PARENT/PATRON/STUDENT
GUIDE TO SOLVING A PROBLEM AT SCHOOL
Gordon-Rushville
Public Schools
Policy 2006 and 3035
Policy 2006 outlines the steps set forth by the Board of Education to address Parent/Student/Patrons complaints.
This policy and all policies can be found on the school’s website @ www.grmustangs.org under the School Board tab. A hard copy can also be found in each attendance center office.
The key to addressing issues is to follow the chain of command as outlined below. The chain of command is explained in depth in policy 3035.
If you have a concern…
No matter where the problem is, take your concern to that person first. Whether in the classroom, on the bus, or the practice field, the quickest and easiest solution is usually found with the staff member most directly involved.
It’s best if you take time to talk with school personnel regularly, before problems are encountered. Know who your children’s teachers, bus drivers, and coaches are and how to contact them. All school personnel have a school email address. The email address is composed of their first name. last name@grmustangs.org (ex. john.smith@grmustangs.org).
If you call for an appointment to see your child’s teacher, why not let them know in advance what the general nature of your concern is? This gives an opportunity to gather any necessary information that may help to answer your questions and concerns.
If a personal visit isn’t possible, why not call once to state the problem, and during that conversation, offer to call back at a time when you both can discuss the situation in more detail. The problem may be the result of an oversight or misunderstanding that can easily be corrected once brought to the
attention of the staff member most directly involved. Give them a chance to tackle the problem first.
Present your concerns to
the next level
The principal is responsible for the supervision of staff and day-to -day operations within a building. This is an example of the next level of school personnel you should contact if the staff member closer to the problem is unable to satisfactorily resolve the problem.
The principal’s ability to help will improve if you share the steps you have already taken with the staff member closest to the problem, or if you will take time to openly share with them the reasons why you feel uncomfortable dealing directly with that person. Supervisory personnel will rarely have ready access to the information they need to be of immediate assistance therefore, working through them will require additional time.
Talk to the Superintendent
Sometimes the best intentions can’t solve a problem. When you believe you have followed the chain of command, but still haven’t achieved a satisfactory outcome, the Superintendent of Schools is the next place to go. Keep in mind the Superintendent’s obligations may require some advanced planning to schedule a meeting. Your patience is appreciated.
Board of Education
Members of the Board of Education have no authority or power to act on behalf of the Board or the District except when acting as a member of the entire Board at a duly called board meeting or when acting with the express, specific authority granted by the Board or by law. Board members do not have direct authority in regard to day-to-day school operations.
School board members are elected to represent the interest of all district patrons, and you should feel free to tell them your point of view. If a board member is contacted by a patron/parent regarding a problem, the board member may listen attentively to the concerns, but may not take any position. Board members will guide individuals to follow the chain of command to resolve problems.
The role of Board of Education is explained in detail in Policy 2001. In brief the board’s primary duties are: (1) to establish a mission, goals, and policies; (2) to establish and maintain school facilities; (3) to select a superintendent; (4) to adopt a fiscally responsible budget; and (5) to evaluate programs.
The board shall concern itself with broad questions of mission, goals, and policy, rather than administrative details. The application of policies is an administrative task to be performed by the superintendent or his or her administrative staff who shall be held responsible for the effective administration and supervision of the entire school district.
Contact Information
Gordon Elementary
500 W. 2nd Street
Gordon, NE 6934
308-282-0216
G-R Middle School and
Rushville Elementary
310 Sprague Street
Rushville, NE 69360
308-327-2491
G-R High School
810 N. Oak Street
Gordon, NE 69343
308-282-1322
Superintendent’s Office
810 N. Oak Street
Gordon, NE 69343
308-282-1322