Board Policy

BP 1312.1

Community Relations

Complaints Concerning District Employees

The Board of Education accepts responsibility for providing a means by which the public can hold employees accountable for their actions. The Board desires that complaints be resolved expeditiously without disrupting the educational process.

The Board places trust in its employees and desires to support their actions in such manner that employees are freed from unwarranted criticism and complaints. On the other hand, the Board does desire to hear warranted criticism and complaints.

Verbal complaints against an employee initially made to a Board member or at a Board meeting will be referred to the Superintendent or designee for appropriate consideration and action according to administrative regulations. The Superintendent shall report back to the Board members with the action taken. If the complainant is not satisfied with the action taken or the timeliness of the action, the complainant may appeal directly to the Board in writing.

(cf. 5141.4 - Child Abuse and Neglect (Reporting Procedures))

The Board shall annually review policies and regulations regarding complaints against school personnel.

The Superintendent or designee shall develop regulations which permit the public to submit complaints against district employees in an appropriate way. These regulations shall protect the rights of involved parties. The Board may serve as an appeals body if the complaint is not resolved.

(cf. 1312.2 - Complaints Concerning Instructional Materials)

(cf. 1312.3 - Uniform Complaint Procedures)

(cf. 3515.2 - Disruptions)

The Board prohibits retaliation against complainants. The Superintendent or designee at his/her discretion may keep a complainant's identity confidential, except to the extent necessary to investigate the complaint. The district will not investigate anonymous complaints unless it so desires.

Legal Reference:

EDUCATION CODE

33308.1 Guidelines on procedure for filing child abuse complaints

35146 Closed sessions

44031 Personnel file contents and inspection

44811 Disruption of public school activities

44932-44949 Resignation, dismissal and leaves of absence (rights of employee; procedures to follow)

48987 Child abuse guidelines

GOVERNMENT CODE

54957 Closed session; complaints re employees

54957.6 Closed session; salaries or fringe benefits

PENAL CODE

273 Cruelty or unjustifiable punishment of child

11164-11174.3 Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act

WELFARE AND INSTITUTIONS CODE

300 Minors subject to jurisdiction of juvenile court

Management Resources:

CDE LEGAL ADVISORIES

0910.93 Guidelines for parents to report suspected child abuse by school district employees or other persons against a pupil at school site (LO:4-93)

Policy PALOS VERDES PENINSULA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

adopted: December 11, 2000 Palos Verdes Estates, California