How to Effectively Communicate with School Officials

Parents are often discouraged when they attempt to communicate with central office administrators and are sent back to building‐based officials in order to resolve a problem their child may be experiencing in school.

To prevent that frustration, parents can become informed about the “chain of command,” or where to begin the communication sequence regarding their problem or concern.

Many parent and community questions are easily and completely answered by communicating directly with the educator in charge of the class or program. Each situation should first be addressed at whatever level the initial action was taken with appeals moving on to the next level on the chain of command. The easiest way to communicate is via e‐mail, and a phone call is the next preferable way.

1. On matters Involving Instruction/Curriculum, PowerSchool, Testing, Homework

a. Classroom Teacher

b. Guidance Counselor

c. Assistant Principal

d. Principal

c. Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Services

e. Superintendent

2. On Matters Involving Athletics

a. Coach

b. Assistant Principal/Athletic Director

c. Principal

3. On Matters Involving Student Discipline

a. Classroom Teacher

b. Assistant Principal (Secondary level)

c. Principal

d. Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services and Operations

f. Superintendent

4. On Matters Involving Facilities/Grounds/Buildings

a. Principal

b. Operations Supervisor/Maintenance Supervisor

c. Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services and Operations

d. Superintendent

5. On Matters Involving Transportation

a. Bus Driver

b. Director, Transportation

c. Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services and Operations

d. Superintendent