871 - PUBLIC COMPLAINTS ABOUT
The School District of Auburndale recognizes that district residents may occasionally have concerns and also have the right to express any concerns about the educational programs or materials used in their educational facilities. When citizens have concerns about particular courses or learning materials, these concerns shall be carefully considered and accorded the courtesy of a prompt reply by school personnel. All such replies will be based upon the instructional goals of the district, upon course objectives, and upon the criteria for selection learning materials.The intent of the Auburndale Board of Education in authorizing this policy and process is to settle a complaint about educational materials or programs at the lowest possible level. If a satisfactory or acceptable solution is not reached, the issue may be elevated to the next level.
Informal resolution of any materials or program dispute through discussion with the appropriate instructor is always encouraged. Should there be a failure of an informal solution at this stage, the concerned citizen shall be informed of the procedure adopted by the Board of Education. It will be the responsibility of the citizen or citizens to continue the specified process.
Review and appeal processes may be constituted at three levels. All materials and programs may remain in effect during appeal processes.
Level One: School Review
The building principal, instructor, and curriculum coordinator will review the material or program in question. A meeting will be held with the concerned citizen or citizens to discuss the concerns and seek a satisfactory solution.
Level Two: District Office Review
If the complaint has not been satisfactorily settled at the school building level, the citizen or citizens may proceed with a written appeal to the District Office. The District Administrator and/or designees will consider the materials, particulars of the complaint and desired courses of action through review of the written request. As a part of the consideration at this level, the District Administrator may also choose to meet with the concerned citizen or citizens and appoint an advisory committee or the District Curriculum Committee to also review the options for a conclusion of the complaint.
Level Three: Board of Education Review
If the complaint has not been satisfactorily settled at the district office level, the Board of Education shall constitute the final step in the process. The Board shall review the details of the concern and may conduct interviews with all parties pertinent to the material or program in question. The Board may also employ any other resources available in executing a decision.
The decision of the Board is final, unless the concerned citizen or citizens have evidence that a State or Federal Law has been violated, not by the process, but by the existence or the materials or program. In this case, the concerned citizen or citizens may file a written appeal to the Department of Public Instruction within 30 days of receipt of the Board’s decision on the matter.
The School District of Auburndale shall not discriminate in the selection and evaluation of instructional and library materials on the basis of gender, race, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, pregnancy, material or parental status, sexual orientation or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability. Discrimination complaints shall be processed in accordance with established procedures.
Adopted: January 26, 2005
Posted: 11/14/2007 09:05:01 am