Problem Resolution

PROBLEM RESOLUTION:

Disputes or disagreements that are not otherwise governed by grievance procedure contained in a collective bargaining agreement shall be subject to the grievance procedure contained in school district's Grievance Procedure policy #4013 (see steps below).

Employees should submit communications or reports regarding the district to their immediate supervisor, then the superintendent, and only then to the board. They have the same right to communicate with the board about matters of public concern as other patrons of the district, but must follow the chain of command before communicating about employment-related issues.

Definition of Grievance. A grievance is an allegation by an employee or a group of employees that there has been a violation of a provision of the negotiated agreement or a policy of the board of education.

Procedural Steps. The procedure for handling grievances shall be as set forth below.

Step 1 - Oral Notice to Principal. The grievant shall initiate the grievance by presenting it to his or her principal or immediate supervisor within seven (7) days from the date that the grievant knew or should have known of the incident giving rise to the grievance.

Step 2 - Written Grievance to the Principal. If the grievance is not resolved to the satisfaction of the grievant within five (5) days of the meeting with the principal, the grievant may present the grievance in writing to the principal.

The principal shall schedule a meeting within three (3) days of receipt of the written grievance to discuss the elements of the grievance. The principal shall submit his or her determination in writing to the grievant within five (5) days of the meeting.

Step 3 - Written Appeal to the Superintendent of Schools. If the determination of the principal is not satisfactory to the grievant, the grievant may appeal it to the superintendent of schools or his or her designated representative. Said appeal shall be presented, in writing, to the office of the superintendent of schools within five (5) days of receipt of the principal's determination.

The superintendent of schools or a designee shall hold a formal meeting within seven (7) days of receiving the written appeal. The superintendent of schools or a designated representative shall make a written determination regarding the grievance within five (5) days of the date of the meeting.

Step 4 - Appeal to the Board of Education. If the determination of the superintendent of schools is not satisfactory to the grievant, the grievant may appeal it to the board within five (5) days of receipt of the superintendent's decision. The board shall hear the grievance within thirty (30) days in open or closed session in accordance with the law. The board shall notify the grievant of its decision within five (5) days of hearing the grievance.

Written Presentation. All grievances presented at Step2 and subsequent steps of the procedure shall set forth in writing all facts giving rise to the grievance, the provision(s) of the Agreement alleged to have been violated, the names of the grievant(s), the names of all witnesses, and the remedy sought by the grievant. All grievances at Step2 and appeals at Step3 and Step 4 shall be signed and dated by each aggrieved employee. All written answers submitted by the district shall be signed and dated by the appropriate district representative.