It is the Board's intent to handle public complaints in a fair and expedient manner. Complaints should be handled and resolved as close to their origin as possible.

Complaints will be referred through the proper administrative channels for solution before investigation or action by the Board. Exceptions are complaints against the Superintendent or Board actions.

In working toward resolutions at the lowest possible level, the Board advises the public that the proper channeling of complaints involving instruction, discipline, learning materials, District program(s), or facilities is in the following order:

1. Subject of complaint
2. Principal / administrator
3. Superintendent or designee
4. Board

The Superintendent will develop administrative regulations to explain the process and procedures to be followed. Copies of the process will be available at appropriate sites throughout the District.

Any complaint about school personnel other than the Superintendent will be investigated by the administration before consideration and action by the Board. Whenever a complaint about personnel is made directly to the Board as a whole or to a Board member as an individual, it will be referred to administration for study and possible solution.

The Board will not hear charges against employees in open session unless an employee requests an open session.

While audience members speaking during Board meeting open sessions may offer objective criticism of school operations and programs, the Board will not hear personal complaints concerning school personnel nor against any person connected with the school system. To do so could expose the Board to a charge of being party to slander, and might prejudice any necessity to act as the final review of administrative recommendations regarding the matter. The Board chair will direct these audience members to the appropriate procedures for consideration and disposition of legitimate complaints involving individuals.

Due process rights of all concerned parties will be protected throughout the complaint process.