The intent of this policy is to maintain dialogue among residents, the Board of Education and the administration while, at the same time, safeguarding employees from unfair criticism.
The Board believes that complaints and grievances are best handled and resolved as close to their origin as possible and that the staff should be given every opportunity to consider issues and attempt to resolve problems prior to Board involvement. Therefore, the proper channeling of complaints will be as follows:
- Teacher or staff member;
- Principal;
- Superintendent of Schools; and
- Board of Education.
Exceptions will be made only when complaints concern Board action or Board operations. In addition, the Board will not act on complaints that have not been explored at the appropriate level.
Individual Board members will refer persons making complaints to the Superintendent. Board members will refrain from expressing any judgment until such complaint is submitted in writing to the entire Board. The Superintendent shall refer complaints to other staff members when appropriate.
Cross-ref:
- 1400, Public Complaints
- 9135, Suspected Sexual Abuse Involving School Personnel
Ref:
- Education Law §§3012; 3020-a
- Civil Service Law §75
- Public Officers Law §100(1)(f)
- 8 NYCRR Part 84
Adoption date: May 27, 1997
Reviewed: February 27, 2017