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School District 62 Sooke

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SD62 Continuing Education, Happy Valley Elementary, Sooke Elementary, Port Renfrew Elementary, Ruth King Elementary, Sangster Elementary, Millstream Elementary, Saseenos Elementary, Belmont Secondary, Savory Elementary, Dunsmuir Middle School, Hans Helgesen Elementary, John Muir Elementary, David Cameron Elementary, Wishart Elementary, John Stubbs Middle, Spencer Middle School, Willway Elementary, Journey Middle School, Lakewood Elementary, Edward Milne Community School, Ecole Poirier Elementary, Colwood Elementary, Crystal View Elementary, John Stubbs Elementary, Royal Bay Secondary, PEXSISEṈ Elementary, Centre Mountain Lellum Middle School, Qelensen A Len Secondary School, Westshore Secondary School, SD62 Online 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 SD62 handles parent concerns and complaints, based on By-law 1-08 (Parent Student Appeals) and Policy C-350 (Appeals).

How the district frames complaints

SD62 encourages families to resolve concerns at the school level whenever possible. The district’s Resolving Concerns page emphasises that proactive and productive parent-school relationships positively influence student success and well-being and advises that communication should remain as close to the source as possible. The district also notes that social media is not an effective tool for solving concerns or challenges.

What the district does well

  • 30-day filing window specified. Appeals must be filed within 30 school days from when a decision was first made by an employee, providing a clear deadline.
  • 45-day Board decision timeline. The Board must make its decision within 45 days of the appeal being filed.
  • Named district contacts. The Resolving Concerns page lists specific staff members for escalation: Lisa Leclerc (Elementary, 250-474-9806), D’Arcy Deacon (Middle/Secondary, 250-474-9821), and Monica Braniff (Deputy Superintendent, 250-474-9807).
  • Provincial appeal referenced. The district explicitly tells parents they may appeal to the Superintendent of Appeals under section 11 of the School Act if they are dissatisfied with the Board’s decision.
  • Guiding questions provided. The Resolving Concerns page includes sample questions to help parents prepare for meetings, such as “What is the overall plan for the student’s education?” and “What is the role of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)?”
  • BCCPAC preparation guide linked. The district links to the BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils’ meeting preparation guide.

What the district does not tell parents

  • Timelines for informal steps. The district does not specify how long staff have to respond at steps 1 through 4.
  • Inaction as a decision. The policy does not explicitly state whether a failure to make a decision counts as a decision for appeal purposes.
  • Right to support person. The materials do not specify whether parents may bring a support person or advocate to meetings.
  • Student-specific complaint process. A February 2024 CHEK News investigation noted that SD62 only has administrative regulations for employee complaints, not a formal reporting policy for student complaints such as sexual assault.
  • Human Rights Tribunal. The district does not reference the BC Human Rights Tribunal as an option for complaints involving discrimination.
  • Teacher Regulation Branch. The district does not reference the Teacher Regulation Branch for concerns about educator conduct.

Step-by-step process

Step 1: Staff member. Speak directly to the person involved. Be clear and respectful, explore solutions together, and set up an action plan with follow-up dates.

Step 2: Principal or vice-principal. Make an appointment to discuss the issue and what you have already tried. The principal may involve other staff as needed.

Step 3: Deputy Superintendent or Associate Superintendent.

Step 4: Superintendent. Make an appointment with the Superintendent.

Step 5: Board of Education. If your concern remains unresolved and involves a decision that significantly affects the education, health, or safety of a student, submit a written appeal to the Superintendent. This must be done within 30 school days of the original decision. The appeal is heard in camera (private meeting). The Board must decide within 45 days.

Step 6: Provincial appeal. If you are dissatisfied with the Board’s decision, you may appeal to the Superintendent of Appeals under section 11.1 of the School Act.

Official district sources

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%%{init: {'theme': 'base', 'themeVariables': { 'primaryColor': '#fbfaf3', 'primaryBorderColor': '#e69632', 'lineColor': '#000000'}}}%%

flowchart TD
    A([Concern arises]) --> B[Step 1: Discuss with staff member involved<br/>identify issue<br/>explore solutions<br/>set action plan]
    B --> C{Resolved?}

    C -- Yes --> Z([Matter resolved])
    C -- No --> D[Step 2: Escalate to principal or vice-principal]
    D --> E{Resolved?}

    E -- Yes --> Z
    E -- No --> F[Step 3: Escalate to Deputy Superintendent or Associate Superintendent]
    F --> G{Resolved?}

    G -- Yes --> Z
    G -- No --> H[Step 4: Escalate to Superintendent]
    H --> I{Resolved?}

    I -- Yes --> Z
    I -- No --> J[Step 5: Formal appeal if decision significantly affects education, health, or safety]

    J --> K[Submit written appeal to Superintendent within 30 school days of original decision]
    K --> L[Board hears appeal in camera]
    L --> M[Board issues decision within 45 days]

    M --> N{Satisfied with Board decision?}
    N -- Yes --> Z
    N -- No --> O[Step 6: Provincial appeal to Superintendent of Achievement]
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