ACG-AP Interaction Expectations for Stakeholders & Staff

West Fargo Public Schools has established guidelines to promote effective communication while maintaining an environment conducive to respectful and productive interactions for stakeholders and school staff.  

Expectations for Interactions 

1. Respect for All - Staff and stakeholders are required to treat one another with respect and courtesy. 

2. Communication Channels - Stakeholders should direct inquiries or concerns to the appropriate channels by following the districts Patron and Parental Complaint Policy. Staff should address inquiries or concerns following the chain of command or district policy.  

Expectations for Requesting a Meeting 

1. Scheduling - Stakeholders and staff are expected to schedule meetings in advance to facilitate proper preparation and ensure availability. 

2. Contact Protocol - Stakeholders should initiate the meeting request by contacting the school or departmental office. Staff should initiate the meeting request by contacting the appropriate stakeholder(s) for the topic. The request should always include a brief description of the purpose of the meeting. 

3. Respectful Communication - Stakeholders and staff are expected to communicate their concerns and/or request for a meeting in a respectful manner. Raising one's voice, using offensive language, or making personal attacks is strictly prohibited and will result in an immediate termination of the conversation and the potential cancelation of the requested meeting. 

4. Reasonable Timing - Stakeholders and staff are asked to understand that immediate meetings may not be possible and should allow for reasonable scheduling flexibility. 

Meetings requested by stakeholders are subject to evaluation, and in certain cases may not be approved. This may occur for the following reasons: 

1. The requested staff member may not be the most appropriate person to address the topic, and we will do our best to guide you to the right individual. 

2. The concern has not yet been processed through the procedure outlined in the district’s Patron and Parental Complaint Policy. 

3. The topic has already been discussed and a resolution identified through prior communications or meetings.  

4. The topic can be resolved through other means, and we will provide you with alternative solutions to address your concern efficiently and effectively.  

5. If the requestor's behavior does not align with our expectation for respectful and productive interactions, we may work together to find a more effective way to address your concerns.  

Expectations for Behavior During Meetings 

1. Respectful Tone - Stakeholders and staff are required to maintain a respectful tone during any meeting. Raising one's voice, using offensive language, or making personal attacks is strictly prohibited and may result in an immediate termination of the meeting. 

2. Active Listening - Stakeholders and staff should actively listen to the other’s perspective and allow them to address their concerns without interruption. 

3. Focused Discussion - The discussion should revolve around the specific issue or concern at hand. Stakeholders and staff are expected to stay on topic and refrain from introducing unrelated grievances. 

4. Constructive Feedback - Stakeholders and staff are encouraged to provide constructive feedback and suggest solutions when discussing concerns. 

Consequences for Stakeholders that Violate Expectations 

1. Warning - Stakeholders who engage in disrespectful behavior may receive a verbal warning from the school staff member they are speaking to. 

2. Limiting Access - In cases of repeated hostile behavior, the school may limit a stakeholder's access to school premises or personnel until the issue is resolved. 

3. Involvement of Authorities - If a situation escalates to physical threats or violence, the school district may involve law enforcement. 

Consequences for Staff that Violate Expectations 

Staff who engage in disrespectful behavior will be addressed through district policy.  

These guidelines are intended to be communicated to all stakeholders through various means, including the district's website, handbooks, newsletters, and parent-teacher conferences. The district will also provide resources for conflict resolution and effective communication to assist all stakeholders in adhering to these expectations. The school district is committed to fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, and constructive dialogue for the benefit of learners and the school community as a whole. 

Adopted: 11/28/23  

Reviewed:  

Revised: