Skip to main content
search
APPEAL PROCESS POLICY

An appeal concerning any matter relating to the JPII Catholic Schools preschools, elementary schools, middle school or high school shall be processed in accordance with the following regulations:

  • Resolution of Ordinary Differences within the School Community
  • Recognition of Administrative Authority
  • Process of Appeal
  • Parent Concerns Protocol-See Parent Resources tab
JPII CATHOLIC SCHOOLS APPEAL PROCESS
RESOLUTION OF ORDINARY DIFFERENCES WITHIN THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Every attempt should be made to resolve a conflict at the lowest possible level. Occasionally, matters may arise which will require an objective review by a third party in order to assure the maintenance of positive relationships within the JPII Catholic Schools  community. Saint John Paul II Catholic Schools Network believes that most differences can be resolved through open verbal communication. To facilitate reconciliation, communication and the strengthening of the community of faith, the following general guidelines shall be followed:

  • In any conflict, an effort shall first be made to resolve the issue in a spirit of fairness and justice by following the ordinary and regular communication channels between the people involved.
  • If the conflict cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the parties involved and further action is desired, recourse must be made to the person with the next higher level of accountability up to and including the school principal.
  • If the conflict cannot be resolved following steps one and two above, then a parent, student (18 years or older) or employee may have recourse to the superintendent who will initiate discussion between the parties and attempt to bring about a peaceful resolution.
RECOGNITION OF ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY

St. John Paul II Catholic Schools recognizes the administrators’ authority to exercise discretion within the parameters of JPII Catholic Schools policy.

CRITERIA & PROCEDURES

When a parent, an employee or a student (18 years of age or older) believes his/her rights have been violated and/or the principal is believed to be acting contrary to JPII Catholic Schools policy, and further action is desired, the person must submit an appeal in writing to the President of JPII Catholic Schools. Such a written appeal must be submitted to the President within seven (7) working days from the date that discussion occurred and only after ordinary and regular communication channels have been attempted between the parties involved, as described in the steps of this policy. The written appeal shall contain the following information:

  • The subject of the appeal
  • What rights and/or policies have been violated
  • Any factual data, other than hearsay, the person considers appropriate
  • The efforts that have been made to resolve the issue
CRITERIA & PROCEDURES

The President will investigate the appeal to determine whether a person’s rights and/or policy have been violated and render a written decision within seven (7) working days of receipt of the written appeal statement.

In the event that the parent, employee or student (18 years of age or older) feels the President has not properly interpreted or applied policy, or has failed to recognize that the complainants’ rights have been violated, they may then, within seven (7) working days, further appeal to the Chairman of the Board of the JPII Catholic Schools Board of Directors. Such appeal must be submitted in writing as outlined in this policy.

The Chairman of the Board will acknowledge receipt of the appeal and attempt to complete the process within (30) days of receipt. The Chairman of the Board will review the materials submitted to the President and may ask for further details. Should a hearing be necessary, the Chairman of the Board may hear the appeal or form a hearing committee if he deems appropriate. If a hearing committee is formed, a member of the Board of Directors must be appointed to the committee.

Within ten (10) working days of the hearing, the Chairman of the Board shall render a written decision to the parent, employee or student. The decision of the Chairman of the Board is final and binding and concludes the appeal process.

The appeal process is designed to support the Catholic Church’s belief in subsidiary (that is, the principle that issues and decisions should be determined at the lowest possible level of authority).

An attorney may not represent the complainant at any time during the appeal process.

To the extent possible, all documents, records or proceedings dealing with the appeal process shall be kept confidential.

The time between any of the steps in the procedure may be lengthened at the discretion of the Chairman of the Board or upon mutual, written agreement by all parties.

It should be noted that compliance with this internal policy is required prior to the employee or other aggrieved party seeking resolution through an outside process, such as the Diocesan Board of Conciliation and Arbitration.