The Student Appeal Branch operates as an independent, quasi-judicial appeal body created by an amendment to the School Act, section 11 in May 2007. Section 11 provides a method to address parent and student concerns about appeals. The amendment provides a process that allows parents and students to appeal decisions made by employees of Boards of Education to a Superintendent of Achievement.

The Superintendent of Achievement is a statutory decision-maker who has the authority to determine whether an appeal should be dismissed, or be referred to mediation or adjudication. The Superintendent of Achievement can also temporarily suspend the operation of a Board of Education’s decision pending the outcome of a section 11.1 appeal.

The Student Appeals Branch oversees the appeal case management system, the roster of mediators and adjudicators and provides administrative support throughout the appeal process to the Superintendents of Achievement.

After submitting an appeal, a student or parent will receive an independent review of their appeal by an impartial decision-maker who is bound by the School Act, sections of the Administrative Tribunals Act and by the principles of natural justice.