School Board

Step #1 - Take your concern to the person closest to the problem.
No matter where the problem is, take your concern to the person closest to the problem. Whether in the classroom, on the bus, or on the practice field, the quickest and easiest solution is usually found with the staff member most directly involved.

It's best if you make time to talk with school personnel regularly, before problems are encountered. Know who your children's teachers, bus drivers, and coaches are and how they may be contacted. Tell them when things are going well, and communicate any concerns you have quickly and openly.

If you call for an appointment to see your child's teacher or residential supervisor, please let them know in advance the general nature of your concern. This approach gives them an opportunity to ask other staff members for information that might relate to your problem or concern. If a personal visit isn't possible, please set up a telephone or TTY conference. This approach will ensure that sufficient time is dedicated to your concern. The problem you or your child faces may be the result of an oversight or misunderstanding that can be easily corrected once it is brought to the attention of the staff member most directly involved. Give them a chance to tackle the problem first.

Step #2 - Present your concern to the next level.
If your concern has not been adequately addressed, the next step is to schedule time with the appropriate Assistant Principal or Assistant Dean. Their ability to help will be improved if you share the steps you've already taken with the staff member closest to the problem, or if you will take the time to openly share with them the reasons why you feel uncomfortable dealing directly with the person who is closest to the situation. Please note that supervisory personnel rarely have ready access to the information they need to be of immediate assistance and working through them will often require additional time. Give them a chance to address your concern.

If after meeting with the Assistant Principal or Assistant Dean, you are unsatisfied with the response to your concern, the next step is to meet with the Principal or the Dean of Students. These senior administrators have responsibility for the day-to-day operations of ISD's educational and residential programs. They have significant experience in resolving issues and may have additional insight regarding your concern. The administration can also assist you in the understanding of your rights as outlined in Article 7 (Indiana's Special Education Law).

Step #3 - Talk with the superintendent.
Sometimes all the best intentions can't solve a problem. When you believe you've worked hard with those closest to the problem, and you've taken the problem to the next levels but still haven't achieved a satisfactory outcome, the superintendent is the next place to go.

Keep in mind that the superintendent's day starts early and often ends late in the evening. Part of the superintendent's job requires attendance at meetings both in and outside of ISD. As a consequence, a meeting with the superintendent will probably require some advance planning.

Step #4 - Contact a school board member.
School board members represent the interests of all parents and community members, and you should always feel free to tell them your point of view. School board members do not, however, have direct authority in day-to-day school operations. This responsibility rests with the superintendent.

One of the board's key responsibilities is to make policies that shape the operation of ISD and its programs and services. Any change in policy requires that a new policy be drafted and reviewed at separate public meetings, a procedure that often takes two or more months. Some policy changes may require substantial public input and consultation with the school board's attorney. These requirements often increase the time required for the board to make a response.

So when should a board member be contacted?
Contact a board member...

• after other means to solve a problem have failed
• when a policy is being enforced but you believe it results in bad consequences
• when you believe a policy isn't being enforced
• when policies or procedures are not enforced fairly for everyone

Written comments can be sent to the Board at the following address:

ISD Board
Superintendent's Office
1200 East 42nd Street
Indianapolis, IN 46205
Phone (317) 924-8400
Fax (317) 923-2853