Sinton I.S.D. has Procedures for Hearing Suggestions or Resolving School Complaints

How is the best way for a school district to handle a situation involving the suggestions or concerns of students, parents, employees, and the Public?

Resolving those situations quickly, to the satisfaction of all parties concerned, is the goal of the Sinton I.S.D. “STEPS” process.  “STEPS” signifies “Solutions to Eliminate Problem Situations” and represents the “channels of communication: that all students, employees, parents, and taxpayers are required to follow in addressing a concern.

Here is how it works for resolving student and parent concerns:

Step 1 requires contacting the principal or program supervisor  The principal or program supervisor is the person in charge of the campus or program and is responsible for handling concerns regarding the school or service operation.

Step 2 requires contacting the Superintendent or designee if the previous steps have been unsuccessful.

Step 3 requires contacting the school board.  If a concern has not been resolved at any of the previous steps, the concerned party may have the issue considered by the school board by making a written request to the superintendent by noon of the sixth day (district business days) prior to regular and special meetings.

Here is how it works for resolving public and employee concerns:

Step 1 requires contacting the principal or program supervisor.  The principal or program supervisor is the person in charge of the campus or program and is responsible for handling concerns regarding the school or service operation.

Step 2 requires contacting the appropriate central office administrator (Asst. Superintendent) if the previous steps have been unsuccessful

Step 3 requires contacting the Superintendent or designee if the previous steps have been unsuccessful.

Step 4 requires contacting the school board.  If a concern has not been resolved at any of the previous steps, the concerned party may have the issue considered by the school board by making a written request to the superintendent by noon of the sixth day (district business days) prior to regular and special meetings.

Each board meeting includes a citizen’s participation section in which citizens can sign up to address the board about any matter other than the character or performance of any student, employee, or board member.  The board is prohibited by law from acting on any matter that is not on the agenda.

There are several advantages to this established channel of communication-but they can only be realized if the correct procedures are faithfully followed.  These procedures provide everyone equal access to the appropriate decision makers, thus allowing for a quick resolution of concerns or problems.  These procedures help protect the confidentiality of everyone inside and outside of the schools.  These channels of communication neutralize individual tendencies to pursue personal agendas or special interest that are not in agreement with the goals and objectives of the organization.  Issues can be resolved in a professional manner without disrupting daily operations. Another advantage of the procedures is that the scope of conflict is limited and a way is provided for the persons closest to a problem to reach a resolution.  Finally, these procedures build confidence, trust, and support.  They allow leaders at the appropriate levels to demonstrate that they know how to do their jobs and care enough about others to resolve problems quickly, effectively, and professionally.

These advantages are lost when individuals are allowed to avoid the correct channels of communication.