/Board of Education / Chain of Command
Chain of Command: Communication Protocol
Individual board members have no authority other than voting on official actions at meetings. Therefore, the individual board member is rarely the place to begin when you have a concern. The best place to begin is with the person(s) directly involved. That would be the teacher where a student-related problem is involved, for example, or the principal where a school regulation or practice is what concerns you.
When a situation cannot be resolved at the lowest possible level, then it should be taken to the next level in a kind of “chain of command.” Once you have talked to the teacher and principal, you may still have to bring to the attention of the superintendent those matters that involve state laws or district-wide policies.
When the superintendent cannot resolve your problem, you should ask to be placed on the agenda for the next board meeting. If the concern is important enough to be brought before a public meeting of the full board, you’ll find this approach gets a much better response than talking to an individual board member.
The Ball-Chatham Board of Education sets aside time at meetings for public input. There is a five minute time limit so that all can be accommodated. Put your views in writing and distribute copies to the board at the meeting.
Your views are strengthened when they can be read as well as heard. However, if you take your concern first to the person(s) directly involved and work your way up the chain of command, you will almost never need to appeal to the school board.
Contact the Board
All members of the Board may be reached by e-mail and U.S. mail. E-mail addresses are listed on the member's profile page with his or her corresponding photo.
To send a message via U.S. mail. write to:
Ball-Chatham Board of Education
District Office
201 W. Mulberry
Chatham, Illinois 62626
Send fax messages to the District Office, c/o the Superintendent: 217-483-2940.