School Board

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SUSQUEHANNA TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17109

 

POLICY

PUBLIC COMPLAINTS

 

District residents, taxpayers and community groups have the right to present a request, suggestion or complaint concerning District personnel, the program or the operations of the District. At the same time, the Board has a duty to protect its staff from harassment. It is the intent of this policy to provide a fair and impartial manner for seeking appropriate remedies.

 

Any misunderstandings between the public and the School District shall be resolved by direct discussions of an informal type among the interested parties. It is only when such informal meetings fail to resolve the differences that more formal procedures will be employed.

 

Any requests, suggestions or complaints reaching Board members and the Board shall be referred to the Superintendent for consideration and action. In the event that further action is warranted, based on the initial investigation, such action shall be in accordance with the following procedures.

 

A.           Matters Regarding a Teaching Staff Member


      First Level A matter specifically directed toward a teaching staff member shall be addressed initially to the concerned staff member who may discuss it with the complainant and make every effort to provide a reasoned explanation or take appropriate action within his/her authority. As appropriate, the staff member shall report the matter and whatever action may have been taken to the Building Principal.

 

      Second Level If the matter cannot be satisfactorily resolved at the First Level, it shall be discussed by the complainant with the Building Principal.

 

      Third Level If a satisfactory solution is not achieved by discussion with the Building Principal, the Principal shall attempt to schedule a conference with the appropriate Assistant Superintendent or Assistant to the Superintendent. The Principal will furnish to the appropriate Assistant Superintendent or Assistant to the Superintendent a report which will include:

 

  1. The specific nature of the complaint and a brief statement of the facts giving rise to it;

 

  1. The respect in which it is alleged that the complainant (or child of the complainant) has been affected adversely; and

 

  1. The action which the complainant wishes taken and the reasons why it is felt that such action should be taken.

 

      Fourth Level    If the matter is not resolved by the Assistant Superintendent or Assistant to the Superintendent, it shall be referred to the Superintendent. If it is beyond the Superintendent’s authority and requires Board action, the Superintendent shall furnish the Board with a complete report.

 

      The Board, after reviewing all material relating to the case, shall:

 

  1.             Provide the complainant with its written decision; or

 

  1.             Grant a hearing before the Board or a committee of the Board.

 

      The complainant shall be advised, in writing, of the Board’s decision, no more than ten (10) days following the hearing. 

 

B.           Matters Regarding an Administrative Staff Member

 

      In the case of a complaint directed toward an administrative staff member, the general procedure specified in Part A shall be followed.

 

      The complaint shall be discussed initially with the person toward whom it is directed and, if a satisfactory resolution is not achieved at this level, the matter shall be brought as required to higher levels in accordance with the Organizational Chart of the District, terminating with the Board.

 

C.           Matters Regarding a Classified Staff Member


      In the case of a complaint directed toward a non-instructional staff member, the same procedure is to be followed as in Part A; except the Second Level discussion shall be with the Building Principal or the head of the non-professional department in which the staff member is employed.

 

D.           Matters Regarding a Program, Operational Materials or Instruction

 

A request, suggestion or complaint relating to a matter of District or school policy, procedure, program, operation or instructional materials should be addressed initially to the Building Principal or the head of the non-professional department who is mostly directed concerned and then referred to higher levels of authority in the manner prescribed in Part A.

 

E.           Matters Regarding Student Progress and Well-Being


      The general procedures specified in Part A shall be followed for complaints relating to student progress and well-being. 

 

Approved by the School Board – October 23, 1967

Amended by the School Board – June 8, 1987

Amended by the School Board – November 23, 1998

Amended by the School Board – May 19, 2008