diff --git a/plans/role-communication-leave-workflow.md b/plans/role-communication-leave-workflow.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fd099dd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/plans/role-communication-leave-workflow.md
@@ -0,0 +1,160 @@
+# Role, Communication, Leave, And Calendar Workflow
+
+## Objective
+
+Implement role-safe school operations for administrators, vice principals,
+teachers, students, and parents. Every API must enforce the same permissions as
+the navigation, and student and parent data must stay scoped to the user.
+
+## Invariants
+
+- `SCHOOL_ADMIN` and `SUPER_ADMIN` retain full school/system administration.
+- `VICE_PRINCIPAL` never creates, deletes, promotes, resets passwords for, or
+  otherwise manages administrator accounts.
+- Teachers can only view and update students enrolled in a class they teach.
+- Students can only access their linked student record.
+- Parents can only access records linked through `ParentStudentLink`.
+- Authorization is enforced server-side; menu filtering is only a convenience.
+
+## Phase 1: Role And Data Access Foundation
+
+Status: implemented
+
+Scope:
+
+- Centralize administrator, user-management, and student-management policy.
+- Restrict student lists, student detail pages, and class-student APIs.
+- Restrict account management to administrators.
+- Explicitly prevent vice principals from modifying administrator accounts.
+- Narrow student, parent, and teacher menus to their allowed workflows.
+
+Files:
+
+- `src/lib/role-access.ts`
+- `src/lib/access-policy.ts`
+- `src/app/api/students/route.ts`
+- `src/app/api/students/[id]/details/route.ts`
+- `src/app/api/classes/[id]/students/route.ts`
+- `src/app/api/users/route.ts`
+- `src/app/api/users/[id]/route.ts`
+
+Verification:
+
+- `pnpm exec tsc --noEmit --pretty false`
+- `pnpm lint`
+- `pnpm test`
+
+## Phase 2: Communication Escalation And Groups
+
+Status: implemented
+
+Scope:
+
+- Add a unified communication policy service.
+- Route student and parent messages to the responsible class teacher first.
+- Persist first-contact timestamp, response timestamp, resolution status, and
+  escalation eligibility after five business days.
+- Allow teachers to message administrators and vice principals directly.
+- Add class and parent group room types, membership generation, and moderator
+  visibility for the responsible teacher and administrator.
+- Prevent student and parent direct administrator threads before escalation.
+
+Schema work:
+
+- Extend `CommunicationRoom` with audience type, class group, escalation,
+  resolution, and visibility state.
+- Extend `CommunicationMessage` with attachment metadata and moderation state.
+- Add migration and backfill safe defaults for existing rooms.
+
+Verification:
+
+- Unit tests for five-business-day calculation and recipient selection.
+- API tests for unauthorized direct escalation and group membership isolation.
+
+Implemented baseline:
+
+- Direct student conversations are assigned to the responsible class teacher.
+- Direct conversations store a five-business-day escalation deadline.
+- Students and linked parents may escalate unresolved conversations after the
+  deadline; the school administrator is then added as a moderator.
+- Teachers and administrators can create class-group rooms only for their
+  authorized school/class context.
+- Membership-based message posting is enforced for group rooms.
+
+## Phase 3: Student And Parent Leave Workflow
+
+Scope:
+
+- Generalize `IllnessReport` into a leave request workflow for illness,
+  personal days, and religious holidays.
+- Allow evidence attachment metadata without exposing documents outside the
+  approval chain.
+- Require parent approval for student requests.
+- Notify the responsible teacher after parent approval.
+- Require administrator approval before the leave becomes calendar-visible.
+- Create calendar records for the student, teacher, and school administration.
+
+Schema work:
+
+- Add leave type, admin approval, review actor/timestamps, evidence metadata,
+  and linked calendar event fields to `IllnessReport` or migrate to a dedicated
+  `StudentLeaveRequest` model.
+- Add notification records for each workflow transition.
+
+Verification:
+
+- Workflow tests covering pending, parent-approved, teacher-notified,
+  admin-approved, rejected, and calendar-created states.
+
+## Phase 4: Teacher Leave And Calendar Visibility
+
+Scope:
+
+- Extend `TeacherAbsence` with administrator approval, vice-principal
+  notification, private administrator notes, and evidence attachments.
+- Keep teacher absence notifications hidden from students.
+- On approval, publish only relevant calendar events to the teacher,
+  administrators, and affected class calendars.
+- Add explicit calendar audience and owner visibility rules.
+
+Schema work:
+
+- Add a `CalendarEventAudience` relation or an audience JSON replacement with
+  recipient users, class groups, and parent visibility.
+- Add `privateAdminNotes` and approval data to `TeacherAbsence`.
+
+Verification:
+
+- API tests that prove private notes and unpublished teacher events cannot be
+  retrieved by students or parents.
+
+## Phase 5: UI Completion And Regression Coverage
+
+Scope:
+
+- Render role-specific menu items and communication/leave screens.
+- Add escalation countdown/status to student and parent conversations.
+- Add approval work queues for teachers, vice principals, and administrators.
+- Add calendar visibility controls for teachers and students.
+- Add responsive, accessible group and approval UI states.
+
+Verification:
+
+- Role-by-role Playwright journeys.
+- API authorization matrix tests for every protected route.
+- `pnpm exec tsc --noEmit --pretty false`, `pnpm lint`, `pnpm test`, and
+  `pnpm build`.
+
+## Dependency Order
+
+1. Phase 1 must precede all others because it establishes reusable access
+   predicates.
+2. Phase 2 and Phase 3 can begin in parallel after Phase 1.
+3. Phase 4 depends on the calendar audience design from Phase 3.
+4. Phase 5 depends on completed APIs from Phases 2 through 4.
+
+## Rollback
+
+- All schema changes use additive columns/tables first.
+- No existing data is deleted by migrations.
+- New policy checks default to deny for unknown roles and missing ownership.
diff --git a/prisma/migrations/20260802140000_add_communication_escalation/migration.sql b/prisma/migrations/20260802140000_add_communication_escalation/migration.sql
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f49951f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/prisma/migrations/20260802140000_add_communication_escalation/migration.sql
@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+ALTER TABLE "communication_rooms"
+  ADD COLUMN "audienceType" TEXT NOT NULL DEFAULT 'direct',
+  ADD COLUMN "classGroupId" TEXT,
+  ADD COLUMN "escalationEligibleAt" TIMESTAMP(3),
+  ADD COLUMN "escalatedAt" TIMESTAMP(3),
+  ADD COLUMN "resolvedAt" TIMESTAMP(3),
+  ADD COLUMN "resolutionStatus" TEXT NOT NULL DEFAULT 'open';
+
+ALTER TABLE "communication_rooms"
+  ADD CONSTRAINT "communication_rooms_classGroupId_fkey"
+  FOREIGN KEY ("classGroupId") REFERENCES "ClassGroup"("id")
+  ON DELETE SET NULL ON UPDATE CASCADE;
+
+CREATE INDEX "communication_rooms_classGroupId_idx" ON "communication_rooms"("classGroupId");
+CREATE INDEX "communication_rooms_escalationEligibleAt_idx" ON "communication_rooms"("escalationEligibleAt");
diff --git a/prisma/migrations/20260802150000_add_leave_approval_workflow/migration.sql b/prisma/migrations/20260802150000_add_leave_approval_workflow/migration.sql
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..81097cb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/prisma/migrations/20260802150000_add_leave_approval_workflow/migration.sql
@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+ALTER TABLE "illness_reports"
+  ADD COLUMN "leaveType" TEXT NOT NULL DEFAULT 'illness',
+  ADD COLUMN "teacherNotifiedAt" TIMESTAMP(3),
+  ADD COLUMN "adminApprovalStatus" TEXT NOT NULL DEFAULT 'pending',
+  ADD COLUMN "adminApprovedBy" TEXT,
+  ADD COLUMN "adminApprovedAt" TIMESTAMP(3),
+  ADD COLUMN "adminNotes" TEXT,
+  ADD COLUMN "calendarEventId" TEXT;
+
+ALTER TABLE "illness_reports"
+  ADD CONSTRAINT "illness_reports_adminApprovedBy_fkey"
+  FOREIGN KEY ("adminApprovedBy") REFERENCES "User"("id")
+  ON DELETE SET NULL ON UPDATE CASCADE;
+
+ALTER TABLE "illness_reports"
+  ADD CONSTRAINT "illness_reports_calendarEventId_fkey"
+  FOREIGN KEY ("calendarEventId") REFERENCES "CalendarEvent"("id")
+  ON DELETE SET NULL ON UPDATE CASCADE;
+
+CREATE UNIQUE INDEX "illness_reports_calendarEventId_key" ON "illness_reports"("calendarEventId");
+CREATE INDEX "illness_reports_adminApprovalStatus_idx" ON "illness_reports"("adminApprovalStatus");
diff --git a/prisma/schema.prisma b/prisma/schema.prisma
index 85172fb..ba565f4 100644
--- a/prisma/schema.prisma
+++ b/prisma/schema.prisma
@@ -198,6 +198,7 @@ model User {
   chatMessages              ChatMessage[]
   illnessReports            IllnessReport[]
   illnessReportApprovals    IllnessReport[] @relation("IllnessApprover")
+  illnessReportAdminApprovals IllnessReport[] @relation("IllnessAdminApprover")
   communicationRoomMembers  CommunicationRoomMember[]
   communicationMessages     CommunicationMessage[]
   counselingAppointments    CounselingAppointment[] @relation("Counselor")
@@ -298,6 +299,7 @@ model ClassGroup {
   peerAssessmentSessions PeerAssessmentSession[] @relation("PeerAssessmentClassGroup")
   schoolEvents        SchoolEvent[]
   aiTestGenerations   AITestGeneration[]
+  communicationRooms  CommunicationRoom[]
   examPlans           ExamPlan[]
   seatingCharts       SeatingChart[]
   substitutionAssignments SubstitutionAssignment[]
@@ -1154,6 +1156,7 @@ model CalendarEvent {
   parentEvent  CalendarEvent? @relation("EventRecurrence", fields: [parentEventId], references: [id])
   childEvents  CalendarEvent[] @relation("EventRecurrence")
   examPlan     ExamPlan?
+  illnessReport IllnessReport?
 
   @@index([schoolId])
   @@index([teacherId])
@@ -2489,8 +2492,14 @@ model CommunicationRoom {
   studentId     String
   teacherId     String
   roomType      String   @default("chat") // chat, voice, video
+  audienceType  String   @default("direct") // direct, class_group, parent_group, staff
+  classGroupId  String?
   status        String   @default("requested") // requested, active, closed
   requestedBy   String   // student or teacher
+  escalationEligibleAt DateTime?
+  escalatedAt   DateTime?
+  resolvedAt    DateTime?
+  resolutionStatus String @default("open") // open, resolved, unresolved
   acceptedAt    DateTime?
   closedAt      DateTime?
   closeReason   String?
@@ -2500,6 +2509,7 @@ model CommunicationRoom {
   school        School   @relation(fields: [schoolId], references: [id])
   student       User     @relation("RoomStudent", fields: [studentId], references: [id])
   teacher       User     @relation("RoomTeacher", fields: [teacherId], references: [id])
+  classGroup    ClassGroup? @relation(fields: [classGroupId], references: [id])
   members       CommunicationRoomMember[]
   messages      CommunicationMessage[]
   chatMessages  ChatMessage[]
@@ -2508,6 +2518,8 @@ model CommunicationRoom {
   @@index([studentId])
   @@index([teacherId])
   @@index([status])
+  @@index([classGroupId])
+  @@index([escalationEligibleAt])
   @@map("communication_rooms")
 }
 
diff --git a/src/app/api/classes/[id]/students/route.ts b/src/app/api/classes/[id]/students/route.ts
index da0a8bb..df37816 100755
--- a/src/app/api/classes/[id]/students/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/classes/[id]/students/route.ts
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ import { NextResponse } from 'next/server';
 import { z } from 'zod';
 import { db } from '@/lib/db';
 import { getSession } from '@/lib/auth';
+import { canAccessClass } from '@/lib/access-policy';
 
 export async function GET(
   _request: Request,
@@ -15,6 +16,10 @@ export async function GET(
 
     const { id: classGroupId } = await params;
 
+    if (!session.user || !(await canAccessClass(session.user, classGroupId))) {
+      return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Forbidden' }, { status: 403 });
+    }
+
     const enrollments = await db.enrollment.findMany({
       where: {
         classGroupId,
@@ -56,11 +61,7 @@ export async function POST(
       return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Not authenticated' }, { status: 401 });
     }
 
-    if (
-      session.user?.role !== 'SUPER_ADMIN' &&
-      session.user?.role !== 'SCHOOL_ADMIN' &&
-      session.user?.role !== 'TEACHER'
-    ) {
+    if (session.user?.role !== 'SUPER_ADMIN' && session.user?.role !== 'SCHOOL_ADMIN') {
       return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Forbidden' }, { status: 403 });
     }
 
diff --git a/src/app/api/communication-rooms/[id]/messages/route.ts b/src/app/api/communication-rooms/[id]/messages/route.ts
index 55fe7b3..0f20e48 100755
--- a/src/app/api/communication-rooms/[id]/messages/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/communication-rooms/[id]/messages/route.ts
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 import { NextResponse } from 'next/server';
 import { db } from '@/lib/db';
 import { getSession } from '@/lib/auth';
+import { canAccessRoom } from '@/lib/communication-policy';
 
 export async function GET(
   request: Request,
@@ -22,22 +23,15 @@ export async function GET(
     const role = session.user?.role;
     const userId = session.userId;
 
-    // Access control
-    if (role === 'STUDENT' && room.studentId !== userId) {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Forbidden' }, { status: 403 });
-    } else if (role === 'TEACHER' && room.teacherId !== userId) {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Forbidden' }, { status: 403 });
-    } else if (role === 'PARENT') {
+    if (role === 'PARENT') {
       const parentLink = await db.parentStudentLink.findFirst({
-        where: { parentId: userId, studentId: room.studentId },
+        where: { parentId: userId, student: { userId: room.studentId } },
       });
       if (!parentLink) {
         return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Forbidden' }, { status: 403 });
       }
-    } else if (role === 'SCHOOL_ADMIN' || role === 'VICE_PRINCIPAL') {
-      if (room.schoolId !== session.user?.schoolId) {
-        return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Forbidden' }, { status: 403 });
-      }
+    } else if (!canAccessRoom(role, room, userId, session.user?.schoolId ?? null)) {
+      return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Forbidden' }, { status: 403 });
     }
 
     const { searchParams } = new URL(request.url);
@@ -95,12 +89,12 @@ export async function POST(
     const role = session.user?.role;
     const userId = session.userId;
 
-    // Only student and teacher can send messages (not admin, not parent)
-    if (role !== 'STUDENT' && role !== 'TEACHER') {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Only participants can send messages' }, { status: 403 });
-    }
-
-    if (room.studentId !== userId && room.teacherId !== userId) {
+    const membership = await db.communicationRoomMember.findUnique({
+      where: { roomId_userId: { roomId: id, userId } },
+      select: { id: true },
+    });
+    const isSchoolAdministrator = (role === 'SCHOOL_ADMIN' || role === 'SUPER_ADMIN') && room.escalatedAt;
+    if (!membership && !isSchoolAdministrator) {
       return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Forbidden' }, { status: 403 });
     }
 
diff --git a/src/app/api/communication-rooms/[id]/route.ts b/src/app/api/communication-rooms/[id]/route.ts
index 4c0b06e..8640e11 100755
--- a/src/app/api/communication-rooms/[id]/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/communication-rooms/[id]/route.ts
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 import { NextResponse } from 'next/server';
 import { db } from '@/lib/db';
 import { getSession } from '@/lib/auth';
+import { canAccessRoom, canEscalateToAdmin } from '@/lib/communication-policy';
 
 export async function GET(
   _request: Request,
@@ -31,22 +32,16 @@ export async function GET(
     const role = session.user?.role;
     const userId = session.userId;
 
-    // Access control
-    if (role === 'STUDENT' && room.studentId !== userId) {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Forbidden' }, { status: 403 });
-    } else if (role === 'TEACHER' && room.teacherId !== userId) {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Forbidden' }, { status: 403 });
-    } else if (role === 'PARENT') {
+    // Direct student rooms remain private until explicitly escalated.
+    if (role === 'PARENT') {
       const parentLink = await db.parentStudentLink.findFirst({
-        where: { parentId: userId, studentId: room.studentId },
+        where: { parentId: userId, student: { userId: room.studentId } },
       });
       if (!parentLink) {
         return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Forbidden' }, { status: 403 });
       }
-    } else if (role === 'SCHOOL_ADMIN' || role === 'VICE_PRINCIPAL') {
-      if (room.schoolId !== session.user?.schoolId) {
-        return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Forbidden' }, { status: 403 });
-      }
+    } else if (!canAccessRoom(role, room, userId, session.user?.schoolId ?? null)) {
+      return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Forbidden' }, { status: 403 });
     }
 
     return NextResponse.json(room);
@@ -77,6 +72,31 @@ export async function PUT(
     const userId = session.userId;
     const body = await request.json();
 
+    if (body.action === 'escalate') {
+      if (role !== 'STUDENT' && role !== 'PARENT') {
+        return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Only students or parents can escalate' }, { status: 403 });
+      }
+      if (role === 'STUDENT' && room.studentId !== userId) {
+        return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Forbidden' }, { status: 403 });
+      }
+      if (role === 'PARENT') {
+        const student = await db.student.findFirst({ where: { userId: room.studentId }, select: { id: true } });
+        const link = student && await db.parentStudentLink.findFirst({ where: { parentId: userId, studentId: student.id }, select: { id: true } });
+        if (!link) return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Forbidden' }, { status: 403 });
+      }
+      if (!canEscalateToAdmin(room)) {
+        return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Escalation becomes available after five business days without resolution' }, { status: 400 });
+      }
+      const admin = await db.user.findFirst({ where: { schoolId: room.schoolId, role: 'SCHOOL_ADMIN', deletedAt: null }, select: { id: true } });
+      if (!admin) return NextResponse.json({ error: 'No school administrator is assigned' }, { status: 400 });
+      await db.communicationRoomMember.upsert({
+        where: { roomId_userId: { roomId: id, userId: admin.id } },
+        update: { role: 'moderator' },
+        create: { roomId: id, userId: admin.id, role: 'moderator' },
+      });
+      return NextResponse.json(await db.communicationRoom.update({ where: { id }, data: { escalatedAt: new Date(), resolutionStatus: 'unresolved' } }));
+    }
+
     // Teacher accepts a room
     if (body.status === 'active' && room.status === 'requested') {
       if (role !== 'TEACHER' || room.teacherId !== userId) {
@@ -112,6 +132,8 @@ export async function PUT(
           status: 'closed',
           closedAt: new Date(),
           closeReason: body.closeReason || null,
+          resolvedAt: body.resolved ? new Date() : null,
+          resolutionStatus: body.resolved ? 'resolved' : 'unresolved',
         },
         include: {
           student: { select: { id: true, firstName: true, lastName: true } },
diff --git a/src/app/api/communication-rooms/route.ts b/src/app/api/communication-rooms/route.ts
index 587d896..6b5e802 100755
--- a/src/app/api/communication-rooms/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/communication-rooms/route.ts
@@ -2,6 +2,8 @@
 import { NextResponse } from 'next/server';
 import { db } from '@/lib/db';
 import { getSession } from '@/lib/auth';
+import { canCreateDirectRoom, canCreateGroupRoom, escalationEligibleAt } from '@/lib/communication-policy';
+import { getTeacherClassIds } from '@/lib/access-policy';
 
 export async function GET(request: Request) {
   try {
@@ -76,13 +78,65 @@ export async function POST(request: Request) {
     const role = session.user?.role;
     const userId = session.userId;
 
-    // Only students can request conversations
-    if (role !== 'STUDENT') {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Only students can request conversations' }, { status: 403 });
+    const body = await request.json();
+    const { reason, classGroupId, audienceType = 'direct' } = body;
+
+    if (audienceType !== 'direct') {
+      if (!canCreateGroupRoom(role)) {
+        return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Only teachers and administrators can create groups' }, { status: 403 });
+      }
+      if (!classGroupId) {
+        return NextResponse.json({ error: 'classGroupId is required for groups' }, { status: 400 });
+      }
+
+      if (role === 'TEACHER') {
+        const classIds = await getTeacherClassIds(userId);
+        if (!classIds.includes(classGroupId)) {
+          return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Teachers can only create groups for their own classes' }, { status: 403 });
+        }
+      }
+
+      const classGroup = await db.classGroup.findUnique({
+        where: { id: classGroupId },
+        select: { id: true, schoolId: true, responsibleTeacherId: true, enrollments: { where: { endDate: null }, select: { student: { select: { userId: true } } } } },
+      });
+      if (!classGroup || (session.user?.schoolId && classGroup.schoolId !== session.user.schoolId)) {
+        return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Class not found' }, { status: 404 });
+      }
+
+      const participantIds = classGroup.enrollments.flatMap((enrollment) => enrollment.student.userId ? [enrollment.student.userId] : []);
+      const moderatorId = classGroup.responsibleTeacherId ?? userId;
+      const room = await db.communicationRoom.create({
+        data: {
+          schoolId: classGroup.schoolId,
+          studentId: userId,
+          teacherId: moderatorId,
+          roomType: 'chat',
+          audienceType,
+          classGroupId,
+          status: 'active',
+          requestedBy: userId,
+          acceptedAt: new Date(),
+        },
+      });
+      await db.communicationRoomMember.createMany({
+        data: [...new Set([userId, moderatorId, ...participantIds])].map((memberId) => ({
+          roomId: room.id,
+          userId: memberId,
+          role: memberId === moderatorId ? 'moderator' : 'member',
+        })),
+        skipDuplicates: true,
+      });
+      return NextResponse.json(room, { status: 201 });
     }
 
-    const body = await request.json();
-    const { reason } = body;
+    if (!canCreateDirectRoom(role)) {
+      return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Forbidden' }, { status: 403 });
+    }
+
+    if (role === 'TEACHER') {
+      return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Teachers should use staff communication channels' }, { status: 400 });
+    }
 
     // Find the student's class and the responsible teacher
     const student = await db.student.findFirst({
@@ -147,6 +201,9 @@ export async function POST(request: Request) {
         roomType: 'chat',
         status: 'requested',
         requestedBy: userId,
+        audienceType: 'direct',
+        classGroupId: currentEnrollment.classGroup.id,
+        escalationEligibleAt: escalationEligibleAt(new Date()),
       },
       include: {
         student: { select: { id: true, firstName: true, lastName: true } },
diff --git a/src/app/api/illness-reports/[id]/route.ts b/src/app/api/illness-reports/[id]/route.ts
index 54d9982..c1f7264 100755
--- a/src/app/api/illness-reports/[id]/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/illness-reports/[id]/route.ts
@@ -89,8 +89,8 @@ export async function PUT(
     const userId = session.userId;
     const body = await request.json();
 
-    // PARENT can approve/reject pending reports
-    if (body.parentApprovalStatus && (role === 'PARENT' || role === 'SCHOOL_ADMIN' || role === 'VICE_PRINCIPAL')) {
+    // Parent approval remains parent-only. Final approval is handled by /approve.
+    if (body.parentApprovalStatus && role === 'PARENT') {
       const newStatus = body.parentApprovalStatus;
       if (newStatus !== 'approved' && newStatus !== 'rejected') {
         return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Invalid approval status' }, { status: 400 });
@@ -112,8 +112,8 @@ export async function PUT(
           parentApprovedBy: userId,
           parentApprovedAt: new Date(),
           isVisibleToTeacher: newStatus === 'approved',
-          isVisibleToAdmin: newStatus === 'approved',
-          status: newStatus === 'approved' ? 'approved' : 'rejected',
+          isVisibleToAdmin: false,
+          status: newStatus === 'approved' ? 'pending' : 'rejected',
         },
         include: {
           student: { select: { id: true, firstName: true, lastName: true } },
diff --git a/src/app/api/illness-reports/approve/route.ts b/src/app/api/illness-reports/approve/route.ts
index 0f3bb3c..064436f 100755
--- a/src/app/api/illness-reports/approve/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/illness-reports/approve/route.ts
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 import { NextResponse } from 'next/server';
 import { db } from '@/lib/db';
 import { getSession } from '@/lib/auth';
+import { canAdminApprove, canCreateCalendarEvent, canParentApprove } from '@/lib/leave-policy';
 
 export async function POST(request: Request) {
   try {
@@ -12,8 +13,8 @@ export async function POST(request: Request) {
     const role = session.user?.role;
     const userId = session.userId;
 
-    if (role !== 'PARENT' && role !== 'SCHOOL_ADMIN' && role !== 'VICE_PRINCIPAL') {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Only parents or admins can approve' }, { status: 403 });
+    if (!canParentApprove(role) && !canAdminApprove(role)) {
+      return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Only parents or administrators can approve leave requests' }, { status: 403 });
     }
 
     const body = await request.json();
@@ -32,12 +33,10 @@ export async function POST(request: Request) {
       return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Report not found' }, { status: 404 });
     }
 
-    if (report.parentApprovalStatus !== 'pending') {
-      return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Report already processed' }, { status: 400 });
-    }
-
-    // Verify parent is linked to this student
     if (role === 'PARENT') {
+      if (report.parentApprovalStatus !== 'pending') {
+        return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Parent approval has already been processed' }, { status: 400 });
+      }
       const parentLink = await db.parentStudentLink.findFirst({
         where: { parentId: userId, studentId: report.studentId },
       });
@@ -46,25 +45,78 @@ export async function POST(request: Request) {
       }
     }
 
-    const newStatus = action === 'approve' ? 'approved' : 'rejected';
+      const newStatus = action === 'approve' ? 'approved' : 'rejected';
+      const updated = await db.illnessReport.update({
+        where: { id: reportId },
+        data: {
+          parentApprovalStatus: newStatus,
+          parentApprovedBy: userId,
+          parentApprovedAt: new Date(),
+          isVisibleToTeacher: newStatus === 'approved',
+          status: newStatus === 'approved' ? 'pending' : 'rejected',
+        },
+        include: { student: { include: { enrollments: { where: { endDate: null }, include: { classGroup: { select: { responsibleTeacherId: true } } }, take: 1 } } } },
+      });
 
+      if (newStatus === 'approved') {
+        const teacherId = updated.student.enrollments[0]?.classGroup.responsibleTeacherId;
+        if (teacherId) {
+          await db.notification.create({
+            data: {
+              schoolId: updated.schoolId,
+              userId: teacherId,
+              type: 'LEAVE_PARENT_APPROVED',
+              category: 'administrative',
+              title: 'Student leave request approved by parent',
+              message: `${updated.student.firstName} ${updated.student.lastName} has an approved leave request awaiting administration approval.`,
+              relatedId: updated.id,
+            },
+          });
+          await db.illnessReport.update({ where: { id: updated.id }, data: { teacherNotifiedAt: new Date() } });
+        }
+      }
+      return NextResponse.json(updated);
+    }
+
+    if (report.parentApprovalStatus !== 'approved' || report.adminApprovalStatus !== 'pending') {
+      return NextResponse.json({ error: 'This request is not ready for administrator approval' }, { status: 400 });
+    }
+    if (session.user?.schoolId && report.schoolId !== session.user.schoolId) {
+      return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Forbidden' }, { status: 403 });
+    }
+
+    const adminStatus = action === 'approve' ? 'approved' : 'rejected';
     const updated = await db.illnessReport.update({
       where: { id: reportId },
       data: {
-        parentApprovalStatus: newStatus,
-        parentApprovedBy: userId,
-        parentApprovedAt: new Date(),
-        isVisibleToTeacher: newStatus === 'approved',
-        isVisibleToAdmin: newStatus === 'approved',
-        status: newStatus === 'approved' ? 'approved' : 'rejected',
+        adminApprovalStatus: adminStatus,
+        adminApprovedBy: userId,
+        adminApprovedAt: new Date(),
+        isVisibleToAdmin: true,
+        status: adminStatus,
       },
       include: {
-        student: { select: { id: true, firstName: true, lastName: true } },
-        reporter: { select: { id: true, firstName: true, lastName: true } },
-        approver: { select: { id: true, firstName: true, lastName: true } },
+        student: { include: { enrollments: { where: { endDate: null }, include: { classGroup: true }, take: 1 } } },
       },
     });
 
+    if (canCreateCalendarEvent(updated)) {
+      const classGroup = updated.student.enrollments[0]?.classGroup;
+      const event = await db.calendarEvent.create({
+        data: {
+          schoolId: updated.schoolId,
+          teacherId: userId,
+          title: `${updated.student.firstName} ${updated.student.lastName}: approved leave`,
+          date: updated.startDate,
+          eventType: 'leave',
+          classGroupId: classGroup?.id ?? null,
+          notes: `Leave type: ${updated.leaveType}`,
+          allDay: true,
+        },
+      });
+      await db.illnessReport.update({ where: { id: updated.id }, data: { calendarEventId: event.id } });
+    }
+
     return NextResponse.json(updated);
   } catch (error) {
     console.error('IllnessReport approve error:', error);
diff --git a/src/app/api/illness-reports/route.ts b/src/app/api/illness-reports/route.ts
index 2b5ba27..e315bfe 100755
--- a/src/app/api/illness-reports/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/illness-reports/route.ts
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ export async function POST(request: Request) {
     }
 
     const body = await request.json();
-    const { studentId, reason, description, startDate, endDate, documentUrl } = body;
+    const { studentId, reason, description, startDate, endDate, documentUrl, leaveType = 'illness' } = body;
 
     if (!studentId || !reason || !startDate) {
       return NextResponse.json(
@@ -141,8 +141,8 @@ export async function POST(request: Request) {
     const reporterType = role === 'STUDENT' ? 'student' : 'parent';
     const isParentReport = reporterType === 'parent';
 
-    // When student reports: needs parent approval, not visible to teacher/admin
-    // When parent reports: auto-approved, visible to teacher/admin
+    // Both student and parent requests require the final administrator approval.
+    // Parent-submitted requests satisfy the parent approval step immediately.
     const report = await db.illnessReport.create({
       data: {
         schoolId: student.schoolId,
@@ -154,12 +154,14 @@ export async function POST(request: Request) {
         startDate: new Date(startDate),
         endDate: endDate ? new Date(endDate) : null,
         documentUrl: documentUrl || null,
+        leaveType,
         parentApprovalStatus: isParentReport ? 'approved' : 'pending',
         parentApprovedBy: isParentReport ? userId : null,
         parentApprovedAt: isParentReport ? new Date() : null,
         isVisibleToTeacher: isParentReport,
-        isVisibleToAdmin: isParentReport,
-        status: isParentReport ? 'approved' : 'pending',
+        isVisibleToAdmin: false,
+        adminApprovalStatus: 'pending',
+        status: 'pending',
       },
       include: {
         student: { select: { id: true, firstName: true, lastName: true } },
diff --git a/src/app/api/students/[id]/details/route.ts b/src/app/api/students/[id]/details/route.ts
index 1154163..e461064 100755
--- a/src/app/api/students/[id]/details/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/students/[id]/details/route.ts
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 import { NextResponse } from 'next/server';
 import { db } from '@/lib/db';
 import { getSession } from '@/lib/auth';
+import { canAccessStudent } from '@/lib/access-policy';
 
 export async function GET(
   _request: Request,
@@ -14,6 +15,10 @@ export async function GET(
 
     const { id: studentId } = await params;
 
+    if (!session.user || !(await canAccessStudent(session.user, studentId))) {
+      return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Forbidden' }, { status: 403 });
+    }
+
     // Load the student with relations
     const student = await db.student.findUnique({
       where: { id: studentId, deletedAt: null },
diff --git a/src/app/api/students/route.ts b/src/app/api/students/route.ts
index 7708b0e..5973ed6 100755
--- a/src/app/api/students/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/students/route.ts
@@ -2,6 +2,8 @@ import { NextResponse } from 'next/server';
 import { z } from 'zod';
 import { db } from '@/lib/db';
 import { getSession } from '@/lib/auth';
+import { canAccessStudent, getTeacherClassIds } from '@/lib/access-policy';
+import { canManageStudent, isAdministrator } from '@/lib/role-access';
 
 const createStudentSchema = z.object({
   schoolId: z.string().min(1),
@@ -27,10 +29,26 @@ export async function GET(request: Request) {
     const search = searchParams.get('search');
     const userId = searchParams.get('userId');
 
+    const user = session.user;
+    if (!user) return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Not authenticated' }, { status: 401 });
+
     const where: Record<string, unknown> = { deletedAt: null };
 
     if (schoolId) where.schoolId = schoolId;
 
+    if (!isAdministrator(user.role)) {
+      if (user.role === 'TEACHER') {
+        const classIds = await getTeacherClassIds(user.id);
+        where.enrollments = { some: { classGroupId: { in: classIds }, endDate: null } };
+      } else if (user.role === 'STUDENT') {
+        where.userId = user.id;
+      } else if (user.role === 'PARENT') {
+        where.parentStudentLinks = { some: { parentId: user.id } };
+      } else {
+        return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Forbidden' }, { status: 403 });
+      }
+    }
+
     // Filter by userId (direct link to User account)
     let userIdFilter: Record<string, unknown>[] | null = null;
     if (userId) {
@@ -112,11 +130,7 @@ export async function POST(request: Request) {
       return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Not authenticated' }, { status: 401 });
     }
 
-    if (
-      session.user?.role !== 'SUPER_ADMIN' &&
-      session.user?.role !== 'SCHOOL_ADMIN' &&
-      session.user?.role !== 'TEACHER'
-    ) {
+    if (!canManageStudent(session.user?.role)) {
       return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Forbidden' }, { status: 403 });
     }
 
@@ -129,6 +143,13 @@ export async function POST(request: Request) {
       );
     }
 
+    if (
+      session.user?.role === 'TEACHER' &&
+      (!session.user.schoolId || parsed.data.schoolId !== session.user.schoolId)
+    ) {
+      return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Teachers can only create students in their own school' }, { status: 403 });
+    }
+
     const student = await db.student.create({
       data: parsed.data,
       include: {
@@ -153,11 +174,7 @@ export async function PUT(request: Request) {
       return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Not authenticated' }, { status: 401 });
     }
 
-    if (
-      session.user?.role !== 'SUPER_ADMIN' &&
-      session.user?.role !== 'SCHOOL_ADMIN' &&
-      session.user?.role !== 'TEACHER'
-    ) {
+    if (!canManageStudent(session.user?.role)) {
       return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Forbidden' }, { status: 403 });
     }
 
@@ -185,6 +202,10 @@ export async function PUT(request: Request) {
 
     const { id, ...updateData } = parsed.data;
 
+    if (!session.user || !(await canAccessStudent(session.user, id))) {
+      return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Forbidden' }, { status: 403 });
+    }
+
     const student = await db.student.update({
       where: { id },
       data: updateData,
diff --git a/src/app/api/users/[id]/route.ts b/src/app/api/users/[id]/route.ts
index 3321566..0905950 100755
--- a/src/app/api/users/[id]/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/users/[id]/route.ts
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ import { NextResponse } from 'next/server';
 import { z } from 'zod';
 import { db } from '@/lib/db';
 import { getSession } from '@/lib/auth';
+import { canManageUser } from '@/lib/role-access';
 
 const updateUserSchema = z.object({
   firstName: z.string().min(1).optional(),
@@ -56,6 +57,10 @@ export async function GET(
       return NextResponse.json({ error: 'User not found' }, { status: 404 });
     }
 
+    if (!canManageUser(session.user?.role, user.role, user.id === session.userId)) {
+      return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Forbidden' }, { status: 403 });
+    }
+
     // School admins can only access users from their own school
     if (
       session.user?.role === 'SCHOOL_ADMIN' &&
@@ -108,6 +113,10 @@ export async function PUT(
       return NextResponse.json({ error: 'User not found' }, { status: 404 });
     }
 
+    if (!canManageUser(session.user?.role, existing.role, id === session.userId)) {
+      return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Forbidden' }, { status: 403 });
+    }
+
     // School admins can only edit users from their own school
     if (
       session.user?.role === 'SCHOOL_ADMIN' &&
@@ -210,6 +219,10 @@ export async function DELETE(
       return NextResponse.json({ error: 'User not found' }, { status: 404 });
     }
 
+    if (!canManageUser(session.user?.role, existing.role, id === session.userId)) {
+      return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Forbidden' }, { status: 403 });
+    }
+
     // School admins can only delete users from their own school
     if (
       session.user?.role === 'SCHOOL_ADMIN' &&
diff --git a/src/app/api/users/route.ts b/src/app/api/users/route.ts
index d83dd89..1275b0f 100755
--- a/src/app/api/users/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/users/route.ts
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ import { NextResponse } from 'next/server';
 import { z } from 'zod';
 import { db } from '@/lib/db';
 import { getSession, hashPassword } from '@/lib/auth';
+import { isAdministrator } from '@/lib/role-access';
 
 const createUserSchema = z.object({
   schoolId: z.string().nullable().optional(),
@@ -31,8 +32,7 @@ export async function GET(request: Request) {
 
     if (
       session.user?.role !== 'SUPER_ADMIN' &&
-      session.user?.role !== 'SCHOOL_ADMIN' &&
-      session.user?.role !== 'TEACHER'
+      session.user?.role !== 'SCHOOL_ADMIN'
     ) {
       return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Forbidden' }, { status: 403 });
     }
@@ -113,8 +113,7 @@ export async function POST(request: Request) {
     if (body.action === 'bulkCreateStudents') {
       if (
         session.user?.role !== 'SUPER_ADMIN' &&
-        session.user?.role !== 'SCHOOL_ADMIN' &&
-        session.user?.role !== 'TEACHER'
+        session.user?.role !== 'SCHOOL_ADMIN'
       ) {
         return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Forbidden' }, { status: 403 });
       }
@@ -212,8 +211,7 @@ export async function POST(request: Request) {
     // ── Single user creation ──
     if (
       session.user?.role !== 'SUPER_ADMIN' &&
-      session.user?.role !== 'SCHOOL_ADMIN' &&
-      session.user?.role !== 'TEACHER'
+      session.user?.role !== 'SCHOOL_ADMIN'
     ) {
       return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Forbidden' }, { status: 403 });
     }
@@ -228,7 +226,7 @@ export async function POST(request: Request) {
 
     const { password, studentId, ...userData } = parsed.data;
 
-    // School admins can only create users in their own school
+    // Administrators can only create users in their own school.
     if (
       session.user?.role === 'SCHOOL_ADMIN' &&
       session.user?.schoolId &&
@@ -242,10 +240,7 @@ export async function POST(request: Request) {
     }
 
     // School admins cannot create super admin accounts
-    if (
-      session.user?.role === 'SCHOOL_ADMIN' &&
-      userData.role === 'SUPER_ADMIN'
-    ) {
+    if (session.user?.role === 'SCHOOL_ADMIN' && userData.role === 'SUPER_ADMIN') {
       return NextResponse.json(
         { error: 'Cannot create super admin accounts' },
         { status: 403 }
diff --git a/src/lib/access-policy.ts b/src/lib/access-policy.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..eb6d08f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/access-policy.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,75 @@
+import { db } from '@/lib/db';
+import type { SessionUser } from '@/lib/auth';
+import { isAdministrator } from '@/lib/role-access';
+
+export async function getTeacherClassIds(userId: string): Promise<string[]> {
+  const classes = await db.classGroup.findMany({
+    where: {
+      OR: [
+        { responsibleTeacherId: userId },
+        { teachers: { some: { userId } } },
+      ],
+    },
+    select: { id: true },
+  });
+
+  return classes.map((classGroup) => classGroup.id);
+}
+
+export async function canAccessStudent(user: SessionUser, studentId: string): Promise<boolean> {
+  if (isAdministrator(user.role)) return true;
+
+  const student = await db.student.findFirst({
+    where: { id: studentId, deletedAt: null },
+    select: { id: true, userId: true, schoolId: true },
+  });
+
+  if (!student || (user.schoolId && student.schoolId !== user.schoolId)) return false;
+  if (user.role === 'STUDENT') return student.userId === user.id;
+
+  if (user.role === 'PARENT') {
+    return Boolean(
+      await db.parentStudentLink.findFirst({
+        where: { parentId: user.id, studentId, schoolId: student.schoolId },
+        select: { id: true },
+      })
+    );
+  }
+
+  if (user.role === 'TEACHER') {
+    const classIds = await getTeacherClassIds(user.id);
+    return Boolean(
+      classIds.length && await db.enrollment.findFirst({
+        where: { studentId, classGroupId: { in: classIds }, endDate: null },
+        select: { id: true },
+      })
+    );
+  }
+
+  return false;
+}
+
+export async function canAccessClass(user: SessionUser, classGroupId: string): Promise<boolean> {
+  if (isAdministrator(user.role)) return true;
+
+  if (user.role === 'TEACHER') {
+    const classIds = await getTeacherClassIds(user.id);
+    return classIds.includes(classGroupId);
+  }
+
+  if (user.role === 'STUDENT') {
+    return Boolean(await db.enrollment.findFirst({
+      where: { classGroupId, student: { userId: user.id }, endDate: null },
+      select: { id: true },
+    }));
+  }
+
+  if (user.role === 'PARENT') {
+    return Boolean(await db.enrollment.findFirst({
+      where: { classGroupId, endDate: null, student: { parentStudentLinks: { some: { parentId: user.id } } } },
+      select: { id: true },
+    }));
+  }
+
+  return false;
+}
diff --git a/src/lib/communication-policy.test.ts b/src/lib/communication-policy.test.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..97ad9f2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/communication-policy.test.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+import { describe, expect, test } from 'bun:test';
+import {
+  addBusinessDays,
+  canCreateGroupRoom,
+  canAccessRoom,
+  canEscalateToAdmin,
+  canMessageAdministrators,
+} from './communication-policy';
+
+describe('communication policy', () => {
+  test('counts five business days without weekends', () => {
+    const friday = new Date('2026-07-31T10:00:00Z');
+    expect(addBusinessDays(friday, 5).toISOString().slice(0, 10)).toBe('2026-08-07');
+  });
+
+  test('only enables escalation after the deadline without a resolution', () => {
+    const now = new Date('2026-08-10T10:00:00Z');
+    expect(canEscalateToAdmin({ audienceType: 'direct', resolutionStatus: 'open', escalationEligibleAt: new Date('2026-08-07T10:00:00Z'), escalatedAt: null }, now)).toBeTrue();
+    expect(canEscalateToAdmin({ audienceType: 'direct', resolutionStatus: 'resolved', escalationEligibleAt: new Date('2026-08-07T10:00:00Z'), escalatedAt: null }, now)).toBeFalse();
+  });
+
+  test('limits groups and direct administrator messaging to staff', () => {
+    expect(canCreateGroupRoom('TEACHER')).toBeTrue();
+    expect(canCreateGroupRoom('PARENT')).toBeFalse();
+    expect(canMessageAdministrators('TEACHER')).toBeTrue();
+    expect(canMessageAdministrators('STUDENT')).toBeFalse();
+  });
+
+  test('only exposes escalated student rooms to school administrators', () => {
+    const room = { schoolId: 'school-1', studentId: 'student-1', teacherId: 'teacher-1', escalatedAt: null };
+    expect(canAccessRoom('SCHOOL_ADMIN', room, 'admin-1', 'school-1')).toBeFalse();
+    expect(canAccessRoom('TEACHER', room, 'teacher-1', 'school-1')).toBeTrue();
+    expect(canAccessRoom('STUDENT', room, 'student-1', 'school-1')).toBeTrue();
+  });
+});
diff --git a/src/lib/communication-policy.ts b/src/lib/communication-policy.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5283b95
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/communication-policy.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,56 @@
+import type { AppRole } from '@/lib/role-access';
+
+const ADMIN_ROLES: readonly AppRole[] = ['SCHOOL_ADMIN', 'SUPER_ADMIN'];
+
+export function addBusinessDays(from: Date, days: number): Date {
+  const result = new Date(from);
+  let remaining = days;
+
+  while (remaining > 0) {
+    result.setDate(result.getDate() + 1);
+    const day = result.getDay();
+    if (day !== 0 && day !== 6) remaining -= 1;
+  }
+
+  return result;
+}
+
+export function escalationEligibleAt(createdAt: Date): Date {
+  return addBusinessDays(createdAt, 5);
+}
+
+export function canEscalateToAdmin(room: {
+  audienceType: string;
+  resolutionStatus: string;
+  escalationEligibleAt: Date | null;
+  escalatedAt: Date | null;
+}, now = new Date()): boolean {
+  return room.audienceType === 'direct'
+    && room.resolutionStatus !== 'resolved'
+    && !room.escalatedAt
+    && Boolean(room.escalationEligibleAt && room.escalationEligibleAt <= now);
+}
+
+export function canCreateDirectRoom(role: string | undefined): boolean {
+  return role === 'STUDENT' || role === 'PARENT' || role === 'TEACHER';
+}
+
+export function canCreateGroupRoom(role: string | undefined): boolean {
+  return role === 'TEACHER' || ADMIN_ROLES.includes(role as AppRole);
+}
+
+export function canMessageAdministrators(role: string | undefined): boolean {
+  return role === 'TEACHER' || ADMIN_ROLES.includes(role as AppRole);
+}
+
+export function canAccessRoom(
+  role: string | undefined,
+  room: { schoolId: string; studentId: string; teacherId: string; escalatedAt: Date | null },
+  userId: string,
+  userSchoolId: string | null
+): boolean {
+  if (role === 'SUPER_ADMIN') return true;
+  if (role === 'SCHOOL_ADMIN') return room.schoolId === userSchoolId && Boolean(room.escalatedAt);
+  if (role === 'VICE_PRINCIPAL') return room.schoolId === userSchoolId && room.teacherId === userId;
+  return room.studentId === userId || room.teacherId === userId;
+}
diff --git a/src/lib/leave-policy.test.ts b/src/lib/leave-policy.test.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..88e968d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/leave-policy.test.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+import { describe, expect, test } from 'bun:test';
+import { canAdminApprove, canCreateCalendarEvent, getLeaveState } from './leave-policy';
+
+describe('leave policy', () => {
+  test('requires parent then administrator approval', () => {
+    expect(getLeaveState({ parentApprovalStatus: 'pending', adminApprovalStatus: 'pending' })).toBe('awaiting_parent_approval');
+    expect(getLeaveState({ parentApprovalStatus: 'approved', adminApprovalStatus: 'pending' })).toBe('awaiting_admin_approval');
+    expect(getLeaveState({ parentApprovalStatus: 'approved', adminApprovalStatus: 'approved' })).toBe('approved');
+  });
+
+  test('only administrators can give the final approval', () => {
+    expect(canAdminApprove('SCHOOL_ADMIN')).toBeTrue();
+    expect(canAdminApprove('VICE_PRINCIPAL')).toBeFalse();
+  });
+
+  test('creates one calendar event after full approval', () => {
+    expect(canCreateCalendarEvent({ parentApprovalStatus: 'approved', adminApprovalStatus: 'approved', calendarEventId: null })).toBeTrue();
+    expect(canCreateCalendarEvent({ parentApprovalStatus: 'approved', adminApprovalStatus: 'pending', calendarEventId: null })).toBeFalse();
+  });
+});
diff --git a/src/lib/leave-policy.ts b/src/lib/leave-policy.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..db4c667
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/leave-policy.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+export type LeaveState =
+  | 'awaiting_parent_approval'
+  | 'awaiting_admin_approval'
+  | 'approved'
+  | 'rejected';
+
+export function getLeaveState(report: {
+  parentApprovalStatus: string;
+  adminApprovalStatus: string;
+}): LeaveState {
+  if (report.parentApprovalStatus === 'rejected' || report.adminApprovalStatus === 'rejected') {
+    return 'rejected';
+  }
+  if (report.parentApprovalStatus !== 'approved') return 'awaiting_parent_approval';
+  if (report.adminApprovalStatus !== 'approved') return 'awaiting_admin_approval';
+  return 'approved';
+}
+
+export function canParentApprove(role: string | undefined): boolean {
+  return role === 'PARENT';
+}
+
+export function canAdminApprove(role: string | undefined): boolean {
+  return role === 'SCHOOL_ADMIN' || role === 'SUPER_ADMIN';
+}
+
+export function canCreateCalendarEvent(report: {
+  parentApprovalStatus: string;
+  adminApprovalStatus: string;
+  calendarEventId: string | null;
+}): boolean {
+  return report.parentApprovalStatus === 'approved'
+    && report.adminApprovalStatus === 'approved'
+    && !report.calendarEventId;
+}
diff --git a/src/lib/role-access.test.ts b/src/lib/role-access.test.ts
index afa3066..bc38295 100644
--- a/src/lib/role-access.test.ts
+++ b/src/lib/role-access.test.ts
@@ -1,6 +1,13 @@
 import { describe, expect, test } from 'bun:test';
 import type { ViewName } from './store';
-import { canAccessView, filterSectionsForRole, filterViewsForRole, getFallbackView } from './role-access';
+import {
+  canAccessView,
+  canManageStudent,
+  canManageUser,
+  filterSectionsForRole,
+  filterViewsForRole,
+  getFallbackView,
+} from './role-access';
 
 const mixedItems = [
   { key: 'dashboard' as const },
@@ -35,4 +42,25 @@ describe('role access', () => {
       expect(canAccessView('SUPER_ADMIN', view)).toBeTrue();
     }
   });
+
+  test('limits student and parent menus to self-service views', () => {
+    expect(canAccessView('STUDENT', 'classes')).toBeFalse();
+    expect(canAccessView('STUDENT', 'student-portal')).toBeTrue();
+    expect(canAccessView('PARENT', 'parents')).toBeFalse();
+    expect(canAccessView('PARENT', 'parent-portal')).toBeTrue();
+  });
+
+  test('does not grant vice principals administrator account control', () => {
+    expect(canManageUser('VICE_PRINCIPAL', 'TEACHER')).toBeFalse();
+    expect(canManageUser('SCHOOL_ADMIN', 'SCHOOL_ADMIN', true)).toBeFalse();
+    expect(canManageUser('SCHOOL_ADMIN', 'SUPER_ADMIN')).toBeFalse();
+    expect(canManageUser('SUPER_ADMIN', 'SCHOOL_ADMIN')).toBeTrue();
+  });
+
+  test('allows student record mutation only to administrators and teachers', () => {
+    expect(canManageStudent('SCHOOL_ADMIN')).toBeTrue();
+    expect(canManageStudent('TEACHER')).toBeTrue();
+    expect(canManageStudent('VICE_PRINCIPAL')).toBeFalse();
+    expect(canManageStudent('PARENT')).toBeFalse();
+  });
 });
diff --git a/src/lib/role-access.ts b/src/lib/role-access.ts
index 9ed47ad..2530787 100644
--- a/src/lib/role-access.ts
+++ b/src/lib/role-access.ts
@@ -2,29 +2,26 @@ import type { ViewName } from '@/lib/store';
 
 export type AppRole = 'PARENT' | 'STUDENT' | 'TEACHER' | 'VICE_PRINCIPAL' | 'SCHOOL_ADMIN' | 'SUPER_ADMIN' | 'DPO';
 
+export const ADMIN_ROLES: readonly AppRole[] = ['SCHOOL_ADMIN', 'SUPER_ADMIN'];
+export const USER_MANAGER_ROLES: readonly AppRole[] = ['SCHOOL_ADMIN', 'SUPER_ADMIN'];
+export const STUDENT_MANAGER_ROLES: readonly AppRole[] = ['SCHOOL_ADMIN', 'SUPER_ADMIN', 'TEACHER'];
+
 const parentViews: ViewName[] = [
-  'dashboard', 'parent-portal', 'parents', 'grading', 'attendance', 'calendar',
-  'communication', 'illness', 'report-cards', 'school-events', 'school-newsletter',
-  'notification-center', 'announcements', 'settings',
+  'dashboard', 'parent-portal', 'calendar', 'communication', 'illness',
+  'notification-center', 'announcements',
 ];
 
 const studentViews: ViewName[] = [
-  'dashboard', 'student-portal', 'notebooks', 'flower', 'grading', 'grade-analytics',
-  'homework', 'attendance', 'portfolio', 'calendar', 'competitions', 'subjects',
-  'illness', 'communication', 'counseling', 'ai-tests', 'exam-calendar',
-  'peer-assessment', 'report-cards', 'student-achievements', 'student-study-planner',
-  'student-wellness', 'student-career', 'resources', 'school-library', 'school-events',
-  'school-newsletter', 'school-transport', 'notification-center', 'announcements', 'settings',
+  'dashboard', 'student-portal', 'calendar', 'communication', 'illness',
+  'notification-center',
 ];
 
 const teacherViews: ViewName[] = [
   'dashboard', 'classes', 'competencies', 'progress', 'flower', 'assessments', 'grading',
-  'reports', 'settings', 'student-detail', 'matrix', 'attendance', 'calendar', 'lesson-plans',
-  'parents', 'behavior', 'coverage', 'rubrics', 'comments', 'notebooks', 'drawing', 'homework',
-  'portfolio', 'timetable', 'resources', 'competitions', 'subjects', 'illness', 'communication',
-  'counseling', 'ai-tests', 'notification-center', 'announcements', 'tablet-grading',
-  'exam-calendar', 'peer-assessment', 'seating-chart', 'school-library', 'report-cards',
-  'student-wellness', 'student-career', 'school-events', 'school-newsletter',
+  'reports', 'student-detail', 'matrix', 'attendance', 'calendar', 'lesson-plans',
+  'behavior', 'coverage', 'rubrics', 'comments', 'homework', 'timetable', 'resources',
+  'illness', 'communication', 'notification-center', 'tablet-grading', 'exam-calendar',
+  'seating-chart', 'report-cards',
 ];
 
 const vicePrincipalViews: ViewName[] = [
@@ -36,6 +33,21 @@ export function hasRoleAccess(role: string | undefined, allowedRoles: readonly A
   return role === 'SCHOOL_ADMIN' || role === 'SUPER_ADMIN' || (role !== undefined && allowedRoles.includes(role as AppRole));
 }
 
+export function isAdministrator(role: string | undefined): boolean {
+  return role === 'SCHOOL_ADMIN' || role === 'SUPER_ADMIN';
+}
+
+export function canManageUser(actorRole: string | undefined, targetRole: string, isSelf = false): boolean {
+  if (!isAdministrator(actorRole)) return false;
+  if (isSelf) return false;
+  if (actorRole === 'SCHOOL_ADMIN' && targetRole === 'SUPER_ADMIN') return false;
+  return true;
+}
+
+export function canManageStudent(actorRole: string | undefined): boolean {
+  return STUDENT_MANAGER_ROLES.includes(actorRole as AppRole);
+}
+
 export function canAccessView(role: string | undefined, view: ViewName): boolean {
   if (role === 'SCHOOL_ADMIN' || role === 'SUPER_ADMIN') return true;
   const allowed = role === 'PARENT' ? parentViews