School Board Policy 4220
Constructive criticism can be helpful to the district. At the
same time, the board has confidence in its staff and programs and shall
act to protect them from unwarranted criticism or disruptive
interference. Complaints received by the board or by an individual
director will be referred to the superintendent or designee for
investigation.
It is the policy of the Tahoma School District to respond to
the needs and concerns of the community. Open communication between the
district and community and clear procedures for processing community
concerns are essential to ensure that
- Parent concerns are handled expeditiously;
- The community is informed of the procedures for appealing a district decision;
- Employees have the opportunity to remedy complaints;
- Employees are fairly heard before any administrative remedy/action is initiated;
- The channel for resolving parent complaints is consistently applied.
The superintendent or designee shall develop procedures to
handle complaints concerning school personnel or programs. Complaints
regarding instructional materials should be pursued in the manner
suggested by Policy 2020 (Curriculum Development and Adoption of
Instructional Materials).
Procedure 4220
The following guidelines and procedures are intended to protect
the rights of all individuals and to assist parents and district
employees in resolving concerns. These guidelines are based on the
belief that satisfactory resolution of problems most often occurs when
those parties directly involved have the opportunity to discuss their
concerns with each other and work together to resolve the issues.
The procedure outlined below should be followed for any
parental complaint against a Tahoma School District employee, except
complaints arising out of student discipline (WAC 180-40) or handicapped
education (WAC 392-171).
Step 1: The parent shall first be required to attempt to resolve the problem with the individual employee.
Step 2: If the employee and the parent have not resolved the
complaint at Step 1, either party may request the principal or immediate
supervisor to assist with resolution.
Step 3: If the problem is not resolved to the parent's satisfaction, the parent must then put the complaint in writing on the Parent Complaint Form and present it to the building principal or supervisor.
Any written charge of misconduct made against an employee by
any parent, student, or other person will be promptly called to the
attention of the employee.
When charges of misconduct are made against an employee by any
parent, student, or other person which results in an investigation, the
principal or supervisor will give written notice of the allegations to
the employee within twelve (12) working days of commencement of the
investigation. Any investigation will include an opportunity for the
employee to respond to all allegations lodged against him/her.
The parent and the employee will be given written notice of the
results of the investigation within twelve (12) working days of
completion of the investigation.
An employee shall be entitled to and be informed of the right
to have present a representative of the Association during any
disciplinary action excluding informal warnings, criticism, or
suggestions for improvement which do not independently form a basis for
formal action.
Step 4: If the parent is not satisfied with the response of the
principal or supervisor, the parent may appeal to the superintendent or
designee in writing within ten (10) working days* of receipt of the
Step 3 response. Copies of the appeal request shall be sent to the
employee, the principal or supervisor within 3 (three) working days* of
its receipt by the superintendent or designee. "Employees will be
afforded all rights to representation specificied in their negotiated
agreement."
Upon receipt of the appeal, the superintendent or designee
shall investigate and forward a response by certified mail to the parent
within ten (10) working days.* At the same time copies of the response
shall be given to the employee, the principal or supervisor, and the
Association.
Step 5: If the parent is not satisfied with the response of the
superintendent or designee, the parent may submit a written appeal to
the Board of Directors within ten (10) working days* of receiving the
superintendent's or designee's decision.
Following its review, the Board of Directors shall forward a
written response by certified mail to the parent within five (5)
working* days following its next regular meeting. At the same time,
copies of the response shall be given to the employee, the principal or
supervisor and the Association.
All of the timelines contained herein can be adjusted by the
District if the nature of the complaint or time of filing indicates that
more time is needed for complete investigation and processing of the
complaint.
For purposes of these guidelines and procedures, the term
"working day" shall mean any day during the regular school year on which
children are scheduled to attend school, or any day during the summer
break on which the school district's central office is open for
business.