Complaint Resolution Pathway
Working Together: Resolving Concerns
When concerns arise at schools, it is important to follow the steps below. Starting with Step 1 ensures issues are addressed at the appropriate level and resolved as quickly as possible.
Informal Complaint Process
Step 1 – Talk with the Employee or Staff Member
Parents or individuals with concerns should first bring them directly to the employee or supervising staff member (e.g., Assistant Principal, Coach, Department Head, Transportation Dispatch, or Site Secretary).
Step 2 – Contact the School Administrator
If the concern is not resolved, it should then be brought to the building principal, supervisor, or designated site administrator.
Step 3 – Contact the Area Superintendent
Concerns that remain unresolved at the school level should be referred to the Area Superintendent who oversees the school.
Formal Complaint Process
Step 4 – Submit a Formal Complaint
The Formal Complaint Process (see AR 1601, Public Complaints – Response and Resolution) begins when the District receives a written complaint on the official Public Complaint Form (Administrative Form 1602).
- The complaint is filed with the appropriate Area Superintendent.
- Area Superintendents will not accept a formal complaint unless the issue has first been addressed with the school principal or designated site administrator (as appropriate).
- The complainant will receive a written response or resolution within 20 calendar days after all necessary information has been gathered.
- If the complainant is not satisfied with the resolution, an appeal may be filed.
Step 5 – Appeal the Resolution
Appeals must be submitted in writing to the Deputy Superintendent within 10 calendar days of receiving the written response. The Deputy Superintendent, or designee will assign the case to an Appeal Review Officer (ARO) for review.
Associated documents
- 25-26 Elementary Schools by Area Superintendent
- 25-26 Secondary Schools by Area Superintendent
- BP 1600, Public Complaint and Resolution Procedure
- AR 1601, Public Complaints – Response and Resolution
- AF 1602, Public Complaint Form
If not covered by the above topics, contact Deputy Superintendent’s office (775) 789-4607