In Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows School District No. 42, we believe in working together to support children. With input from parents/guardians, students, staff, and community members, we have developed guidelines to help prevent/resolve conflicts.
Under Section 11 of the School Act, parents/guardians and students have a right to appeal a decision made by an employee of the board if this decision “significantly affects the education, health or safety of a student.” The SD42 Board of Education Appeal Policy and Procedures bylaw outlines the guiding principles for all steps of the appeal process.
The recommended steps to follow in case of an issue or concern are outlined below.
We encourage parents/guardians and/or students to bring another individual – a relative or a trusted friend or advocate – to meetings at any step of the process.
STEP 1
Talk to your child's teacher
Discuss the issue with the person who made the decision or took the action you are concerned about (e.g. classroom teacher). Issues can usually be solved at this level but may involve ongoing dialogue.
STEP 2
Talk to your child's school principal
Discuss the issue with the school principal. The principal may involve appropriate resources/personnel as required.
STEP 3
Talk with the assistant superintendent
Discuss the issue with the assistant superintendent responsible for the zone in which your child’s school is located. (Refer to table below.)
Elementary Schools (East Zone)
Jovo Bikic – 604.466.6283
Albion, Alexander Robinson, Blue Mountain, cə̓sqənelə, Kanaka Creek, Webster’s Corners, Whonnock, Yennadon, French Immersion/FSL
Elementary Schools
(Central Zone)
Michael Scarcella – 604.467.1101
Alouette, Environmental School, Eric Langton, Glenwood, Golden Ears, Harry Hooge, Laity View, Learning Services
Elementary Schools
(West Zone)
David Vandergugten – 604.466.6218
Davie Jones, Edith McDermott, Fairview/Odyssey, Hammond/Montessori, Highland Park, Maple Ridge Elementary, Pitt Meadows Elementary, After School Programming, Early Learning and Childcare, StrongStart
Secondary Schools
Ken Cober – 604.466.6218
Garibaldi Secondary, Maple Ridge Secondary, Pitt Meadows Secondary, Samuel Robertson Technical Secondary, Thomas Haney Secondary, Westview Secondary, SD42 Alternate (Connex, Reconnex, Outreach), post-secondary initiatives (programs, partnerships), trades programs, Riverside Centre (International Education, Continuing Education/Connected Learning Community, Ridge Meadows College), K-12 English Language Learners, and summer school.
Other
Cheryl Schwarz- 604.466.6228
Aboriginal Education, Safe and Caring Schools, Keeping Kids in School.
STEP 4
Talk with the deputy superintendent
Discuss the issue with the deputy superintendent: 604.466.6228.
STEP 5
Appeal to the Board of Education
Appeal to the Board of Education within 15 days of completion of Step 4. (See School District No.42 bylaw and policy for appeals.)
STEP 6
Appeal to a provincial superintendent of appeals
Appeal to the superintendent of appeals (see Ministry of Education and Child Care Section 11 appeals process).
