213.1R1 - General Complaints by Citizens

The board recognizes that concerns regarding the operation of the school district will arise.  The board further believes that constructive criticism can assist in improving the quality of the education program and in meeting individual student needs more effectively.  The board also places trust in its employees and desires to support their actions in a manner which frees them from unnecessary or unwarranted criticism and complaints.

Procedures for dealing with complaints concerning programs or practices will be governed by the following principles:

•   where action/investigation is desired by the complainant, or where it seems appropriate, the matter will be handled as near the source as possible at the lowest level of organization possible;
•   complaints will both be investigated and, if possible, resolved expeditiously;
•   complaints will be dealt with courteously and in a constructive manner; and,
•   individuals directly affected by the complaint will have an opportunity to respond.

Specific procedures for handling complaints may be established in policies.  The board, consistent with its board policy-making role, will deal with complaints concerning specific schools, programs or procedures only after the usual channels have been exhausted.  Complaints regarding employees or complaints by students should follow the more specific policies on those issues.

When a complaint requiring attention is received by the board or a board member it will be referred to the superintendent.  After all of the channels have been exhausted, the complainant may appeal to the board by requesting a place on the board agenda or during the public audience portion of the board meeting.  If the complainant appeals to the board, the appeal will be in writing, will be signed, and will explain the process followed by the complainant prior to the appeal to the board. It is within the board’s discretion to determine whether to hear the complaint.

On behalf of fellow Board members, at this time I would like to invite any member of the audience to step to the microphone with comments about items of interest or concern that do not appear on the agenda this evening. Please begin by stating your name and address. It would be appreciated if you would limit your comments to a maximum of 5 minutes so that we can keep the meeting moving in a timely fashion and allow others an opportunity to speak. We ask that you remember that Iowa law prohibits us from discussing specific employees or their job performance. If you have thoughts to share about items that are included as topics for tonight’s meeting, we would invite those comments at this time.

 

 

Cross Reference:  502.4   Student Complaints and Grievances
                                      213      Public Participation in Board Meetings
                                      402.5   Public Complaints About Employees
                                      210.8   Board Meeting Agenda

Approved:  Nov 17, 2014
Reviewed:    Sep 22, 2014      
Revised:  Sep 22, 2014, September 18, 2017