Sunshine Coast School District

Appeals Procedure

Reviewing a Decision of the Principal, or Designate Regulation #1750

When a student / guardian wants to appeal a decision made by the Principal, the student or guardian should first meet with the Principal to outline the concerns. If there is no resolution at this “first step” then the
appeal will go through three stages.

Initiation Stage
The student / parent can appeal a decision of the Principal if the decision affects the studentʼs education, health or safety. This objection should be submitted in writing to the Principal indicating the decisionʼs negative impact. The Principal will then implement the appeal process at the school level.

Review Stage
Each school has a standing review committee comprised of one member from each of the following: Parent Advisory Council (PAC), Sunshine Coast Principalsʼ Association and school staff. For each appeal, the standing committee will add one nominee chosen by the student / parent making the appeal.

The committee will review the decision, giving due consideration to the issues of the person making the appeal and the issues of the Principal. The committee will also consider all applicable provincial, district and school legislation, regulation and policy.

While the appeal process is being carried out, the original decision will remain in effect.

Reporting Out Stage
The review committee presents its final report, in writing, to the Principal and the person who requested the appeal. The Principal makes a final decision at the school level and informs the person who initiated the appeal.

If this process fails to satisfy the complainant, that person may appeal to the Superintendent in writing.

If the appeal still cannot be resolved, the parent may appeal to the Board of Education through the Secretary-Treasurer and follow Regulation #1840.

Student / Parent Appeal Procedure Regulation #1840

An appeal must be commenced within 30 days of the date the student or parent was informed of the decision that is being appealed.

Filing an Appeal
The notice of appeal shall include the following information:

a. the name, address, email address (if applicable) and telephone number of the person making the
appeal, including the studentʼs name, school, and grade level;
b. A description of the decision that is being appealed and its effect on the education or safety
of the student;
c. the name of the employee who made the decision;
d. the date that the person making the appeal was first informed of the decision;
e. the grounds of the appeal and the action requested;
f. the steps that the Appellant has taken to discuss the matter directly with the person who made the decision or with other school or district employees. Upon receiving the appeal, the Secretary-Treasurer will give notice to the Board of Education, the Superintendent and the employee whose decision is being
appealed. The Superintendent may appoint a designate to be responsible for carrying out the appeal procedure under this Regulation.

Steps to Follow

See Bylaw #8200 – Appeal of Decisions

1. The Superintendent will prepare a report for the School Board with a copy to the complainant.
2. The appeal is heard by the Board in-camera at the next Closed Meeting.
3. The complainant has the right to appear before the Board and notifies the Superintendent accordingly.
4. The Board may request the presence of the complainant or any other person.
5. The Board will deliberate in the absence of all persons involved in the dispute.
6. The Board shall make a decision on the matter in question after listening to the appeal and shall give written reasons for the decision to the complainant. Such decision shall be final.
7. No person shall penalize / discriminate against a person who brings a complaint, or gives evidence, etc. regarding a complaint.

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