213.1 - Handling Grievances-Complaints

A.   Personnel Grievances/Complaints

Grievances and complaints from personnel shall first be brought to the attention of the appropriate building administrator or supervisor.  If not resolved to the satisfaction of all parties, then the grievance or complaint may be brought to the attention of the Superintendent of Schools (Superintendent).  If the matter is still not resolved to the satisfaction of all parties, then the parties may appeal to the Board of Directors (Board).

Personnel desiring to address the Board on any matter shall direct their communications to the Superintendent.

B.      Student/Parent Grievances/Complaints

Grievances and complaints from students/parents shall first be brought to the attention of the appropriate building administrator.  If not resolved to the satisfaction of all parties, then the grievance or complaint may be brought to the attention of the Superintendent of Schools (Superintendent).  If the matter is still not resolved to the satisfaction of all parties, then the parties may appeal to the Board of Directors (Board).

Students/parents desiring to address the Board on any matter shall direct their communications to the Superintendent.

C.      Citizens' Grievances/Complaints

Whenever a citizen is aggrieved at the action of any employee, such citizen may give information to the employee's immediate supervisor.  In the event that the matter is not satisfactorily resolved, the appeal process will follow this order:

1. Other supervisory or administrative personnel in the line of responsibility.
2. The Superintendent.
3. The Board.

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 will follow the more specific policies on those issues.  Complaints requiring attention  received by the board or a board member will be referred to the superintendent. 

When 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.  No appeal will be heard by the Board unless reduced to writing, signed by the party bringing the same, and presented to the Board through the Superintendent.

 

 

Legal Reference:   
(Code of Iowa)

Date of Adoption:                                     
May 12, 1975

Date of Review:
December 14, 2020