CODE 1312.1R
SECTION: COMMUNITY RELATIONS
PUBLIC COMPLAINTS REGULATIONS
A. Matters Regarding a Teaching Staff Member
First Level. If a complaint is made relating to a teaching staff member, the matter must be addressed, initially, to the subject staff member who shall discuss it promptly with the complainant and make every effort to provide a reasoned explanation or take appropriate action within his or her authority and district rules and regulations.
If unresolved, the staff member shall report the matter within five school days, in writing, and whatever action may have been taken, to the building principal. The staff member must provide the principal with a copy of all correspondence related to the matter and set forth the actions already taken.
Second Level. If the matter is not satisfactorily resolved at the first level, it may be discussed by the complainant with the building principal.
Third Level. If a satisfactory solution is not achieved at the second level, a written or verbal request by the complainant for a conference shall be submitted within five school days to the Superintendent. Should the matter be resolved in conference with the Superintendent, the Board shall be advised of the resolution.
Fourth Level. Should the matter still not be resolved at the third level, or if it is beyond the Superintendent’s authority and requires a Board decision or action, the complainant may request, in writing, a hearing by the full Board or appropriate Board committee. This request should include:
1. The specific nature of the complaint and a brief statement of the facts giving rise to it and all pertinent documentation, and
2. A statement setting forth how the complainant (or child of the complainant) has been adversely affected.
The Board, or assigned Board committee, after reviewing all materials related to the case, shall hold a hearing. The complainant shall be advised, in writing, of the Board’s decision, no more than 30 days following the hearing,
B. Matters Regarding an Administrative Staff Member
In the case of a complaint directed toward an administrative staff member, the general procedure specified in Part A shall be followed. The complaint shall be discussed, initially, with the person toward whom it is directed and, if a satisfactory resolution is not achieved at this and each subsequent level, the matter shall be brought, in turn, to higher levels ending with the Board.
C. Matters Regarding a Noninstructional Staff Member
In the case of a complaint directed toward a noninstructional staff member, the complaint is to be directed initially, toward the person’s superior, and the matter then brought, in turn, to higher levels in the manner prescribed in Part A.
D. Matters Regarding Pupils
In the case of a complaint concerning a pupil, the general procedure specified in Part A shall be followed.
E. Matters Regarding a Program or Operation
If the request, suggestion, complaint, or grievance relates to a matter of district or school policy, procedure, program, or operation, it should be addressed, initially, to the building principal and then brought in turn to higher levels of authority in the manner prescribed in Part A.
F. Matters Regarding Instructional Materials
If the request, suggestion, complaint, or grievance relates to instructional materials such as textbooks, library books, reference works and other instructional aids used in the district, the following procedures shall be followed:
1. The criticism is to be addressed to the Superintendent, in writing, and shall include:
a. Author;
b. Title;
c. Publisher;
d. the complainant’s familiarity or concerns with the material objected to, sections objected to, by page and item;
e. reasons for objections;
f. in what school or class the material was used; and
g. how the material was used.
2. Upon receipt of the information, the Superintendent shall, after advising the Board of the complaint and upon Board approval, appoint a review committee which may consist of:
a. an administrator;
b. a teacher in the subject area;
c. a certified library staff member;
d. a Board member (to chair the committee); and
e. a person knowledgeable in the area or any additional persons necessary.
3. The Superintendent and Board president shall be members ex officio of the committee. The complainant may be invited to meet with the committee at the initial stage and any other stages deemed necessary.
4. The committee, in evaluating the questioned material, shall be guided by the following criteria:
a. the appropriateness of the material for the age and maturity level of the students with whom it is being used;
b. the objectivity of the material; and
c. the use being made of the material.
5. The committee’s recommendation shall be reported to the Superintendent, in writing, within 30 days following the formation of the committee. The Superintendent will advise the Board, in writing of the committee’s recommendation.
6. The Board shall review the case and advise the complainant, in writing, of its decision after the next regularly scheduled Board meeting or within 30 days.
Reference: Policy No. 1312
First Reading: December 12, 2000
Adopted: December 19, 2000