Parent Guide For Addressing School Concerns
Our Onteora schools exist to educate and nurture the children of our diverse community. Our mission is to create an engaging and healthy learning environment that empowers all students to pursue their dreams, achieve their goals, and contribute thoughtfully to the global community. When issues arise at school, following the guidelines listed below will help to expedite the resolution of school-related concerns.
The Board of Education shall ensure that no student is discriminated against in programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance. Individuals protected by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are those individuals who: have a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities (e.g. caring for one's self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and working); have a record of such impairment; or are regarded as having such an impairment. For more information on this policy (7621), please click here. Onteora Central School District’s Title VI/VII/IX Compliance Officer is Stephanie Laffin 504 Compliance Officer is Amanda Allison
The Dignity for All Students Act provides for extra safeguards against bullying. Each building has a DASA coordinator (Elem- Building Principal, MS/HS – Dieter Schimmelpfennig) who can help students and parents address concerns specific to these issues. The Board of Education is committed to providing an educational and working environment that promotes respect, dignity and equality. The Board recognizes that harassment, hazing and bullying is detrimental to student learning and achievement. It interferes with the mission of the district to educate its students and disrupts the operation of the schools. Such behavior affects not only the students who are its targets but also those individuals who participate and witness such acts. This is part of Policy 7380 Bullying.
1) If an issue arises within your student’s classroom, the first step to take is to contact the person closest to the problem or concern, which is usually your child’s classroom teacher. Please see the directories on each school's web page.
2) If the teacher is unable to resolve your concern, or if you do not feel comfortable speaking with the teacher, contact your child’s building Administrator (Principal, Assistant Principal, Dean). For concerns related to bullying, another option is to contact the school's DASA coordinator.
3) If the building Administrator is unable to resolve your concern, please call the Superintendent’s secretary at 845-657-8851 or email swood@onteora.k12.ny.us. She will direct your call to the appropriate department, such as special education, food services, curriculum, or transportation.
4) If the department is unable to resolve your concern, please contact the Superintendent’s secretary to speak with the Superintendent.
5) If you feel the Superintendent is unable to appropriately address your concern, please reach out to the Board of Education. Board of Education Trustees are elected officials that are not compensated for their time. Our Board members serve the public with a desire to make their community and their schools the best they can be. Please contact the district clerk at districtclerk@onteora.k12.ny.us
Although we strive to resolve all concerns as quickly as possible, it may take time to provide you with answers. We appreciate your patience.