Dispute Resolution: When parents and school divisions disagree

Both informal and formal processes are available to parents. School Divisions in Manitoba have information available to parents about the local or school division policy. It is important to read the school division policy and to follow the line of communication provided.

Informal Process
Whenever possible, disputes should be resolved as close to the local level as possible. To assist parents and educators, Manitoba Education, Citizenship and Youth has developed a resource for problem solving and informal dispute resolution for schools, families and communities. A number of suggestions are included in the resource guide and pamphlet entitled, Working Together: A Guide to Positive Problem Solving for Schools, Families and Communities.

Formal Process
The Amendment to the Public Schools Act: Appropriate Educational Programming required that a dispute resolution process be developed for use when there is a disagreement about the appropriateness of the educational programming or placement being provided by the school board to a pupil who has an individualized educational plan.

The formal process will be used to resolve issues that cannot be resolved at the school division level. Local processes must have been completed, including an appeal and decision by the Board of Trustees.

The formal dispute resolution process has been developed for use at the provincial level. The details are included in the Manitoba regulations 155/2005 ( 112 KB ) and further information is available in the following documents

For the informal dispute resolution process contact: Joanna Blais.
For the formal dispute resolution process contact: Bryan Harley.