Conflict can increase the motivation and energy level, prevent stagnation, stimulate interest and curiosity and foster creativity and innovation. The challenge is to manage it in such a way as to minimize the risks and maximize the benefits. There is no appeal process in place by the Dep't of Education for school councils who have reached an impasse with their board. Your protocol agreement should include policies and procedures to deal with conflicts between your council and your board. Understanding conflict helps tame it.
Groups can begin to seek solutions to conflict only after they've clearly identified the source.
Human factors Human personality traits such as authoritarianism, rigid viewpoints and low self-esteem can be difficult sources of conflict. They are often impossible to change and can be managed only with diplomacy and tact. Possibilities for improving collaboration and conflict resolution skills between parents and educators. Written from perspective of individual disputes, especially in the area of special education, but could have useful applications to school council operation. The Eight Essential Steps to Conflict Resolution by Dudley Weeks.