Concern for the dignity and rights of each person is intrinsic to the Church's mission as a true witness to the spirit of the Gospel.
Conflicts may occur among students, parents/guardians, and school staff, and all parties are encouraged to use every available means 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. 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
The person bringing the complaint is encouraged to try to resolve the complaint by discussing it with the people who are directly involved at the school.
If the complaint is not resolved, the person bringing the complaint should discuss it with the principal (or the pastor, if the principal is the subject of the complaint).
For elementary schools, if the principal is unable to resolve the conflict, the principal will bring the pastor into the process as appropriate.
After reviewing the facts and facilitating discussion of the problem, the principal or pastor will respond to the person bringing the complaint.
Escalating Complaints to the Central Level: Department of Catholic Schools
If the complaint is not resolved at the local level, the complaint may be submitted in writing to the assistant superintendent at the Department of Catholic Schools , outlining the concerns and reviewing the local process.
The assistant superintendent will review the complaint (with such consultation as may be appropriate) in a timely fashion and will endeavor to mediate and resolve the matter.
However, if the parties cannot reach an agreement, the assistant superintendent will apply the policies and/or regulations of the archdiocese and school to make a final and binding determination, and then communicate that determination in writing to all parties.
