KL - Public Complaints

Procedures for registering and resolving complaints about district personnel, instruction, discipline, services and matters exclusive of instructional or library materials are defined by this policy. Complaints following this policy and the accompanying administrative regulation should be made in writing.

The Board believes that complaints are best handled and resolved as close to their origin as possible and that the parties involved in the complaint should be involved in the solution.

No community member will be denied the right to petition the Board for redress of a grievance. Complaints will be referred through the proper administrative channels for solution before investigation or action by the Board. Exceptions are complaints that concern Board actions or Board operations.

Complaints made directly to the Board as a whole or to an individual Board member shall be generally referred to the appropriate person or the superintendent for referral and follow through. All such complaints shall be responded to in a timely fashion and the Board briefed accordingly.

Any complaint about school personnel will be investigated by the administration before consideration and action by the Board. The Board will not hear charges against employees in open session unless an employee requests an open session.

While speakers may offer objective criticism of operations and programs, the Board will not hear personal complaints concerning district 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 would prejudice any necessity to act as the final review of administrative recommendations regarding the matter. The Board chair will direct the visitor to the appropriate means for Board consideration and disposition of legitimate complaints involving individuals.

END OF POLICY

Legal Reference(s):
ORS 192.660
ORS 332.107
ORS 659.852
OAR 581-002-0001 - 002-0005
OAR 581-022-2370
Anderson v. Central Point Sch. Dist., 746 F.2d 505 (9th Cir. 1984).
Connick v. Myers, 461 U.S. 138 (1983).

Cross Reference(s):
AC - Nondiscrimination
ACB - Every Student Belong                                                                                                                        IIA - Instructional Resources/Instructional Materials