{"id":2121,"date":"2014-10-14T15:51:52","date_gmt":"2014-10-14T19:51:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/humanresources.dearbornschools.org\/?page_id=2121"},"modified":"2014-10-14T15:56:47","modified_gmt":"2014-10-14T19:56:47","slug":"board-policy-9130-public-complaints","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/dearbornschools.org\/humanresourcesblog\/board-policy-9130-public-complaints\/","title":{"rendered":"Board Policy 9130 Public Complaints"},"content":{"rendered":"

 <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Dearborn Public Schools<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bylaws & Policies<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

9130 – PUBLIC COMPLAINTS<\/p>\n

Any person or group, having a legitimate interest in the operations of this District shall have the right to present a request, suggestion, or complaint concerning District personnel, the program, or the operations of the District. At the same time, the Board of Education has a duty to protect its staff from unnecessary harassment. It is the intent of this policy to provide the means for judging each public complaint in a fair and impartial manner and to seek a remedy where appropriate.<\/p>\n

It is the desire of the Board to rectify any misunderstandings between the public and the District by direct discussions of an informal type among the interested parties. It is only when such informal meetings fail to resolve the differences, shall more formal procedures be employed.<\/p>\n

Any requests, suggestions, or complaints reaching the Board, Board members, and the administration shall be referred to the Superintendent for consideration according to the following procedure.<\/p>\n

Matters Regarding a Professional Staff Member<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nA.<\/span><\/td>\nFirst\u00a0Level
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\nIf it is a matter specifically directed toward a professional staff member, the matter must be addressed, initially, to the concerned staff member who shall discuss it promptly with the complainant and make every effort to provide a reasoned explanation or take appropriate action within his\/her authority and District administrative\u00a0guidelines.
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\nThis level does not apply if the matter involves suspected child abuse, substance abuse, or any other serious allegation which may require investigation or inquiry by school officials prior to approaching\u00a0the\u00a0professional\u00a0staff\u00a0member.
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\nAs appropriate, the staff member shall report the matter and whatever action may have been taken to the supervisor.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nB.<\/span><\/td>\nSecond\u00a0Level
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\nIf the matter cannot be satisfactorily resolved at the First Level, it shall be discussed by the complainant with the staff member’s supervisor. The supervisor shall hear such complaints while complying with all legal guidelines and collective bargaining.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nC.<\/span><\/td>\nThird\u00a0Level
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\nIf a satisfactory solution is not achieved by discussion with the supervisor, a written request for a conference shall be submitted to the Superintendent. This request should include:<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/span><\/td>\nthe specific nature of the complaint and a brief statement of the facts giving rise to it;<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/span><\/td>\nthe respect in which it is alleged that the complainant (or\u00a0child of the complainant) has been affected adversely;<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n3.<\/span><\/td>\nthe action which the complainant wishes taken and the reasons why it is felt that such action be taken.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nShould the matter be resolved in conference with the Superintendent, the Board shall be advised of the resolution.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nD.<\/span><\/td>\nFourth\u00a0Level
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\nShould the matter still not be resolved, or if it is one beyond the Superintendent’s authority and requires a Board decision or action, the\u00a0complainant\u00a0shall\u00a0request,\u00a0in\u00a0writing,\u00a0a\u00a0hearing\u00a0by\u00a0the\u00a0Board.
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\nThe Board, after reviewing all material relating to the case, may grant a hearing before the Board.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nThe complainant shall be advised, in writing, of the Board’s decision no more than twenty-one (21) business days following the next regular meeting. The Board\/s decision will be final on the matter, and it will not provide a meeting to other complainants on the same issue.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nIf the complainant contacts an individual Board member to discuss the matter, the Board member shall inform the complainant that s\/he has no authority to act in his\/her individual capacity and that the complainant must follow the procedure described in this policy.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Matters Regarding the Superintendent<\/p>\n

Should the matter be a concern regarding the Superintendent which cannot be resolved through discussion with the Superintendent, the complainant may submit a written request for a conference to the Board. This request should include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nA.<\/span><\/td>\nthe specific nature of the complaint and a brief statement of the facts giving rise to it;<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nB.<\/span><\/td>\nthe respect in which it is alleged that the complainant (or child of the complainant) has been affected adversely;<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nC.<\/span><\/td>\nthe reason that matter was not able to be resolved with the Superintendent;<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nD.<\/span><\/td>\nthe action which the complainant wishes taken and the reasons why it is felt that such action should be taken.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

The Board, after reviewing the request, may grant a hearing before the Board or a committee of the Board or refer the matter to an executive session.<\/p>\n

The complainant shall be advised, in writing, of the Board’s decision within thirty\u00a0(30) business days. The Board’s decision will be final and not subject to appeal.<\/p>\n

Matters Regarding an Administrative Staff Member<\/p>\n

Since administrators are considered members of the District’s professional staff, the general procedure specified in “Matters Regarding a Professional Staff Member” shall be followed.<\/p>\n

Matters Regarding a Support Staff Member<\/p>\n

In the case of a support staff member, the same procedure is to be followed as for “Matters Regarding a Professional Staff Member” and\/or the complaint is to be directed, initially, toward the person’s supervisor, and the matter then brought as required to higher levels in the same manner as prescribed for “Matters Regarding a Professional Staff Member.”<\/p>\n

Matters Regarding District Services or Operations<\/p>\n

If the request, suggestion, complaint, or grievance relates to a matter of District procedure or operation, it should be addressed, initially, to the supervisor and then brought, in turn, to higher levels of authority in the manner prescribed in “Matters Regarding a Professional Staff Member.”<\/p>\n

Matters Regarding the Educational Program<\/p>\n

If the request, suggestion, complaint, or grievance relates to a matter of District program, it should be addressed, initially, to the supervisor and then brought, in turn, to higher levels of authority in the manner prescribed in “Matters Regarding a Professional Staff Member.”<\/p>\n

Matters Regarding Instructional Materials<\/p>\n

The Superintendent shall prepare administrative guidelines to ensure that students and parents are adequately informed each year regarding their right to inspect instructional materials and the procedure for completing such an inspection. (see\u00a0AG 9130A and Form 9130F3)<\/p>\n

If the request, suggestion, complaint, or grievance relates to instructional materials such as textbooks, library books, reference works, and other instructional aids used in the District, the following procedure shall be followed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nA.<\/span><\/td>\nThe criticism is to be addressed to the Superintendent or designee, in writing, and shall include:<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/span><\/td>\nauthor;<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/span><\/td>\ntitle;<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n3.<\/span><\/td>\npublisher;<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n4.<\/span><\/td>\nthe complainant’s familiarity with the material objected to;<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n5.<\/span><\/td>\nsections objected to by page and item;<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n6.<\/span><\/td>\nreasons for objection.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nB.<\/span><\/td>\nUpon receipt of the information, the Superintendent or designee may, appoint a review committee which may consist of one (1) or more professional staff members.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nC.<\/span><\/td>\nThe Superintendent shall be an ex officio member of the committee.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nD.<\/span><\/td>\nThe committee, in evaluating the questioned material, shall be guided by the following criteria:<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/span><\/td>\nthe appropriateness of the material for the age and maturity level of the students with whom it is being used<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/span><\/td>\nthe accuracy of the material<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n3.<\/span><\/td>\nthe objectivity of the material<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n4.<\/span><\/td>\nthe use being made of the material<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nE.<\/span><\/td>\nThe committee’s recommendation shall be reported to the Superintendent in writing within thirty (30) business days following the formation of the committee. The Superintendent will advise the complainant, in writing, of the committee’s recommendation and advise the Board of the action taken or recommended.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nF.<\/span><\/td>\nThe complainant may appeal this decision, within thirty (30) business days, to the Board through a written request to the Superintendent, who shall forward the request and all written material relating to the matter to the Board.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nG.<\/span><\/td>\nThe Board shall review the case and advise the complainant, in writing, of its decision within twenty-one (21) business days.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

No challenged material may be removed from the curriculum or from a collection of resource materials except by action of the Board, and no challenged material may be removed solely because it presents ideas that may be unpopular or offensive to some. Any Board action to remove material will be accompanied by the Board’s statement of its reasons for the removal.<\/p>\n

20 U.S.C. 1232h<\/p>\n

Revised\u00a012\/98
\nRevised 4\/03<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  Dearborn Public Schools Bylaws & Policies   9130 – PUBLIC COMPLAINTS Any person or group, having a legitimate interest in the operations of this District shall have the right to present a request, suggestion, or complaint concerning District personnel, the program, or the operations of the District. At the same time, the Board of…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":159,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2121","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"taxonomy_info":[],"featured_image_src_large":false,"author_info":{"display_name":"Erin Mcingvale","author_link":"https:\/\/dearbornschools.org\/humanresourcesblog\/author\/mcingve\/"},"comment_info":0,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dearbornschools.org\/humanresourcesblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2121","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dearbornschools.org\/humanresourcesblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dearbornschools.org\/humanresourcesblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dearbornschools.org\/humanresourcesblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/159"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dearbornschools.org\/humanresourcesblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2121"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dearbornschools.org\/humanresourcesblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2121\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dearbornschools.org\/humanresourcesblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2121"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}