Grievance Policy
GEO Academies are public charter schools, and as such, supports the voluntary and professional resolution of any conflicts that may arise between scholars, staff, parents, or other related parties in order to foster a positive and healthy environment for learning for all.
The Board of Directors of the school recognizes that, unfortunately, however, some issues require additional assistance in order to reach a satisfactory resolution for all concerned.
Therefore, in order to support all parties involved, the Board hereby establishes the following Conflict Resolution Policies:
1. One-On-One Resolution
Each issue should first be addressed between those directly involved. Should a scholar, parent, or staff member fail to begin the process at the lowest level, and instead attempt to go directly to the Head of School, to GEO Academies, or to a Board Member, that person at the higher level shall direct the complainant back to the affected person at the appropriate level in the process. Scholars may ask for the assistance of a teacher in mediating their discussion.
2. Head of School Resolution
If an appropriate resolution is not reached with direct conversation between the conflicted parties, it may be brought to the attention of the Head of School, in writing, for further discussion. The Head of School will bring all affected parties together within 48 hours (when possible), and will facilitate communication and develop a plan for conflict resolution.
Parents and staff members should expect that all legal rules regarding scholars and employee privacy and safety will be respected and followed, for the protection of their children and others.
Should the issue concern the Head of School, this step may be skipped, and a parent or staff member may directly contact the school superintendent, Dana Teasley, at GEO Academies, at dteasley@geoacademies.org. At this stage, all concerns regarding the Head of School shall be communicated in writing so the Superintendent may investigate thoroughly.
The written concern should include the following information:
- Describe the incident, decision, or practice that gave rise to the concern;
- Cite the contract, policy, or procedure that has been violated and/or rationale for concern;
- Describe what conflict resolution strategies were attempted in prior steps; and
- Explain what corrective action is being requested
3. Superintendent/Board of Directors
If no resolution is reached at the school level, parties may put their concerns in writing (following the steps outlined above) and contact the School Superintendent, Dana Teasley at dteasley@geoacademies.org. The Superintendent will investigate the issue with all parties involved using the information provided and will facilitate a resolution within 7 days (where possible).
If a resolution is still not reached to all parties’ satisfaction, a written complaint may be sent to the Board of Directors at the school’s address. The written complaint shall contain the information above, as well as additional information from the resolution session with the School Superintendent.
The Board President, or designee, shall review the grievance, and shall ensure that all steps have been followed before adding the complaint to the Board agenda. While any member of the public is always welcome to speak in an open meeting, no formal complaint shall be addressed by the Board without it first having followed these proper procedures. Issues of employee or student privacy may be addressed in Executive Session, as is legally proper.
The board, in regular or executive session, shall review any conflict(s) brought before it as requested and as permitted by law. The board shall do one or all of the following:
a. Remand the conflict back to the Head of School or Superintendent, with a directive to find a reasonable and quick resolution.
- Remand the conflict back to the two parties, with the Head of School or Superintendent mediating the conflict.
- Mediate the conflict and render a decision to resolve the conflict.
- All decisions of the Board of Directors shall be final.
4. Exceptions
a. Criminal situations will be referred to the proper authorities.
- Issues of suspension and expulsion will be handled according to School Discipline Policy and relevant state law.