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 should be governed by the following principles:
where action/investigation is desired by the complainant, or where it seems appropriate, the matter should be handled as near the source as possible;
complaints should both be investigated and, if possible, resolved expeditiously;
complaints should be dealt with courteously and in a constructive manner; and,
individuals directly affected by the complaint should 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 will 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.
The board recognizes situations may arise in the operation of the school district which are of concern to parents and other members of the school district community.
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 action however, the following should be completed:
- Matters should first be addressed to the teacher or employee.
- Unsettled matters from (a) above or problems and questions about individual attendance centers should be addressed to the employee's building principal.
- Unsettled matters from (b) 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 for consideration. To bring a concern, the individual shall notify the board president or board secretary in writing, who may bring it to the attention of the entire board.
Parents, guardians and community members of the district who have concerns about the district or the board may refer to the student handbook for additional guidance from the Iowa Department of Education.
It is within the discretion of the board to address complaints from the members of the school district community, and the board will only consider whether to address complaints if they are in writing, signed, and the complainant has complied with this policy. The board is not obligated to address a complaint and may defer to the decision of the superintendent. If the board elects not to address a complaint, the decision of the superintendent shall be final. If the board does elect to address a complaint, its decision shall be final.
