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School District 5 Southeast Kootenay
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Jaffray Elem-Jr Secondary, Isabella Dicken Elementary, Frank J Mitchell Elementary, Rocky Mountain Elementary, Mount Baker Secondary, Laurie Middle School, T M Roberts Elementary, Gordon Terrace Elementary, Highlands Elementary, Pinewood Elementary, Steeples Elementary, Kootenay Orchards Elementary, Kootenay Learning Campus (KLC), Parkland Middle School, Elkford Elementary Secondary, Fernie Secondary, Sparwood Secondary, Kootenay Educational Services, Kootenay Discovery School
Complaints process overview
Note: Policies and procedures may change over time. This review reflects the information available as of March 2026 and was compiled to the best of my understanding. Readers should consult the original district policies and bylaws for the authoritative and most up-to-date procedures. If you notice errors, please provide feedback via the form below.
This page explains how School District No. 5 (Southeast Kootenay) expects parents and students to raise concerns, from initial conversations through to a formal appeal to the Board of Education. It covers both informal resolution processes (Administrative Procedure 152) and formal appeal rights (Board Policy 14).
How the district frames complaints
SD5 encourages concerns to be addressed informally and at the lowest level possible. Parents and students are expected to:
- raise concerns directly with the staff member involved
- work through school and district staff in a step-by-step process
- communicate respectfully and constructively
The district notes that:
- confidentiality is considered but cannot be guaranteed
- anonymous complaints are generally not addressed, except in cases involving safety or criminal matters
For written complaints about school personnel, SD5 has a more formal process that includes written submissions, notification of staff, and meetings facilitated by senior administration.
Common issues covered
- School staff behaviour or decision-making
- Student safety, discipline, or code-of-conduct matters
- Programs, services, and supports (including special education supports)
- Bullying, harassment, or safety concerns
- School or district policies and procedures
Some concerns may also qualify for a formal appeal if they significantly affect a student’s education, health, or safety.
Step-by-step process
Here’s the steps for the SD5 complaints process:
Step 1: Raise the concern directly
Concerns are expected to be raised first with the staff member most closely involved, such as a classroom teacher or support staff.
If a parent is not comfortable doing this, they may contact a school or district administrator for guidance.
Step 2: School-level review
If the issue is not resolved, it is escalated to the staff member’s supervisor — typically the principal.
At this stage, the school may:
- review the situation
- gather information
- propose solutions or next steps
Step 3: District-level review
If the concern remains unresolved, it may be escalated to district staff, such as a Director or the Superintendent.
For written complaints about school personnel, Administrative Procedure 152 Appendix outlines a more formal process:
- a written complaint must be submitted with specific details
- the district will respond regarding the process (generally within 30 days)
- staff involved are notified of the complaint
- meetings are arranged, often chaired by the Superintendent
- additional steps may include further meetings or a formal investigation
Step 4: Appeal to the Board of Education
If the issue is not resolved, parents or students may have the right to file an appeal under Board Policy 14 – Appeals Procedure Bylaw.
Appeals are limited to decisions that significantly affect a student’s education, health, or safety, including matters such as:
- access to educational programs or supports
- implementation of an Individual Education Plan (IEP)
- serious discipline decisions
- failure to respond to safety concerns
Before filing an appeal, the Board expects that:
- the issue has been discussed with the principal or appropriate administrator
- the issue has been discussed with the Superintendent
To file an appeal:
- a written notice must be submitted to the Secretary-Treasurer
- the notice must include details of the decision, its impact, and the steps already taken
The Board may refuse to hear an appeal if:
- it does not meet the requirements of the bylaw
- required preliminary steps have not been taken
- the matter does not significantly affect the student’s education, health, or safety
If an appeal proceeds:
- the Superintendent provides a report to the Board
- the matter may be decided based on written submissions and/or an oral hearing (held in closed session)
- the Board may request additional information as needed
The Board will issue a written decision with reasons.
Further appeal may be available through the Ministry of Education’s Student Appeals Branch.
Guiding principles
- Concerns are expected to be addressed respectfully and constructively
- Resolution is intended to occur at the lowest level possible
- Processes are intended to be timely and transparent
- Privacy and confidentiality are considered, but not absolute
- Anonymous complaints are generally not investigated
What families should understand
SD5’s process is structured in two parts:
- an informal resolution pathway, which focuses on working through concerns with staff and administrators
- a formal appeal process, which applies in specific situations and follows defined procedures
Understanding how these pathways work can help families navigate concerns more effectively and know what steps are available if issues remain unresolved.
Official district sources
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flowchart TD
A[Concern comes up] --> B{Can it be resolved informally?}
B -->|Yes| C[Talk to the staff member involved]
C --> D{Resolved?}
D -->|Yes| Z[Done]
D -->|No| E[Go to staff member's supervisor or principal]
E --> F{Resolved?}
F -->|Yes| Z
F -->|No| G[Contact district Director]
G --> H{Resolved?}
H -->|Yes| Z
H -->|No| I[Escalate to Superintendent]
I --> J{Resolved?}
J -->|Yes| Z
J -->|No| K{Does this decision significantly affect<br>education, health, or safety?}
K -->|No| Z
K -->|Yes| L[Prepare formal appeal<br>Must be within 30 days]
L --> M[Submit Notice of Appeal to Secretary Treasurer<br>Include: decision, impact, dates, steps taken, requested outcome]
M --> N{Does appeal meet requirements?}
N -->|No| O[Board may refuse to hear appeal]
N -->|Yes| P[Appeal proceeds]
P --> Q[Superintendent provides report<br>Appellant receives copy]
Q --> R{How will Board decide?}
R -->|Written submissions| S[Submit written arguments]
R -->|Oral hearing| T[Closed hearing with Board]
S --> U
T --> U
U[Board reviews all information<br>May ask questions or request more info]
U --> V[Board makes decision within 45 days]
V --> W[Written decision with reasons provided]
W --> X{Still not resolved?}
X -->|Yes| Y[Possible further appeal<br>to Ministry Student Appeals Branch]
X -->|No| Z
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