JII
STUDENT COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCES
The School Committee recognizes that there may be conditions in the school system that are in need of improvement and that students should have some means by which their concerns may be effectively expressed, considered, and dealt with fairly. Such means, if well conceived and understood in advance, can do much to maintain harmonious relationships among the schools and the students and community.
The traditional "open door" policy in the Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School District will be continued. Students--and their parents and/or guardians--who believe that a student has received unfair treatment may bring forward their grievance. Appeals of individual disciplinary cases will be required to follow the District’s policy on student discipline. Any applicable provisions of the Massachusetts General Laws or federal law will be followed by school officials in conducting hearings and reviews of student grievances. In general, procedures will begin with the authority imposing the penalty (for example, Principal or teacher) and may ultimately be referred to the Superintendent. In addition to guidelines published in student handbooks, AWRSD policy KE Public Complaints provides the District approved procedures for formally addressing complaints and grievances.
Every attempt will be made to seek a satisfactory solution to any legitimate grievance in a friendly and informal manner.
SOURCE: MASC October 2014
CROSS REF: JK Student Discipline
Exhibit: JII-E Grievance Procedure for Civil Rights
First Reading: 11/1/16 Second Reading: 11/15/16 Adopted: 12/6/16