How to Schedule an Appointment With an MPB Schools Assistant Superintendent

What an assistant superintendent appointment involves

An appointment with an assistant superintendent at your school district (often called MPB schools, meaning Mississippi Public Broadcasting or your local district office) is a meeting to discuss student concerns, policy questions, or administrative matters that your school's principal cannot resolve. The assistant superintendent oversees multiple schools and handles complaints, special education disputes, discipline appeals, and requests for policy exceptions.

These appointments are not automatic. You request one through your district office, and approval depends on the nature of your concern and whether you have already tried resolving it at the school level. Most districts require that you exhaust the school-level process first — talking to the teacher, then the principal — before the assistant superintendent will meet with you.

The appointment itself is usually 20 to 45 minutes, held at the district office during school hours, and may include the principal, a counselor, or other staff depending on your issue. You can bring documents, a support person, or both.

Key Takeaways

• You must contact your school's principal or the district office directly to request an appointment; there is no online booking system for most districts.
• Districts typically require you to attempt resolution at the school level first, so document your previous conversations with teachers and principals.
• Bring written records of the issue, any relevant emails or letters, and a clear statement of what you are asking the assistant superintendent to do.
• The appointment usually takes place at the district office during school hours, and you should confirm the date and time at least one week in advance.

How to request the appointment

Start by calling your school's main office and asking for the principal's secretary. Tell them you want to request an appointment with the assistant superintendent and ask which assistant superintendent oversees your school — most districts divide schools by region or grade level, so you may not know which one handles yours.

The secretary will either schedule you directly or give you the district office phone number to call. If you are transferred to the district office, ask for the assistant superintendent's office and explain your concern briefly. You do not need to provide all details at this stage; a sentence or two is enough ("I want to discuss my child's special education plan" or "I have a concern about a discipline decision").

If you have already spoken to the principal about the issue and it was not resolved, mention that when you call. Districts track these conversations, and knowing you have already tried the school level speeds up the process. If you have not yet spoken to the principal, the district office may ask you to do that first before scheduling.

What to bring and how to prepare

Gather any documents related to your concern before the appointment. This includes emails between you and school staff, report cards, discipline notices, special education paperwork, or any written communication about the issue. Organize them in order by date so you can reference them quickly during the meeting.

Write down the specific outcome you are asking for. Do not go in hoping the assistant superintendent will "fix" the situation — be clear about what you want: a grade change, a discipline decision overturned, a classroom move, a policy exception, or a review of a special education decision. The assistant superintendent is more likely to act if you have named a concrete request.

Bring a notebook and pen to take notes during the meeting. You can also bring a support person — a family member, advocate, or lawyer — though you should mention this when you schedule so the district knows to expect a third party.

Timeline and what to expect during the meeting

From the time you call to request an appointment, expect to wait one to three weeks. Some districts move faster if the issue is urgent (like an active suspension), but most operate on a standard schedule. Confirm your appointment date and time at least one week before by calling the assistant superintendent's office again.

Arrive 10 minutes early. Bring all your documents in a folder. The assistant superintendent will likely start by asking you to explain the situation, then may ask questions or ask the principal (if present) to respond. Stay calm and stick to facts rather than emotion — "My child was given a zero on the assignment without a chance to resubmit" is stronger than "This is unfair."

The assistant superintendent will not usually make a decision on the spot. They will say they will review the matter and contact you within a certain timeframe, often five to ten business days. Ask when you should expect to hear back and in what form — phone call, email, or letter.

If the assistant superintendent denies your request

If the assistant superintendent decides against you, ask for the reason in writing. This matters because most districts have one more level of appeal: the superintendent or the school board. You can request a board hearing if you believe the assistant superintendent's decision was wrong or violated policy.

To appeal to the school board, contact the district office and ask for the procedure to request a board hearing. Different districts have different timelines and rules, but you usually have 10 to 30 days to file. You will need to submit a written request explaining why you disagree with the assistant superintendent's decision and what outcome you want the board to consider.

Board hearings are more formal than assistant superintendent appointments. You may present evidence, call witnesses, and the board will vote on your request. Some districts allow lawyers at board hearings; others do not. Ask about the rules when you request the hearing.

Special rules for special education and discipline disputes

If your appointment concerns special education — an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), a 504 plan, or a special education placement — you have additional rights. You can bring an advocate or lawyer to the appointment at no cost to you. The district must provide you with a copy of your child's file at least five days before the meeting if you request it.

If the issue is not resolved at the assistant superintendent level, you can request a due process hearing through the state Department of Education. This is a formal legal proceeding, and you should consult with a special education advocate or lawyer before pursuing it.

For discipline disputes — suspensions, expulsions, or removal from class — the rules vary by state and district. Some states require the assistant superintendent to hold a hearing before a long-term suspension takes effect. Others allow the principal to suspend first and hold a hearing later. Ask your district office what the procedure is in your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer to meet with the assistant superintendent?

No. For most issues, you do not need a lawyer. Bring documents, stay organized, and explain clearly what you want. For special education disputes or if you are facing legal action (like an expulsion hearing), a lawyer or advocate can be helpful, but it is not required for a standard appointment.

Can I record the meeting?

This depends on your state and district policy. Some states allow one-party consent recording (you can record without telling anyone), while others require all parties to agree. Call the district office before the appointment and ask whether recording is permitted. If it is not, ask if the district will provide written notes of the meeting.

What if I cannot get an appointment?

If the district refuses to schedule an appointment or delays unreasonably, put your request in writing and send it to the superintendent's office. Include the date you first requested the appointment and ask for a response within five business days. Keep a copy for your records.

Can I bring my child to the appointment?

You can, but it is not always recommended. If the issue involves your child's behavior or performance, the assistant superintendent may want to hear from your child directly. For other issues, it may be better to leave your child at school so you can speak freely. Ask the assistant superintendent's office what they recommend when you schedule.

How long does it take to get a decision?

Most assistant superintendents give a decision within five to ten business days of the appointment. Some issues take longer if they require investigation or review of records. Ask for a specific timeline when the meeting ends, and follow up if you do not hear back by that date.