PUBLIC COMPLAINTS
The board recognizes that concerns regarding the operation of the school district will arise. The board further believes constructive criticism can assist in improving the quality of the education program and in meeting individual student needs more effectively. The board also places trust in its employees and desires to support their actions in a manner that frees them from unnecessary or unwarranted criticism and complaints.
Procedures for dealing with complaints concerning programs or practices should be governed by the following principles:
- where action/investigation is desired by the complainant, or where it seems appropriate, the matter should be handled as near the source as possible;
- complaints should both be investigated and, if possible, resolved expeditiously;
- complaints should be dealt with courteously and in a constructive manner; and,
- individuals directly affected by the complaint should have an opportunity to respond.
The board, consistent with its board policy-making role, will review the action taken to resolve complaints concerning specific schools, programs or procedures only after the usual channels have been exhausted. Complaints regarding employees or complaints by students will follow the more specific policies 403.05 and 504.01 respectively.
When a complaint requiring attention is received by the board or a board member it will be referred to the superintendent. After all of the channels have been exhausted, any complainant wishing to appeal to the board shall appeal in writing. However, the board will only directly consider appeals dealing with policies, procedures and programs. Any appeals involving employee issues will be passed on to the board’s legal counsel to determine whether district policies and procedures were followed by the administrator in attempting to resolve the conflict.
Cross Reference:
204.12 Public Participation at Board Meetings
403.05 Public Complaints about Employees
504.01 Student Due Process Rights
606.03 Objection to Instructional Materials
Approved July 14, 2014 Reviewed ______________ Revised ________________
