New legislation allows complaints about schools or school boards to be heard by the Ontario Ombudsman so the Lambton Kent District School Board is implementing a complaint resolution policy.
Director of Education Jim Costello says the first step is always to try and resolve the issue through the school.
"We take pride in our ability to work with students and staff and parents to resolve issues and we look forward to continuing to do that, we hope this regulation if anything highlights that process," says Costello. "It's always good and especially at the start of the school year to set this process out so people become aware of it."
Costello says complaints or concerns should start with the teachers, and then if unresolved would go to first the principal, then Superintendents of Education, and finally director of education.
He says the ombudsman has suggested boards set up a formal policy so his staff can be sure steps were taken to resolve issues before getting involved.
