Step 1: Informal Complaint Process

Every effort should be made to resolve a complaint at the earliest possible stage. Prior to instituting a formal, written complaint, the Induction Program Participant shall first discuss the issue with the Induction Program Coordinator. Formal complaint procedures shall not be initiated until the TIP participant has first attempted to resolve the matter informally. 

Step 2: Formal Complaint Process

If the Matter cannot be resolved through the informal process, then the complainant may file a written complaint with the Induction Program Coordinator within 60 days of the act or event which is the subject of the complaint. If the Induction Program Participant fails to file a written complaint within 60 days, the complaint shall be considered settled on the basis of the answer given at the preceding step.

Within 15 working days of receiving the complaint, the Induction Program Coordinator shall conduct any necessary investigation and meet with the complainant in the effort to resolve the complaint. Within 10 working days after the meeting, they shall prepare and send a written response to the complainant. 

Step 3: District Level Appeal

If a complaint has not been satisfactorily resolved at Step 2, the complainant may file the written complaint with the Deputy Superintendent of Human Resources or designee within 10 working days of receiving the written response from the Induction Program Coordinator. The complainant shall include all information presented to the immediate supervisor or principal at Step 2.

Within 15 working days of receiving the complaint, the Deputy Superintendent of Human Resources or designee shall conduct any necessary investigation, including reviewing the investigation and written response by the Induction Program Coordinator at Step 2, and shall meet with the complainant in an effort to resolve the complaint. Within 10 working days after the meeting, they shall prepare and send a written response to the complainant. 

Step 4: Appeal to the Governing Board

If a complaint has not been satisfactorily resolved at Step 3, the complainant may file a written appeal to the Board within 5 working days of receiving the Deputy Superintendent’s response. All information presented at Steps 1, 2, and 3 shall be included with the appeal, and the Deputy Superintendent shall submit to the Board a written report describing attempts to resolve the complaint and the district’s response. 

The Board may uphold the findings by the Deputy Superintendent without hearing the complaint or the Board may hear the complaint at a regular or special Board meeting. The hearing shall be held in closed session if the complaint relates to matters that may be addressed in closed session in accordance with law. 

The Board shall make its decision within 30 days of the hearing and shall send its decision to all concerned parties. The Board’s decision shall be final.