Policy 403.04
Public Complaints About Employees
The board recognizes situations may arise in the operation of the school district that are of concern to parents and other members of the school district community. While constructive criticism is welcomed, the board desires to support its employees and their actions to free them from unnecessary, spiteful, or negative criticism and complaints that do not offer advice for improvement or change.
While speakers may during public meetings offer objective criticism of school operations and programs, the board will not hear personal complaints concerning district personnel nor against any person connected with the school system unless that complaint is an agenda item having followed the process described below. To do so may prejudice any necessity for the board to act as the final arbiter of administrative recommendations regarding the matter. The board president will direct the patron to the appropriate means for board consideration and disposition of legitimate complaints involving individuals.
Any complaint about school personnel other than the superintendent 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. The board firmly believes concerns should be resolved at the lowest organizational level by those individuals closest to the concern. Whenever a complaint or concern is brought to the attention of the board it will be referred to the administration to be resolved. Prior to board consideration however, the following should be completed:
1. Matters concerning an individual student, teacher, or other employee should first be addressed to the teacher or employee.
2. Unsettled matters from (1) above or problems and questions about individual attendance centers should be addressed to the employee’s building principal.
3. Unsettled matters regarding certificated employees from (2) above or problems and questions concerning the school district should be directed to the superintendent.
If a matter cannot be settled satisfactorily by the superintendent, it may then be brought to the board. To bring a concern regarding an employee, the individual may notify the board president for inclusion on the board agenda of a regularly scheduled board meeting in accordance with board policy 204.10.
Cross Reference:
204.10 Agenda
204.12 Public Participation at Board Meetings
Adopted: April 11, 2005