Grievance Resolution
The ASD considers parent, student and community support and input vital to school accountability and success. The general policy and procedures for addressing parents’ concerns or complaints about any ASD school in the district are provided below.
- If a parent/community member or student has a concern that a school has violated the law, applicable district policy, a charter contract or student safety responsibilities, then they may appeal to the Achievement School District’s Office of the Superintendent for assistance resolving the issue. When warranted, the Office of the Superintendent will engage the ASD’s General Counsel and/or external authorities to investigate and/or address an issue. The decision documented by the Office of the Superintendent shall represent the input and final decision of the ASD leadership team.
- Where the issue involves a criminal violation of the law (e.g., a parent believes that his or her child has been physically abused by a school employee or another student), the parent should immediately contact the local police department and the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS). School and district personnel who suspect student abuse are required to notify DCS and the ASD’s Office of the Superintendent, and shall immediately do so upon notification or substantiated suspicion that a student has been abused.
Parent and Community Grievance Resolution Flowchart
1. Which type of Problem am I having? |
|||
General Issues | Enrollment Issues | Special Ed Issues | Critical Issues |
---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
2. Who is responsible for working with me to find a solution? |
|||
These issues are the responsibility of the school. The ASD can’t mandate decisions in these areas. | Most issues can be resolved by the school. The ASD’s student enrollment office will ensure that all ASD-eligible students are granted enrollment in accordance with ASD policy. | These issues can be resolved by the school. The ASD’s special education office can serve as a mediator and will ensure all required services are provided. | For these issues, the ASD’s Office of the Superintendent and appropriate Federal Programs coordinator will work with you until the issue is resolved. |
3. What steps need to happen to address my problem? |
|||
|
For Transfers
For Other Issues
|
|
|
4. What happens if my problem still isn’t resolved after I’ve done everything on the list? |
|||
If the school principal does not respond within 5 days or the response is unsatisfactory, you can reach out to the operator’s designated leader and if necessary, the Board, if it is a charter school; and to the Head of Schools if it is an Achievement School. To request an appeal of a remand/alternative school placement, you may contact the ASD’s Manager of Enrollment and Discipline within 5 school days of the remand notification at 901-440-9735 | Your child should continue to attend the assigned school, as applicable. If within 5 days your child’s enrollment issue is not resolved, you may contact the ASD’s Manager of Enrollment and Discipline at enrollment@tnasd.org for review. | Please review the TDOE Notice of Procedural Safeguards on the state website for next steps. | You will always be able to reach your ASD’s Office of the Superintendent contact during business hours. These issues may not be solved immediately, but your contact will make sure you know what’s going on,and won’t stop until we find an answer. |