CODE: 5145.6R
SECTION: PUPILS
PUPIL GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
It is the policy of the West Milford Board of Education to provide for the expeditious and fair resolution of conflicts involving student, staff, and citizen concerns and grievances.
Depending upon the nature of the conflict, complaints should be channeled through the following procedural steps:
Step 1 - Classroom teacher (if appropriate).
Step 2 - Immediate Supervisor (if appropriate).
Step 3 - Vice-Principal (if appropriate).
Step
4 -
Building
Principal (in all cases).
Step 5 - District Affirmative Action Officer (if appropriate).
Step 6 - Director of Education (if appropriate).
Step 7 - Director of Special Services (if appropriate).
Step 8 - Superintendent of Schools
Step 9 - Board of Education
Formal Written Grievance:
Staff, pupils, or citizens may file a formal written grievance related to personal concerns, sexual harassment, or discrimination in any educational program or activity of the district on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, ancestry, national origin, place of residence in the district, social or economic condition, or non-applicable handicap.
A written grievance will be initiated by submitting a Conflict Resolution Review Form. This form will be available at any school building or district office. Formal complaint forms should be filed in the building principal's or Superintendent's office.
If a formal grievance is unresolved within thirty (30) calendar days, the Superintendent shall bring the matter to the attention of the Board of Education or the appropriate Board of Education committee.
Pupil Grievances
Each school level (elementary, middle, and high school) shall establish procedures for the consideration of pupil grievances and for the processing of their complaints and appeals. These procedures should be developed through the cooperative efforts of pupil, faculty, and administrators and shall include procedures for appeals beyond the decision of the principal.
Details of all procedures shall be made known to pupils, staff, and parents annually.
Students with Disabilities:
In the case of students with disabilities, when a conflict arises, local district level mediation is available in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:14-2.6 by writing the Director of Special Services and stating the nature of the conflict. Mediation of conflicts is also available through the New Jersey Department of Education, County Superintendent's Office, and/or the Division of Special Education at the Department of Education.
This policy is not intended to change or affect any grievance procedure set forth in existing employee contracts.
First Reading: December 12, 2000
Adopted: December 19, 2000