1550: Public Complaint

District Policy 1550

PUBLIC COMPLAINT

1.0       This Public Complaint policy applies to those general circumstances and situations when there is a concern related to the application of district policies and a more specific complaint or grievance process is not applicable, including but not limited to, District Policy 1500: Challenges to Curriculum, Instructional Materials and Activities; District Policy 5010, Student Due Process; District Policy 8400, Nondiscrimination/Harassment; District Policy 8410, Sexual Harassment (Title IX); Certified Master Agreement Article 19; Classified Master Agreement Article 13. When a District Policy or Master Agreement indicates that an appeal process is final, this public complaint policy may not be used to appeal or apply.

2.0       The District welcomes constructive criticism of schools and departments whenever it is motivated by a sincere desire to improve the quality of the educational or management program of the District. The District has confidence in its professional staff members, and desires to support their appropriate actions in order that they are free from unnecessary, spiteful, or destructive criticism and complaint. Therefore, whenever a complaint is made directly to the District or Superintendent it shall be referred to the school or department administration for study and reporting.

3.0       Parents/guardians of district students, students enrolled in a district school, district employees, or district residents (Complainant) who have complaints are asked to submit their complaint and any proposed resolution in writing within 30 days of the act/omission giving rise to the complaint to the school principal/department administrator or designee.

4.0       The school principal/department administrator or designee shall conduct the necessary inquiry and respond promptly as appropriate for the issue, which should be within 10 school days, absent extenuating circumstances. Complainants may present information and documents relating to their complaint to the school principal/department administrator or designee for consideration.

5.0       If a complaint cannot be satisfactorily resolved at the school/department level then the Complainant may submit the complaint and response in writing to the appropriate executive director or chief within 10 school days to determine whether or not the response was appropriate and aligned with District policy. The response should be completed within 20 school days of receipt, absent extenuating circumstances, including but not limited to the need to conduct an investigation.

5.1       Executive Directors have discretion to determine whether or not to:

5.1.1    base their decision on the evidence presented at the principal/department level;

5.1.2    seek additional information or clarification from the parties; or

5.1.3    conduct their own investigation.

6.0       If a complaint cannot be satisfactorily resolved at the executive director/chief level then the Complainant may submit the complaint and responses to the Superintendent within 10 school days of the decision to determine whether or not the response was appropriate and aligned with District policy. The Superintendent or designee may accept or decline the matter for review. If the Superintendent declines to review the matter, the Executive Director/Chief’s decision will be final, subject to section 7.0 below. The Superintendent-level response may be delayed as the Superintendent determines necessary in order to address other pressing District business.

7.0       Upon request and after the Superintendent’s review procedure is exhausted, a Complainant may appeal in writing to the Board of Education any Superintendent’s decision that the Complainant alleges violated Board policy to his or her detriment. Appeals must be submitted to the Board of Education within 15 school days following the Complainant’s receipt of the Superintendent’s decision. The Board of Education may accept or reject the matter for review. If the Board rejects the matter, the Superintendent’s decision will be final. If it accepts the matter, the Board’s decision will be final.

8.0       Students, families, and community members are welcome to communicate concerns to the Board through available communication methods.

Adams 12 Five Star Schools
Most Recent Adoption: October 15, 2025