Student Handbook
2007-2008
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES FOR FILING, PROCESSING, AND RESOLVING ALLEGED DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINTS (STUDENTS AND EMPLOYEES)
I. Definitions
A. Discrimination Complaint: A written complaint alleging any policy, procedure, or practice which discriminates on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or qualified handicap.
B. Student Grievant: A student of the Texhoma Public Schools who submits a complaint alleging discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, or qualified handicap.
C. Employee Grievant: An employee of the Texhoma Public Schools who submits a complaint alleging discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, qualified handicap, or veteran.
D. Title IX and 504 Coordinator: The person designated to coordinate efforts to comply with and carry out responsibilities under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other state and federal laws addressing equal educational opportunity.
E. Respondent: The person alleged to be responsible for the violation alleged in a complaint. The term may be used to designate persons with responsibility for a particular action or those persons with supervisory responsibility for procedures and policies in those areas covered in the complaint.
F. Day: Day means a working day. The calculation of days in complaint processing shall exclude Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
II. Pre-Filing Procedures
Prior to the filing of a written complaint, the student or employee is encouraged to visit with their teacher, building principal or supervisor, and a reasonable effort should be made to resolve the problem or complaint.
III. Filing and Processing Discrimination Complaints
A. Grievant:Submits written complaint to Title IX/504 Coordinator stating name, nature, and date of alleged violation; names of person responsible; and requested action. Complaint must be submitted with 30 days of alleged violation. Complaint forms are available in the Office of the Principal.
B. Title IX/504 Coordinator:Notifies respondent within 10 days and asks respondent to:
1. Confirm or deny facts;
2. Indicate acceptance or rejection of student's or employee's requested action; or
3. Outline alternatives.
C. Respondent:Submits answer within 10 days to title IX/504 Coordinator.
D. Title IX/504 Coordinator:Within 10 days after receiving respondent's answer, Title IX/504 Coordinator refers to written complaint and respondents answer to the building principal or supervisor. The Tile IX/504 Coordinator also schedules a hearing with the grievant, the respondent, and the principal or supervisor.
E. Principal and/or Supervisor, Grievant, Respondent, and Title IX/504 Coordinator: Hearing is conducted.
F. Principal or Supervisor: Issues within 10 days after the hearing a written decision to the student or employee, respondents, and Title IX/504 Coordinator.
G. Grievant or Respondent:If the grievant or respondent is not satisfied with the decision, they must notify the Title IX/504 Coordinator within 10 days and request a hearing with the superintendent.
H. Title IX/504 Coordinator:Schedules within 10 days of request, a hearing with the grievant, respondent, and superintendent.
I. Superintendent, Grievant, Respondent, and Title IX/504 Coordinator:Hearing is conducted.
J. Superintendent:Issues a decision within 10 days following the hearing.
K. Grievant or Respondent:If the grievant or respondents is not satisfied with the decision, they must notify the Title IX/504 Coordinator within 10 days and request a hearing with the Board of Education.
L. Title of IX/504 Coordinator:Notifies the Board of Education within 10 days after receiving request. Title IX/504 Coordinator schedules hearing with the Board. Hearing is to be conducted within 30 days from the date of notification to the Board of Education. M. Board of Education or hearing panel established by the Board, Grievant or Respondent, and Title IX/504 Coordinator:Hearing is conducted.
N. Board of Education:Issues a final written decision within 10 days after the hearing regarding the validity of the grievance and any action to be taken.
IV. General Provisions
A. Extensions of Time: any time limits set by these procedures may be extended by mutual consent of parties involved. The total number of days from date that complaint is filed until complaint is resolved shall be no more than 180 days.
B. Access To Regulations: The Texhoma Public School shall provide copies of all regulations prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, qualified handicap, or veteran upon request.
C. Confidentiality of Records: Complaint records will remain confidential unless permission is given by the parties involved to release such information. No complaint record shall be entered in the personnel file. Complaint records shall be maintained on file for three years after complaint resolution.