Colorado Springs School District 11 >>EOP&O>>D11 Brochures>>Mediation
Equal Opportunity Programs & Ombudservices
Diversity in Action!
Children


District 11 - EOP&O Contact Us
Diversity Lesson Plans
D11 EO Policies
Diversity Links
EO Brochures
Mission Statement
Privacy Policy
What's New



     top
MEDIATION
An Alternative
Worth Considering


Why consider
mediation?

Disagreement. "Turf" issue.  A battle of wills.  Different points of view.  Misunderstanding.  Conflict. However you describe the problem, it is common, human and just about inevitable when people work and live together.  It's how we address those problems that can make a difference.  Disagreements may arise, bad feelings may follow, but we don't have to live with them indefinitely.  That's why District 11 offers mediation -- a quick, informal and often very effective means to resolve conflicts.

 

What exactly is
mediation?

Mediation is a voluntary process that actively involves participants in a non-threatening dialog.  Its purpose is to solve problems creatively and to reach a mutually agreeable, written, binding resolution. Through this process mediators help participants

  • break a large problem into smaller, easier to handle parts
  • restate issues so all parties can see them in a new way
  • see the other person's point of view
  • recognize what is really at issue

 

Why choose mediation
over other forms of
dispute resolution?

It is timely.  Most mediations are scheduled within one week and last about two hours.

It is cost efficient and private.  There is no courtroom. Legal counsel is optional.

It is confidential.  Although there is a written agreement, there is no public record.

It is facilitated by trained, experienced, non-adversarial mediators.
 

How does
mediation work?

 

Whenever a dispute is presented for mediation, all participants must follow these rules:

1. Confidentiality.  All conversations and materials produced during mediation sessions are confidential. Participating parties are not to disclose any information about what is happening during the sessions without the permission of the other party.  All participants also agree not to subpoena the mediator in any subsequent legal proceeding.

2. Good faith effort.  When you enter into mediation, you agree to make a good faith effort to work cooperatively to resolve your disagreement with the other party.

3. Full Disclosure.  You are expected to provide all information necessary.  The mediator determines what that information should include.

4. Common courtesy.  Successful mediation requires that all participants stay within the bounds of common courtesy.  Violations such as name calling and foul or abusive language impede the process and may compel the mediator to cancel the session.

5. Legal counsel.  Although mediators may not give legal advice, participants may retain legal counsel. If a legal issue arises, the mediator may ask you to consult with your attorney.

6. Expert opinion.  On occasion it is necessary to seek expert advice during mediation.  Mediators may direct participants to obtain that advice, or may contact experts directly.

7. Voluntary process.  Mediation is voluntary.  While mediators make every effort to help participants reach resolution, they are under no obligation to do so.  Either party involved in the dispute may choose to end the process at any time.

8. Liability.  When you enter into mediation, you must agree that the mediator will not be held liable for any act or omission in connection with the mediation.

 

Who uses
mediation
in District 11?

Administrators and teachers, co-workers, team members, students and families within the District may use mediation services at no cost.
 

 
If I were to
consider mediation,
how would it work?

First, whenever conflict arises and you have a sense that the parties involved cannot get beyond it themselves, we urge you consider mediation sooner, rather than later.

At that point, simply contact the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs & Ombudservices to request a mediation.

Marvin R. Adams, Sr., Director
Equal Opportunity Programs
and Ombudservices
1115 N. El Paso Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Phone: 719-520-2271
Fax: 719-520-2442
e-mail:
ADAMSMR@d11.org

If the parties agree upon a solution, it is binding once it is in writing and signed by the participants.
If no settlement is reached, the parties involved may still seek a resolution through other forums, such as arbitration or formal grievance procedures.
 

 

Mediation
An Alternative
Worth Considering

Awareness of and appreciation for mediation has grown considerably in the past few years, primarily because it works.  It is one of the most widely used alternative dispute resolution processes in the world.  Mediation helps build relationships as it solves problems.  It is positive and forward looking rather than divisive and punitive.
 


If you'd like a copy of the physical brochure, contact the EO office at the above numbers and address.

 


Colorado Springs School District 11 / Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2001 All rights reserved.
Web Design: IntelliTeam