Parents » Grievance Process

Grievance Process

At Western Academy Charter School, we believe that open communication and collaboration between families, staff, and leadership are essential to student success. We want parents to feel comfortable bringing forward questions, concerns, or suggestions, and we are committed to addressing them promptly and fairly.

 

Below you will find our Grievance Process, which explains the steps for raising concerns depending on the type of issue. For matters related to student welfare as defined by Florida law, please also review our Student Welfare Policy in the Student & Family Handbook.

 

1. General Concerns (Classroom, Teacher, School Operations)

  • First, speak directly with your child’s teacher.

  • If unresolved, schedule a meeting with school administration (this may be the Principal or an Assistant Principal, depending on the nature of the concern).

  • If still unresolved, parents may:

    • Email or contact the Parent Liaison on the Board of Directors, or

    • Submit a Student/Parent Comment or Complaint Form to bring the concern to the Board at a monthly meeting. Forms must be submitted by 12:00pm on the day of the meeting to be included on that month’s agenda; otherwise they will be carried to the following month.

2. Complaints Regarding the Administration

  • Complaints specifically concerning the Principal should be submitted in writing to the Parent Liaison on the Board of Directors.

  • Complaints may be delivered to the school office (addressed to the Parent Liaison) or emailed directly to the Parent Liaison.

3. Student Welfare Complaints (as defined by Florida law)

These include concerns about:

  • Parental notification regarding changes in services related to a student’s mental, emotional, or physical health.

  • Instruction and training covered by HB 443 / HB 1557 and related statutes.

  • Parental rights in education as provided in sections 1002.20 and 1014.04, F.S.

Process:

  1. Submit a written complaint to the Principal (or designee). A written response will be provided within seven (7) business days.

  2. If unresolved, the parent may seek review by the local school district, which must respond within 30 days.

  3. If still unresolved, the parent may:

    • Request a Special Magistrate through the Florida Department of Education, or

    • Pursue a legal remedy in court.

4. Board Meetings and Public Comment

The Board of Directors meets on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Notices are posted at least 48 hours prior. Parents and community members are welcome to attend.

  • Public Comment and Complaint forms are available on our website and in the school office.

  • We encourage families to share input and participate in school governance.

  • Forms must be submitted by 12:00pm on the day of the meeting to be included on that month’s agenda; otherwise they will be carried to the following month.