Parent and Student Appeals

When you have a problem or concern with a decision made by employees at your children’s school, you have a right to be heard. Many disagreements can be settled by meeting face-to-face with a teacher, vice-principal or principal.

If you’re still not satisfied, you can take your concern to your district superintendent of schools, or your local board of education under Section 11 of the School Act.
This process has been in place for many years. But parents and students will soon have another option.

The B.C. government passed new legislation in 2007 to better support student achievement. Along with a number of other improvements, the legislation creates new provincial Superintendent of Achievement positions. These superintendents will be at arm’s-length from boards of education and have the authority to refer matters to mediation or adjudication. In extenuating circumstances, they can stay a board of education decision until the matter is heard. They also have the authority to dismiss all or part of an appeal.

The Ministry of Education is also establishing a new Student Appeals Branch to support superintendents of achievement in their work.

 

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