PROCESS FOR CONCERNS 

When issues arise, we strive to resolve issues with the individuals closest to the situation. We encourage parents and staff members to form partnerships out of mutual respect and partner together to create learning environments were all students thrive. In Bangor Township, we believe that the best solutions are developed collaboratively by the people most familiar with the issue.

Individual Board of Education members of the board of as whole will not entertain or consider communications or complaints from teachers, parents, patrons or employees until they have first been referred to the superintendent. The board will only get involved when a satisfactory resolution cannot be reached when going through the communication channels. At that point, evidence will need to be submitted by the superintendent to show the communications that have taken place during the resolution of the complaint. 

PROCEDURE FOR CONCERNS

Complaints or concerns may be introduced at any level, but for the most adequate response, issues introduced at a level higher than the source of the concern will be redirected to the most appropriate level. If not satisfactorily resolved, and the complainant wishes to pursue the issue, the following steps for resolution will be followed:

Step 1: Review the issue with the staff member involved. If not satisfactorily resolved, advance to Step 2.

Step 2: Review the issue with immediate supervisor of staff member. If not satisfactorily resolved, advance to Step 3.

Step 3: Review the issue with the appropriate director or the assistant superintendent of schools. If not satisfactorily resolved, advance to Step 4.

Step 4: Review the issue with the superintendent. If not satisfactorily resolved, advance to Step 5.

Step 5: Contact the board of education in WRITTEN form addressed to the Bangor Township School District, 3359 E. Midland Road, Bay City, MI 48706. If Steps 1-4 have been followed, the superintendent shall advise the board of unresolved complaints or concerns along with appropriate background information. The complainant will have access to the services of an advocate/ mediator upon request directed to the director of community relations and marketing.

Tips for Parents

  • Know your child’s teacher, principal, and other significant people at school.

  • Contact your child’s teacher

  • when you have a classroom concern or specific concern about your child.

  • Ask for information, express a concern, suggest a solution, or share an idea through a conversation or a meeting.

  • Generate a possible plan together

  • Work with the teacher first.

  • Ask the teacher to keep the principal aware of the communication to date.

  • Agree to a timeline for trying the solution and include when you will communicate again to evaluate it.

Work with Administrators 

  • Contact your child’s principal or assistant principal

  • When you have a general school or school district concern, or when resolution cannot be reached with the teacher.

  • It is important to work with the principal when both you and the teacher agree it is time to get additional insight or when you cannot reach a solution.

  • Review the process to date

  • When the principal (or assistant principal) joins the process, be sure to review the issue, what communication has taken place and possible solutions.

  • Generate a plan together that meets the situation’s needs.

  • Agree to a timeline for trying the solution and include when you will communicate again to evaluate it. OR

  • If you are unable to agree to a solution at the building level, the principal will invite the next most appropriate administrator to join the process. Depending upon the issue, that may be the:

    • Supervisor of Transportation,
      Director of Operations,
      Director for Community Relations and Marketing,
      Director of Instructional Programs,
      Director of Student Services,
      Instructional Coordinator or
      another administrator with knowledge or experience specific to your concern.

Communicate through the Process

  • Evaluate the success of the plan

  • Make adjustments a necessary.

  • Discuss when adjustments might improve the plan.

  • Congratulate one another on your successful resolution

  • Continue to grow, learn and work together as collaborative partners.