In order to promote fair and constructive communication, the following procedures shall govern the resolution of complaints.  Every effort should be made to resolve a complaint at the earliest possible stage.  Complaints concerning school personnel should be made directly by the complainant to the person against whom the complaint is lodged.  Parents/guardians are encouraged to attempt to orally resolve concerns with the staff member personally.

1. If the complaint cannot be resolved informally by the persons involved, the complainant may submit the complaint in writing to the school principal or immediate supervisor.  A written complaint must include the name of each employee involved and a brief but specific summary of the complaint and the facts surrounding it.  It should also include a specific description of efforts made to discuss the complaint with the employee involved and the failure to resolve the matter.
2. All written complaints regarding District personnel other than administrators shall be initially filed with the principal or immediate supervisor.  If the complaint regards a principal or central office administrator, the written complaint shall be initially filed with the Superintendent.  If the written complaint concerns the Superintendent, it shall be initially filed with the Board President.  If the complaint is also against the District, the principal shall provide a copy of the complaint to the District Superintendent so that appropriate procedures may be followed.
3. The principal or immediate supervisor shall investigate and attempt to resolve the complaint.  Once the investigation is complete, all concerned parties will be advised as to the outcome.
4. If the complaint remains unresolved after review by the principal or the immediate supervisor, the complainant may appeal to the Superintendent for consideration.  The complainant, the employee, or the Superintendent may ask to address the School Board regarding the complaint.
5. Except when a complaint is directed against the Superintendent, no party to a complaint may address the Board, either in closed or open session, unless the Board has received a Superintendent's written report concerning the complaint.
6. Complaints before the Board concerning an employee that may tend to be prejudicial to the employee's reputation or character shall be addressed in executive session of the Board except that the employee may require the hearing to be conducted in open session.  All parties to a complaint, including the school administration, may be asked to attend a Board meeting or part of such meeting for the purpose of presenting all available evidence and allowing every opportunity for explaining and clarifying the issue.  Any decision of the Board following the hearing shall be final.

 (cf. 9321 - Executive Sessions)