PARENT/STUDENT COMPLAINT REVIEW PROCESS

Concern for the dignity and rights of each person are intrinsic to the Church’s mission as a true witness to the spirit of the Gospel. Circumstances may give rise to conflicts among students, parents, and school staff. 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 Parent/Student Complaint Review Process for additional assistance. All those participating in the Complaint Review Process are responsible to strive toward reconciliation and act 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.

School Level

The person bringing the complaint is encouraged to try to resolve the complaint by discussing it with the persons directly involved.

If resolution is not achieved, the complaint should be discussed 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 will respond to the person bringing the complaint.

Department of Catholic Schools Level

• If the complaint is not resolved at the school or parish level, the complaint may be submitted in writing to the supervisor at the Department of Catholic Schools, outlining the concerns and reviewing the local process.

• The supervisor 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 no agreement can be reached, the supervisor will make a final determination concerning the resolution of the complaint, based on the application of Archdiocesan and school policies and/or regulations, and communicate that determination, which will be final and binding, in writing to all parties.