An appeal should be based on one or more of the following:
Relevant information was not adequately considered during the initial review;
The school's established policies or procedures were not appropriately followed;
New and relevant information has become available that was not reasonably available during the initial review; or
The decision appears inconsistent with school policy or the facts established during the review.
2. Review of the Appeal
Upon receipt of the written appeal, the school will designate an appropriate Appeals Review Committee to review the matter. The committee should consist of individuals who were not directly involved in the original complaint or decision whenever reasonably possible.
The committee may review relevant documentation, the original complaint, the principal's decision, applicable school policies, and any additional information submitted as part of the appeal. The committee may also meet with the complainant, student, school personnel, or other individuals when additional information or clarification is necessary.
3. Scope of the Appeal
The appeals process is intended to determine whether the original decision was reasonable and consistent with school policy and the information available. It is not intended to provide an entirely new investigation of the original complaint unless the Appeals Review Committee determines that additional review is necessary.
The submission of an appeal does not automatically suspend or reverse the original decision. Unless otherwise determined by the school, the principal's decision will remain in effect while the appeal is under review.
4. Appeal Decision
After completing its review, the Appeals Review Committee may recommend that the original decision be:
The complainant will ordinarily receive written notification of the appeal decision within ten (10) school days after the school receives the appeal. When additional time is reasonably necessary to complete the review, the school will notify the complainant.
5. Finality of the Decision
The decision issued through the school's appeals process constitutes the final decision of the school, subject to any additional rights of review that may exist under applicable Archdiocesan policy.
The school reserves the right to modify the procedures or individuals involved in reviewing an appeal when necessary to ensure an appropriate and impartial review. Nothing in this process prevents the school from taking immediate action when necessary to protect the safety, welfare, or orderly operation of the school community.
Escalating Complaints to the Central Level: Department of Catholic Schools
If the complaint is not resolved at the local level, the complainant may request additional review in writing to the assistant regional superintendent at the Department of Catholic Schools.
The assistant regional superintendent will review the complaint (with such consultation as may be appropriate) in a timely fashion and will endeavor to resolve the matter in keeping with the policies and/or regulations of the archdiocese and school. If an agreed-upon outcome is not possible, the assistant regional superintendent shall make a final and binding determination, and communicate that determination in writing to all parties.
7-16-21, 8-20-26
