Chain of Command Information
Westwood Heights Schools desire to respond to stakeholders concerns and/or questions as quickly and effectively as possible. In the Westwood Heights School District, the chain of command refers to communication levels of authority in the school district. School Districts insitute the Chain of Command to provide stakeholders at all levels with a person they may ask questions or report complaints. The value of having an established Chain of Command is an efficient tool that provides a roadmap when reporting concerns or communicating with school staff members.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why can't I start right at the top with the Board of Education (BOE) like I do with other organizations?
The BOE must be able to make an impartial judgment in the concern brought to the BOE for consideration. It is the BOE's legal obligation to be the judge and jury. This means the school district has a legal obligation to provide due process for both students and employees. If the BOE is prejudiced against an employee or student, has prior knowledge, or has made a judgment, then the employee or student will not get a fair process and the concern could be dismissed. BOE will only review concerns that are unresolved after completing the complaint process.
Why is using this multilayered problem solving process important?
The Board of Education (BOE) is purposefully the last link in the chain of command or roadmap. by law, the BOE becomes the judge and jury for unresolved complaints that come before them. Thus, it is important to begin the process at the lowest level. Many question are quickly and completely answered by communicating directly with the affected staff person.
What is "Chain of Command"?
In the Westwood Heights School District, the chain of command refers to communication levels of authority in the school district. Westwood Heights Schools uses the Chain of Command as an essential tool in the complaint process.
Where do I begin the process if I have a concern?
Many questions are quickly and completely answered by communicating directly with the affected staff member. Each situation is different. Below are some examples to help you begin your journey.
- On Matters Involving Instruction/Curriculum
- Classroom Teacher
- Principal
- Curriculum Director
- Superintendent
- Board of Education
- On Matters Involving Student Support Services (Formerly Special Education)
- Classroom Teacher
- Principal
- Special Services Director
- Superintendent
- Board of Education
- On Matters Involving Athletics
- Coach
- Athletic Director
- Superintendent
- Board of Education
- On Matters Involving Student Discipline
- Classroom Teacher
- Assistant Principal (if applicable)
- Principal
- Special Services Director (if applicable)
- Superintendent
- Board of Education
- On Matters Involving Transportation
- Bus Driver
- Principal
- Transportation Supervisor / Coordinator
- Superintendent
- Board of Education
- On Matters Involving Facilities/Grounds/Buildings
- Principal
- Supervisor of Facilities
- Superintendent
- Board of Education
- On Matters Involving Nutrition Services
- Building Kitchen Manager
- Food Service Director
- Superintendent
- Board of Education
I find it hard to visit face-to-face with the person I have a concern with, what can I do?
Find a trusted individual to go with you. Such as a friend, family member, or a school employee who you are comfortable with. In any case, remember it cannot be a school board member.
Where do I find forms for complaints?
Complaint Forms may be found online using the links below:
Title IX Information and Form
Complaint Form