212 - Public Complaints
212 - Public ComplaintsThe Board recognizes situations may arise in the operation of the 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 of concern is brought to the attention of the Board, it will be referred to the administration to be resolved. Prior to any Board action the following should be completed:
(a) Matters should first be addressed to the teacher or employee.
(b) Unsettled matters from (a) above or problems and questions about individual attendance centers should be addressed to the employee’s building principal.
(c) Unsettled matters from (b) above or problems and questions concerning the District should be directed to the Superintendent.
(d) 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. https://educateiowa.gov/pk-12/parent-guardian-and-community-concerns
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.
Approved: February 2022
Reviewed: January 222
Revised: January 2022
212.E1 Public Complaints Exhibit
212.E1 Public Complaints ExhibitUnfairness, misunderstanding, hurt feelings, and conflict are experiences common to all of us. It takes teamwork to provide the best possible education for every child. Being approachable and acting with integrity are foundational principles for our administrators, teachers, and coaches.
STEP ONE
Take your concern to the person closest to the problem.
No matter where the problem is, take your concerns there first. Whether in the classroom, on the bus, or on the practice field, the staff most involved should resolve the issue.
STEP TWO
Present your concern to the next level.
Principals and Directors are the next levels of school personnel to contact. They will expect the unresolved issue was addressed at Step One. Often, they can facilitate the discussion between the parent, staff member or community member.
STEP THREE
Talk with the Superintendent.
Sometimes all the best intentions can’t solve a problem. When you believe you’ve worked hard with those closest to the problem, and you’ve taken the issue to the next level but still haven’t achieved a satisfactory outcome, the Superintendent is next. A meeting with the Superintendent will probably require some advance scheduling.
STEP FOUR
Contact your school board members.
School board members are elected to represent the interest of all parents and District residents. You are welcome to communicate your point of view. School board members do not, however, have authority in day-to-day school operations.
Contact a board member….
- after other means to solve a problem have been tried.
- when an enforced policy results in unintended consequences.
- when a policy isn’t enforced equitably or at all.
The board member may take one or all of the following actions:
- informally discuss the issue with the Superintendent.
- request that the Board reviews the specific policies that relate to the situation.
- propose new policies for the Board’s consideration.
SUGGESTIONS
Make time to talk with school personnel regularly.
Know who your children’s teachers, bus drivers, and coaches are and contact information.
Communicate concerns quickly and openly.
Get concerns out in the open early. The problem may be the result of an oversight or misunderstanding.
Give everyone a chance to understand your concern.
When scheduling an appointment, please share the general nature of the concern. Doing so provides an opportunity to reflect on it and prepare.
Be careful sharing frustrations with your children.
A unified team o f parent and school personnel provides the most effective educational experience. Use caution when sharing frustrations regarding school with your children so that a temporary problem does not permanently alter the student’s perception of teamwork between school and home.