PUBLIC COMPLAINTS ABOUT PERSONNEL D10
Policy
It
is the policy of the Montpelier School District to see that complaints about
school personnel are considered in a timely manner that is fair to all parties.
The district places trust in its employees and desires to support their actions
in such a manner that employees are freed from unnecessary, spiteful, or
unjustified criticism or complaints.
Resolving Complaints
The complainant shall be
encouraged first to bring a complaint to the individual concerned. If the
problem cannot be resolved with the individual concerned, it should be brought
to the attention of the immediate supervisor or administrator. The complaint
should be in writing stating the issues and supporting facts. The individual
employee involved shall be given every opportunity for explanation, comment,
and presentation of the facts as he/she sees them.
If
the issue is not resolved by involvement of the immediate supervisor, the
complainant may refer the issue to the principal for his or her review and
decision. In the event the principal’s review does not lead to a satisfactory
resolution, the complainant may submit the issue to the superintendent for
review and decision.
In
cases of alleged discrimination, the complainant should follow the procedures
accompanying anti-discrimination policy (C06).
Appeal to the Board
If the above steps do not
resolve the concern of the complainant, he/she may request a session of the
board for the purpose of reviewing the superintendent's decision. If the school
board decides to hear the request of the complainant, all parties involved,
including the school administration, shall be asked to attend such a meeting
for the purposes of presenting facts, making further explanations, and
clarifying the issue. This meeting shall be held in Executive Session, if the
matter in question falls within the framework of 1 VSA §313. The board shall conduct
such meetings in a fair and just manner. The board shall render a decision.
It
is the intent of the board that the rights of employees under collective
bargaining agreements and Vermont law be protected through the administration
of this policy.
The public is advised to check with the superintendent’s office for information in collective bargaining agreements regarding complaints about school personnel.
Date Adopted: November 19, 2003
Legal Reference(s): 16
V.S.A. §1752 (Suspension, dismissal); 1 V.S.A. §§310 et seq. (Open meetings)
Cross Reference: Board Commitment to Non-discrimination (C06)