Policy Manual

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Policy KEB

1. The Board believes that constructive criticism, when it is motivated by a sincere desire to improve the quality  of our educational programs, assists school personnel to perform their responsibilities more effectively. This  policy is intended (1) to create a climate in the schools whereby persons are encouraged to bring complaints to  the attention of school officials for resolution, and (2) to explain the responsibilities of school officials in  handling complaints.  

2. Complaints will be referred to the proper school decision maker for resolution at the lowest possible level. In the  case of a complaint against the Superintendent, the complaint should be referred to the Board Chair, who will  consult as necessary with legal counsel. 

3. Generally, the first step will be to discuss the matter directly with the employee against whom the complaint is  registered. If this is clearly inappropriate because of the nature or severity of the complaint, the person making  the complaint may request a conference with the principal/immediate supervisor to discuss the complaint. The  principal/immediate supervisor or his/her designee will look into the complaint and communicate with the person making the complaint. Privacy rights of all parties to the complaint will be respected. 

4. If a complaint cannot be resolved at a lower level, it may be presented to the Superintendent. The person  requesting the Superintendent’s review must submit the complaint in writing, setting forth the specific facts on  which the complaint is based and attaching all documents in support of the complaint. The Superintendent will  provide a copy of the written complaint to the person against whom the complaint is made. 

5. If a complaint remains unresolved at the Superintendent’s level, the person making the complaint may request  that the matter be placed on the Board’s agenda. The Board Chairperson will decide whether the complaint will  be placed on a Board agenda. If a complaint is placed on an agenda, the Superintendent will invite the  complainant and the person against whom the complaint is made to attend the meeting and will provide the  Board members with a copy of the complaint and supporting documents. 

6. The Board will determine the procedural rules for any meeting to hear a complaint. Any such meeting will be  held in executive session. Only if the Board elects to record the meeting will any recording of the meeting be  permitted. If a group submits a complaint that is placed on the Board agenda, a delegation of no more than  two individuals must be designated to represent the group and to present the complaint to the Board. 

7. This complaint policy may not be used by employees for employment matters. Such matters need to be  processed through the appropriate grievance procedure, if any. 

Cross Reference: BEDH – Public Participation at Board Meetings 

Adopted: June 10, 2019

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