KL – Public Complaints

Complaints are handled and resolved as close to their origin as possible.

Although no community member will be denied the right to petition the Board for redress of a grievance, complaints will be referred through the proper administrative channels for solution before investigation or action by the Board. Exceptions are complaints that concern Board actions or Board operations.

The Board advises the public that the proper channeling of complaints involving programs or services is as follows:

1. Teacher or staff member immediately involved;
2. Program administrator/supervisor;
3. Superintendent;
4. Board.

Any complaint about district personnel will be investigated by the superintendent, consistent with applicable provisions of the district’s collective bargaining agreement, 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.

While speakers may offer objective criticism of operations and programs, the Board will not hear personal complaints concerning district personnel nor against any person connected with the district. To do so could expose the Board to a charge of being party to slander and would prejudice any necessity to act as the final review of administrative recommendations regarding the matter. The Board chair will direct the visitor to the appropriate means for the resolution of complaints involving ESD personnel.

END OF POLICY

Legal Reference(s):

• ORS 192.610 - 192.690
• ORS 334.125(7)
• Anderson v. Central Point Sch. Dist., 746 F.2d 505 (9th Cir. 1984).
• Connick v. Myers, 461 U.S. 138 (1983).