FGE – Student Rights and Responsibilities: Student Complaints

FGE

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Student Complaints

Purpose—

The purpose of this policy is to secure at the first possible level prompt

and equitable resolution of student complaints, including those alleging

discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, disability,

sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Exclusions—

Student complaints regarding instructional materials, removal to

alternative education programs, expulsion, prior review of non-school materials

intended for distribution to students, or special education appeals are covered by

separate procedures.

Aggrieved Students—

A student aggrieved by a violation of a constitutional, statutory, or common

law right, or a violation of a rule adopted by the State Board of Education or a

policy adopted by the Board shall be afforded a hearing in accordance with

applicable law and as provided in this policy. However, this provision shall not be

construed to create an independent right to a hearing before the Board in

addition to hearings required by law.

Presentations and Hearings—

In most circumstances, students shall be entitled to administrative

conferences and informal presentations of the complaint as outlined in this policy.

Representation—

The student may be represented by an adult at any level of the complaint.

If the complaint involves a problem with a teacher, the student shall in

most circumstances be expected to discuss the matter with the teacher before

requesting a conference with the Principal at Level One.

Level One—

A student who has a complaint shall request a conference with the

Principal within ten calendar days of the time the student knew, or should have

known, of the event or series of events causing the complaint. The Principal shall

schedule and hold a conference with the student within five days.

Level Two—

If the outcome of the conference with the Principal is not to the student’s

satisfaction, the student has ten calendar days to request a conference with the

Superintendent or designee who shall schedule and hold a conference. Prior to

or at the conference, the student shall submit a written complaint that includes a

statement of the complaint and any evidence in its support, the solution sought,

the student’s signature, and the date of the conference with the Principal.

Level Three—

If the outcome of the conference with the Superintendent or designee is

not to the student’s satisfaction, the student may present the complaint to the

Board at the next regular meeting. The student shall, at least 5 days before the

meeting, provide a written statement identifying specifically the claimed violation

and the relief requested.

The Board shall designate a portion of its regular monthly meeting to hear

student complaints. The Board President may set reasonable time limits on

complaint presentation. The Board shall listen to the complaint, but is not

required to respond or take action on the matter unless it determines that is

appropriate. The Board

Closed Hearing—

If the complaint involves complaints or charges about another person, the

complaint shall be heard by the Board in a closed meeting unless the other

person complained about requests the meeting to be public.