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EASTON AREA
SCHOOL DISTRICT
No. 326
SECTION:
ADMINISTRATIVE
EMPLOYEES
TITLE:
COMPLAINT PROCESS
ADOPTED:
May 17, 2007
REVISED:
326. COMPLAINT PROCESS
1.
Purpose
Effective management of district operations requires reasonable and effective means
of resolving conflicts among management level employees. This policy is
established to reduce potential areas of disagreement, and to establish and maintain
recognized two-way channels of communication between the Board and
management.
2.
Authority
The Board adopts this policy to facilitate proper and equitable solutions to
complaints at the lowest appropriate level, and to establish an orderly procedure for
pursuing solutions.
There shall be no reprisals of any kind taken against any employee because of
participation in or support of a complaint.
3.
Definition
Complaint - any unresolved problem concerning application or interpretation of
federal or state laws and regulations; policies and rules of the Board; and written
administrative procedures.
4.
Guidelines
Complaints should be discussed in a private, informal conference between the
parties involved. At least one (1) private meeting should take place between the
parties before the complaint is taken to the next higher level of authority.
A complainant may be represented or accompanied at the higher levels of authority
by anyone s/he chooses.
If the same or substantially the same complaint is made by more than one
administrator against one respondent, only one administrator, on behalf of self and
the other complainants, should pursue the complaint through the prescribed
procedure. Names of all complainants shall appear on all documents related to
settlement of the complaint.
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The time limit provided in this policy may be extended by mutual agreement of the
parties. Any decision not pursued within the time limits from one level to the next
level shall be considered settled on the basis of the last decision and not subject to
further appeal.
Level One – Immediate Supervisor
Within ten (10) days after the occurrence giving rise to the complaint and following
an informal discussion as outlined, the complainant must present the written
complaint to the immediate supervisor.
This statement shall include:
1.
A clear, concise expression of the complaint.
2.
The rule, policy or law of which there is an alleged violation.
3.
Circumstances on which the complaint is based.
4.
Person(s) involved.
5.
Decision rendered at the private conference.
6.
Remedy sought.
Copies of this statement may be sent to any individuals who were present at the
meeting.
Within ten (10) days the immediate supervisor shall communicate a written decision
to the complainant. If the supervisor does not respond within the time limit, the
complainant may appeal to the next level.
Either party to the complaint shall have the right to request a personal conference in
order to resolve the complaint. Either party may request the presence of one (1)
conferee.
Level Two - Superintendent/Designee
Within ten (10) days after receiving the decision of the administrator in Level One,
the complainant may appeal the decision to the Superintendent or designee. The
written appeal shall be accompanied by a copy of the decision at Level One.
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Within ten (10) days after delivery of the appeal, the Superintendent or designee
shall investigate the complaint, giving all persons who participated in Level One a
reasonable opportunity to be heard.
Within ten (10) days after delivery of the appeal, the Superintendent or designee
shall submit a written decision, together with the supporting reasons, to the
complainant and the administrator involved.
Level Three - Discussion With The Board
Within ten (10) days after receiving the decision of the Superintendent or designee,
the complainant may appeal the decision in writing to the Board.
The Board shall schedule the matter for a hearing to be held at the next regularly
scheduled Board meeting. The complainant and his/her conferee may be present at
the hearing.
Within twenty (20) days the Board will submit its written decision, together with
supporting reasons, to the complainant. A copy shall be furnished to the
administrator(s) involved. The decision of the Board is final.
Miscellaneous Provisions
All documents, communications and records relevant to a complaint shall be filed in
a separate file and not be kept in the personnel file of any of the participants.
In the event a complaint is filed late in the school year, both parties shall endeavor to
expedite procedures so that the process may be completed as soon after the school
term as practicable.