Policy 912-R Public Complaints Regulations

A. Complaints and problems are typically best resolved at the level of the complaint’s origin. Consistent with this, it is recommended that the following sequence be used to resolve complaints:

1. Teacher, coach, or other employee
2. Principal or supervisor
3. Superintendent
4. School Board

B. Any complaint or charge involving school personnel will be investigated by the Superintendent before formal consideration and action by the School Board. Complaints involving the Superintendent will be investigated by the School Board Chair.

C. Any employee receiving a complaint shall advise the principal or immediate supervisor of the receipt of the complaint. The supervisor shall make an initial determination as to the seriousness of the complaint and whether the matter should be referred to the Superintendent. A person may file a complaint at any level of the District; i.e., Principal, Superintendent or School Board. However, persons are encouraged to file a complaint at the building level when appropriate.

D. Depending upon the nature and seriousness of the complaint, the supervisor or other administrator receiving the complaint shall determine the nature and scope of the investigation or follow-up procedures. If the complaint involves serious allegations, the matter shall promptly be referred to the Superintendent, who shall determine whether an internal or external investigation should be conducted. In either case, the Superintendent shall determine the nature and scope of the investigation and designate the person responsible for the investigation or follow-up relating to the complaint. The designated investigator shall ascertain details concerning the complaint and respond promptly to the appropriate administrator concerning the status or outcome of the matter.

E. The appropriate administrator shall respond in writing to the complaining party concerning the outcome of the investigation and/or follow-up, including any appropriate action or corrective measure that was taken. The Superintendent shall be copied on the correspondence and consulted in advance of the written response when appropriate. The response to the complaining party shall be consistent with the rights of others pursuant to the applicable provisions of Minnesota law.

• Adopted: October 9, 1978
• Amended: September 9, 1985
• Amended: March 14, 2005
• Amended: September 10, 2007
• Amended: July 13, 2015
• Last Reviewed: August 12, 2019

• Policy 912 - Public Complaints