Education is a shared experience involving home and school, and we believe that open communication strengthens relationships between families, schools and communities. It is our practice to address concerns in a sensitive, respectful and private manner. This page gives an overview of how our school system is structured so you can find the right person to help address your concerns.
OCDSB Communications Protocol
Communication with Parents: What to Expect
In June 2024, the Ministry of Education issued new guidelines (PPM 170) about how schools should communicate with parents. These guidelines require school boards to have a clear process for responding to questions and concerns from parents.
Our Commitment to You
We know that parents play a vital role in their child's education. We're committed to responding to your questions and concerns in a timely and respectful way. This helps build trust between us.
The OCDSB acknowledges the vital role played by parents and caregivers in supporting their child’s education and that responding to legitimate questions and concerns in a timely manner is important for establishing trust.
Respectful Communication
We believe that open and respectful communication is key to resolving any issues. We expect all members of our school community – staff, parents, students, and caregivers – to treat each other with respect. All members of the OCDSB community, including staff, parents, caregivers and students are at all times bound to follow the OCDSB School District Code of Conduct policy. We won't respond to communication that is abusive or disrespectful, and our staff are expected to be professional and courteous at all times.
Timelines for Responses
Whether you have a question for a teacher, the school principal, or the school board, here's what you can expect:
- We will acknowledge your question or concern within two (2) school days.
- If we can't give you a full answer within five (5) school days, we'll let you know and give you an estimate of when you can expect a response.
How to Get in Touch
- Classroom Questions: Talk to your child's teacher or other relevant staff member.
- School-Wide Questions: Contact the school office.
- General Questions (not specific to your child or school): Contact the school board.
You can reach us by phone, email, or by setting up a meeting (in person or online). We'll try our best to communicate with you in the way that you prefer, but sometimes we might choose a different method if it's more appropriate.
We're committed to making sure that you understand the information we share. If needed, we can provide interpretation or translation services.
Helpful Tips
- The first step is to address the issue with the person closest to it. Most concerns can be resolved directly at the school level by speaking with your Classroom Teacher, Vice-Principal, or Principal. If you're unsure who to contact, simply call or email the school, and they'll guide you to the appropriate person.
- If you’re unsure where to start with a concern, our simple guide can help. Whether it’s a classroom, school-wide, or board-wide issue, this chart outlines the best first step. If you’re still unsure who to contact, we're here to assist you—just give us a call or send an email.
- School staff are directly involved in the daily operations of your child's school. Your classroom Teacher ensures that your child is learning the curriculum and reports to the Principal. The Principal manages the overall operations of the school and is well-versed in both school and Board procedures and policies.
- Superintendents are part of the Board's Executive Council and they are responsible for the operations of the school board. School Principals and Department Managers report to a Superintendent. They are directly involved in the day-to-day operations of the overall school system and responsible for board-wide programs.
- The Director of Education is responsible for the overall leadership and strategic direction of all schools and departments. The Director works closely with the Board of Trustees (currently the Ministry-appointed Supervisor Robert Plamondon) and oversees the Superintendents, ensuring that board-wide goals and procedures are effectively implemented. While not involved in the day-to-day school operations, the Director plays a critical role in shaping the educational experience for all students across the system.
- School Board Trustees are elected every four years during the municipal election and are responsible for governance. On June 27, 2025, the Minister of Education placed the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board under supervision. While under supervision, all decisions that would normally be made by trustees will now be made by the appointed Supervisor, Robert Plamondon.
- Concerns About Client Service (Administrative Complaints)
Step 1: Talk with the employee who provided the service;
Step 2: Talk with the employee’s supervisor/manager/principal;
Step 3: Talk with the employee’s superintendent; and
Step 4: Talk with the Director of Education or their designate. - Concerns About Safety of School, Property, Facilities or Equipment
If you have a concern relating to the safety of school or District property, facilities or equipment, the individual shall contact the appropriate school or department directly. - Concerns/Complaints Related to Student Transportation
Concerns related to transportation of should be directed to the Ottawa Student Transportation (OSTA).
We recognize that from time to time, situations arise which may result in complaints. For these situations, the school district has a complaint resolution policy and procedur