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Resolving Conflicts

Resolving Conflicts

Occasionally a disagreement or concern may arise about particular Academy or classroom procedures or the actions of Academy staff. We will follow Board of Trustees policy or applicable Ed Code when determinations are needed. All parties are expected to comport themselves in accordance with the Ten Core Values and to seek amicable resolution of conflicts in order to avoid escalation. In addressing any disagreements with the Academy, staff or other parents, parties should, as noted by Dr. Stephen Covey, “seek first to understand, then be understood.”      

 

The following guidelines apply to the resolutions of classroom or Academy disagreements:

  • Classroom concerns should first be brought to the attention of the scholar’s teacher. Most problems can be resolved in a parent-teacher conference.
  • Comments toward your scholar’s teacher should be kept positive, especially in front of the scholars.
  • If resolution of the matter is not accomplished by working with the teacher, please make an appointment with administration.
  • Any Academy issues should be brought to the attention of the John Adams Academy Administration.    

 

The following guidelines apply to complaints concerning Academy employees:

 

Persons with a complaint about an Academy employee should never engage in gossip or post the information on social media as that inhibits resolution of the complaint, creates further problems and can be injurious.

 

Every effort should be made to resolve complaints regarding Academy employees at the earliest possible stage. Any person who has a complaint about an Academy employee shall be encouraged to resolve the matter informally through direct communication with the employee whenever possible.

    

If a complainant is unable or unwilling to resolve the complaint directly with the employee, the complainant may submit a written complaint to the Dean or other immediate supervisor of the employee. Complaints related to a Dean shall be initially filed in writing with the Headmaster. Complaints related to a Headmaster or Academy Director shall be initially filed in writing with the Executive Director. Complaints related to the Executive Director shall be initially filed in writing with the Chairman of the John Adams Academy Board. A written complaint shall include:

  • The full name of the employee involved,
  • A brief but specific summary of the complaint and the facts surrounding it;
  • And a description of any prior attempts to discuss the complaint with the employee and the failure to resolve the matter.    

 

To promote prompt and fair resolution of the complaint, the following procedures shall govern the resolution of complaints against Academy employees:

  1. When a written complaint     is received, the employee who is the subject of the complaint shall be notified.
  2. The immediate supervisor of the employee shall investigate and attempt to resolve the complaint to the satisfaction of the parties involved. The investigation may include interviews of the employee, complainant, or witnesses as necessary and/or a review any documentation relevant to the complaint.
  3. Both the complainant and employee shall be notified in writing of the final decision regarding the resolution of the complaint.
  4. If the immediate supervisor’s decision does not resolve the concern the complainant may forward their concern through the appropriate chain of command.
  5. If the complaint is ultimately appealed to the Board, the Executive Director or designee shall submit to the Board the following information:    
    1. The full name of each employee involved
    2. A brief but specific summary of the complaint and the facts surrounding it, sufficient to inform the Board and the parties as to the precise nature of the complaint and to allow the parties to prepare a response
    3. A copy of the signed original complaint
    4. A summary of the action taken by the Executive Director or designee and the reasons that the problem has not been resolved
  6. Staff responsible for investigating complaints shall attempt to resolve the complaint to the satisfaction of the parties involved as soon as possible.