Last Revised Date: 11/27/2017 The School of the Osage is interested in resolving concerns and hearing complaints from the public regarding district programs and services so that they may be improved and better meet the needs of the students and the community.

The district encourages parents/guardians, students and other members of the public to first discuss concerns with the appropriate district staff prior to bringing the issue to the Board so that the issue may be thoroughly investigated and addressed in a timely fashion. The Board will not act on an issue without input from the appropriate district staff and may require a parent/guardian, patron or student to meet with or discuss an issue with district staff prior to hearing a complaint or making a decision on the matter.

All district employees are expected to answer questions, receive input and professionally address concerns and complaints of parents/guardians, students and other members of the public. If an employee is unable to answer a question or resolve an issue, the employee must direct the person or the question to the appropriate district employee.

Complaint Process

Complaints regarding district compliance with nondiscrimination laws will be processed according to policy AC. Employee grievances will be processed in accordance with the established employee grievance procedure or as otherwise required by law. Complaints involving federal programs will be processed in accordance with policy KLA. Other grievances or complaints for which there is a specific policy or procedure will be addressed pursuant to that policy or procedure. If no other policy or procedure applies, the complaint may be brought as described below.

Process for Resolving a Concern or Complaint

The following steps are to be followed by parents/guardians, students or the public when concerns or complaints arise regarding the operation of the school district that cannot be addressed through other established policies or procedures.

1. Concerns or complaints should first be addressed to the teacher or employee directly involved.

2. Unsettled matters from (1) above or concerns or complaints regarding individual schools should be presented in writing to the principal of the school. The principal will provide a written response to the individual raising the concern (“complainant”) within five business days of receiving the complaint or concern unless additional time is necessary to investigate or extenuating circumstances exist.

3. Unsettled matters from (2) above or concerns or complaints regarding the school district in general should be presented to the superintendent or designee in writing. The superintendent or designee will provide a written response to the complainant within five business days of receiving the concern or complaint, unless additional time is necessary to investigate or extenuating circumstances exist.

4. If the matter cannot be settled satisfactorily by the superintendent or designee, a member of the public may request that the issue be put on the Board agenda, using the process outlined in Board policy. In addition, written comments submitted to the superintendent or the secretary of the Board that are directed to the Board will be provided to the entire Board. The Board is not obligated to address a complaint. If the Board decides to hear the issue, the Board's decision is final. Otherwise, the superintendent's decision on the issue is final.

Prohibition against Retaliation

The Board strictly prohibits discrimination or retaliation against any person for bringing a concern to the attention of the district or participating in the complaint process. This prohibition extends to relatives and others associated with the person who brought the concern or complaint. The Board directs all district employees to cooperate in investigations of complaints.

Federal

20 U.S.C. § 6312 Elementary and Secondary Education Act 20 U.S.C. §§ 6301-7941 Elementary and Secondary Education Act

AC PROHIBITION AGAINST ILLEGAL DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT AND RETALIATION ACA: Sexual Harassment Under Title IX

BCC-1

BDDH-1

GBCBB: Protected Staff Communications

GBM: Staff Grievances

IGBC: Parent and Family Involvement and Engagement

IGBCA: Programs for Homeless Students

IGDBA: Distribution of Noncurricular Student Publications