3530 - COMPLAINT PROCEDURE

Wa-Nee Community School Corporation

Bylaws & Policies

The Board of School Trustees recognizes the importance of cooperative working relationships among staff members if the educational interests of students are to be met in a positive manner. It is vitally important that school employees recognize appropriate lines of communication in addressing concerns relating to the school program. The Governing Body expects that open, honest, and direct communications between employees will result in the satisfactory conclusion of policy problems arising from the daily operations of school programs. The complaint procedure is a formal process that may be initiated by a certified employee whenever a satisfactory resolution of a policy has not been achieved through direct communications with the building administrator.

Guidelines

	A.	The following procedural guidelines are set forth for a teacher registering a formal complaint. A complaint may involve a work situation which the teacher deems to be in conflict with policy or a complaint that there has been a deviation from, misinterpretation, or misapplication of approved policy.
	B.	It is understood between parties that any teacher shall have the right to present complaints and appeals on his/her own behalf or be accompanied by a member of the local educational staff or a mutually agreeable designee.
	C.	Conferences shall be scheduled at a time and place where all concerned shall have a reasonable opportunity to attend. Failure of the administrator to comply with this procedure shall give the complainant the right to appeal to the next higher level.
	D.	Failure of the administrator to render a decision in writing within the specified time shall permit the complaint to advance to the next higher step. Additional time may be granted by mutual consent of both parties.

Adjustment of Complaint with the School Principal

	A.	A sincere attempt should be made to resolve the problem set forth in the complaint through an oral interview between the complainant and the school principal.
	B.	Any complainant may present a complaint in writing to the principal. Two (2) or more complainants with the same problem may be processed as one (1) formal complaint.
	C.	The principal shall confer with the complainant within three (3) school days after the receipt of the written complaint.
	D.	The decision of the principal, supported by reasons, shall be made in writing to the complainant and the Superintendent of Schools within three (3) school days after the conference.

Appeal to the Superintendent of Schools

	A.	The complainant may appeal the decision made by the principal at the school level to the Superintendent of Schools.
	B.	The appeal shall be in writing stating the act, the condition, and the grounds on which the appeal is made. The Superintendent shall meet with the parties involved in the complaint within five (5) school days and shall give two (2) days notice of the conference. The decision of the Superintendent, supported by reasons, shall be in writing three (3) school days after the conference.

Appeal to the Board of Education

	A.	The complainant may appeal to the Board of School Trustees the decision of the Superintendent. Copies of the written complaint and decisions shall be presented to the board with the request for review.
	B.	The Board shall:

		1.	Have the option of meeting with the complainant; or
		2.	May review the complaint without the complainant being present; except upon the teacher’s written request, the Board will review the complaint and their findings with the complainant. If a conference is held, the Board shall give two (2) days written notice concerning the time and place of the meeting. The Board shall, upon receipt of the written complaint, review it within fifteen (15) school days. The Board shall make known its decision, supported by reasons, in writing to the concerned parties within ten (10) school days after the reviews.

Revised 3/02