A Parent’s Guide to Resolving School Concerns and Complaints Linda Gill Marvin Jones Executive Directors Office of School Administration

Charles County Public Schools staff members strive to:  provide a quality educational program for all students  work with parents and students  communicate effectively to answer questions, provide information, and explain decisions  resolve concerns as respectfully as possible

In order to access accurate information and seek effective resolution, we request that parents:  address questions and concerns to staff members directly involved with situations  encourage conversation  understand staff confidentiality responsibilities (FERPA, ADA, and Employee Privacy Protection)

Informal Complaints – questions, concerns, complaints  contact the school principal  generally benefit from a meeting or conference  principals consult with additional staff members  understand staff confidentiality responsibilities (FERPA, ADA, and Employee Privacy Protection)

Formal Complaints - if informal complaints have not generated resolution  call Office of School Administration  share question/concern and contact information  Executive Directors will investigate, visit schools  Executive Directors will contact parent/guardian, meet  understand staff confidentiality responsibilities (FERPA, ADA, and Employee Privacy Protection)

Formal Complaints - if initial contact has not generated resolution  contact Dr. Sylvia Lawson in the Office of School Administration  share question/concern and contact information  Dr. Sylvia Lawson will investigate, visit schools  Dr. Sylvia Lawson will contact parent/guardian, meet  understand staff confidentiality responsibilities (FERPA, ADA, and Employee Privacy Protection)

What is not a school concern or complaint?  appeals (School Change Requests, Special Education)  Freedom of Information Act requests  requests for accommodations under ADA  processes governed by other regulations or laws