Public Complaints

File: KLD

The board recognizes that situations may arise in the operation of the system which are of concern to parents or the public. Such concerns are best dealt with through communication with appropriate staff members and officers of the system, such as the faculty, the principals, the central office, and the board.

The following guidelines are suggested as the proper procedure to be followed by persons with questions or complaints. Matters concerning individual students should first be addressed to the teacher or staff member. Unsettled matters or problems and questions concerning individual schools should be directed to the principal of the school. Unsettled matters or problems and questions concerning the system should be directed to the appropriate central office administrator or superintendent/designee.

If the matter cannot be settled satisfactorily by the superintendent, it may be brought to the attention of the Board of Education. Questions and comments submitted to the chairman of the board in letter form shall be brought to the attention of the entire board. The board will determine what action, if any, is required as a result of the issue.

The board considers it the obligation of employees of the system to entertain the questions of parents or the public.

Grievances Process
Patrons, defined as parents, guardians, students, or other interested persons, have the right to initiate a grievance against a decision made by Lake Washington School District using the appropriate school district form (see KLD-E). A grievance is defined as:

A complaint about a decision, except as noted below, based upon a condition or circumstance that was allegedly caused by misinterpretation or inequitable application of existing school district policy, rules, or regulations,

Complaints arising out of student discipline (WAC 180-40), special education (WAC 392-172A) or allegations of misconduct or unsatisfactory performance by an employee shall be handled in accordance with applicable law and/or labor contract.

In initiating a grievance, patrons have a right to expect complete freedom from retaliation by an employee which could be directed toward them or a student involved. It is further expected that all parties who participate in the grievance process, whether school district employees or patrons, shall observe confidentiality and shall limit access to information relative to the grievance to those persons involved. These restrictions shall not be used to deprive either employees or patrons of advice and counsel of any person or group.

At the conclusion of the initial process of a complaint or grievance, information regarding the grievance process shall be supplied to the patron by the immediate supervisor involved.

Patrons may seek assistance in the grievance process from the Superintendent's office as requested. Any designee may not be involved in the situation aggrieved.

A written record of all grievance proceedings shall be on file. All records related to the grievance will be kept confidential to the extent allowed by law.

Adopted:
06/05/67

Revised:
06/16/75
03/06/78
09/15/86
05/21/90
09/20/04
12/15/06
03/03/10
09/07/10

CONTRACT REFS.:
Lake Washington Education Association Agreement, Article 12, sec. 6
Lake Washington Association of Educational Office, Personnel/CPEA-WEA-NEA

CROSS REF.:
Teaching About Religion (IGAC)
Public Complaints About School Personnel (KLD-R)(regulation)
Staff Ethics (GBC)
KL subcodes, all relate to specific public complaints.

LEGAL REF.:
WAC 392-171-761 through 392-171-781 (Special Ed complaints)

A community volunteer works with an elementary school student