Concerns, Complaints & Grievances

Students may present a complaint or grievance regarding one (1) or more of the following:

  • Violation of the student’s constitutional rights.
  • Denial of an equal opportunity to participate in any program or activity for which the student qualifies not related to the student’s individual capabilities.
  • Discriminatory treatment on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, language of origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or marital status.
  • Concern for the student’s personal safety.
  • Complaints and grievances related to allegations of student violence, harassment, intimidation or bullying are to be filed in accordance with Board Policy JICK.

Provided that:

  • The topic is not the subject of disciplinary or other proceedings under other policies and regulations of this District, and
  • The procedure shall not apply to any matter for which the method of review is prescribed by law, or the Governing Board is without authority to act.

The guidelines to be followed are:

  • The accusation must be made within thirty (30) calendar days of the time the student knew or should have known that there were grounds for the complaint/grievance.
  • The complaint/grievance shall be made only to a school administrator or a school staff member.
  • The person receiving the complaint will gather information for the complaint form.
  • All allegations shall be reported on forms with the necessary particulars as determined by the Superintendent. Forms are available in the school office.
  • The person receiving the complaint shall preserve the confidentiality of the subject, disclosing it only to the appropriate school administrator or next higher administrative supervisor or as otherwise required by law.

Any question concerning whether the complaint or grievance falls within this policy shall be determined by the Superintendent.

A student or student’s parent or guardian may initiate the complaint process by completing Exhibit JII-EA.

A complaint or grievance may be withdrawn at any time. Once withdrawn, the process cannot be reopened if the resubmission is longer than thirty (30) calendar days from the date of the occurrence of the alleged incident. False or unproven complaint documentation shall not be maintained.

Retaliatory or intimidating acts against any student who has made a complaint under the District policy and its corresponding regulations, or against a student who has testified, assisted or participated in any manner in an investigation relating to a complaint or grievance, are specifically prohibited and constitute grounds for a separate complaint.

Knowingly submitting a false report under this policy shall subject the student to discipline up to and including suspension or expulsion. Where disciplinary action is necessary pursuant to any part of this policy, relevant District policies shall be followed.

When District officials have a reasonable belief or an investigation reveals that a reported incident may constitute an unlawful act, law enforcement authorities will be informed.