Communication & Support Protocol
How to Ask Questions, Find Support, and Share Concerns
At Grand Haven Area Public Schools, we value open communication and strong partnerships with our families and community. Our goal is to provide timely, respectful, and effective responses to questions, concerns, and requests for support.
To help ensure concerns are addressed by the people closest to the situation—and resolved as quickly as possible—we ask families to follow our Chain of Communication outlined below. Starting at the appropriate level allows staff to gather accurate information, provide context, and work toward solutions efficiently. If a concern cannot be resolved at one level, it may be elevated to the next step.
We appreciate your engagement in your student’s educational experience and thank you for partnering with us to support positive outcomes for all students.
Who Do I Contact?
GHAPS Chain of Communication
Most questions and concerns can be resolved quickly by starting with the staff member closest to the situation. If you're unsure of where to start, please refer to the communication chain outlined below for a list of common topics and how best to address them.
Moving through the communication chain helps ensure thoughtful responses, accurate information, and the best possible outcomes for students and families.
Curriculum & Instruction
Classroom Learning, Assignments, Grading, and Instructional Support
→ Classroom Teacher
→ Assistant Principal (if applicable)
→ Principal
→ Executive Director of Instructional Services
→ Superintendent
→ Board of Education
Athletics
Team Participation, Schedules, Expectations, or Concerns
→ Coach
→ Athletic Director
→ Principal
→ Assistant Superintendent
→ Superintendent
→ Board of Education
Student Discipline
Behavior Expectations, Disciplinary Actions, or Student Support
→ Classroom Teacher
→ Assistant Principal (if applicable)
→ Principal
→ Superintendent
→ Board of Education
Facilities, Grounds & Buildings
School Buildings, Maintenance, or Grounds
→ Principal
→ Director of Operations & Transportation
→ Executive Director of Business Services
→ Superintendent
→ Board of Education
Transportation
Bus Routes, Stops, Schedules, or Concerns
→ Bus Driver
→ Director of Operations & Transportation
→ Executive Director of Business Services
→ Superintendent
→ Board of Education
Food Services
Meal Programs, Accounts, or Nutrition Services
→ Food Services Secretary
→ Food Services Director
→ Executive Director of Business Services
→ Superintendent
→ Board of Education
When to Contact the Board of Education
The Grand Haven Area Public Schools Board of Education serves as the district’s governing body, responsible for setting policy, approving budgets, and providing oversight of the superintendent.
Because the Board does not manage daily school operations or individual student matters, most questions or concerns are best addressed by school or district staff first through the Chain of Communication.
Families may consider contacting the Board of Education when:
A concern has been addressed through the full communication chain and remains unresolved
Feedback is related to district-wide policy, governance, or long-term planning
Sharing general input during public comment at a Board meeting
The Board works through the superintendent to ensure concerns are reviewed appropriately and consistently across the district.
