2140Administrative Organization and Appeals Process

General School Administration/General

The School Committee values the freest possible interchange of ideas among all members of the school community. The following principles of administrative responsibility are not intended to interrupt the free and open flow of ideas and assistance within the school department.  Under normal circumstances, the following principles shall govern the administrative operation of the school system.

1.      The superintendent shall maintain an organization chart for the school district indicting lines of responsibility and authority.

a.      Communications should flow simply and clearly according to the organizational chart.

b.      Each member of the staff shall be told to whom he or she is responsible and for what functions.

c.      Whenever possible, each member of the staff shall be made responsible to only one immediate supervisor for any one function.

d.      All personnel shall refer matters requiring administrative action to the administrative officer immediately in charge of the area in which the problem arises, unless, by policy or other authority another referral is indicated or authorized, such as may be necessitated when the nature of the matter creates personal discomfort on the part of the complainant.

e.      Administrative officers shall refer such matters to the next higher authority when necessary.

f.      All employees shall have the right to appeal any decision made by an administrative officer to the next administrative level in accordance with the district’s organizational chart.  After exhausting steps within the administration and except where statute or regulation direct appeals elsewhere, concerns may be brought to the School Committee, in writing, through the agenda process.

2.      Members of the community with concerns or issues of interest are encouraged to bring them forward. The manner in which the district deals with concerns and complaints reflects its relationship with the community and its openness to suggestion and improvement. The committee believes that all concerns should be resolved at the level of decision-making, and by the individuals, closest to the concern.  In general, issues should be brought to the individual closest to the situation, be it teacher, principal, or the superintendent.  Appeals may be brought to the next administrative level in accordance with the district’s organizational chart.  After exhausting steps within the administration and except where statute or regulation direct appeals elsewhere, concerns may be brought to the School Committee, in writing, through the agenda process.

3.      Students are members of the school community and also have the right to express ideas, make suggestions, and appeal decisions.  The committee believes that all concerns should be resolved at the level of decision-making, and by the individuals, closest to the concern.  In general, issues should be brought to the individual closest to the situation, be it teacher, principal, or the superintendent.  Appeals may be brought to the next administrative level in accordance with the district’s organizational chart.  After exhausting steps within the administration and except where statute or regulation direct appeals elsewhere, concerns may be brought to the School Committee, in writing, through the agenda process.  This includes, but is not limited to issues related to discipline and graduation.  Students who are minors are required to bring issues forward through their parents/guardians in situations that involve their individual rights.  To the extent permitted by the Open Meetings Act, issues involving confidential student information will be addressed in closed session.

Policy Adopted: November 30, 1959

Revised: November 25, 2003

Revised:  October 23, 2007