Conflict between school models and district policy
In order to resolve conflicting expectations between the individual school SBDM models, the District has formulated the following statements and policies.
The District believes...
- School governance is at the centre of educational reform and site-based decision making is the critical component of school improvement.
- SBDM is preferable to central office management, so decision making should be devolved to individual schools.
- Ownership in a decision enhances the quality of that decision and the likelihood of a successful outcome.
- Teachers are professionals who possess the expertise to make key decisions about schooling.
- All stakeholders with a vested interest in student learning should have an opportunity to become involved in the decisions affecting the education of young people.
Therefore, the District...
- recognizes and respects each individual school�s SBDM model, policies and processes;
- encourages individual schools to regularly evaluate its SBDM model to ensure it is meeting students� needs with all stakeholders participation;
- recommends a consensus decision making process with stakeholder representation if a consensus cannot be reached after reasonable deliberation, then
- a democratic vote would follow, OR
- the decision would be tabled for additional research
Conflict Resolution Policy
If a specific stakeholder group is not satisfied with a school decision, they have the right to appeal by making a presentation directly to the school council and a question and answer period will follow for clarification.
- If an issue cannot be resolved and conflict arises, it can then be referred to the District SBDM Council by submitting the details in writing.
- If an issue arises that may impact other schools in the district, the school SBDM council can refer it to the District decision making council.
- An appeal process is in place if the group is still not satisfied with the decision of the District SBDM council. The group can submit in writing the details to the School Board.
