Parent/Student Hearing Guidelines

The Board recognizes that parents/students have the right to have their concerns addressed. Further, the Board believes that the inculcation of respect for lawful procedures is an important part of the education process. Accordingly, individual and group concerns should be recognized and appropriate appeal procedures provided.

For purposes of this policy, a parent/student “concern” shall be any such that arises out of actions that directly affect the student’s participation in the approved educational program. The Board or its employees will recognize the concerns of the parents/students of this District provided that such concerns are made according to procedures established by Board policy. The parent/student should first make the concern known to the staff member most closely involved or, if none is identifiable, his/her school counselor and both shall attempt to resolve the issue informally and directly.

For concerns which must move beyond the first step, the student shall prepare a written statement of his/her concern which shall set forth: the specific nature of the concern and a brief statement of the facts giving rise to it; the manner in which and extent to which the student believes he/she has been adversely affected; the relief sought by the parent/student; and the reasons why the parent/student feels he/she is entitled to the relief sought.

The concern may then be submitted, in turn, to the Building Principal, the Superintendent, and a Hearing Committee of the Board, and with a suitable period of time allowed at each level for the hearing of the concern and the preparation of a response.

The student may seek the help of a parent or guardian at any step.

Board members serving on the Hearing Committee will include representation from the appropriate existing Board Committee structure, as well as any Board members appointed by the Board President. Additional Hearing Committee members will include the Superintendent, Secretary of the Board, and the Building Principal.

A hearing will be conducted with both the concerned party and the District employee and/or their representative(s) present.

All Board Committee Hearings will be conducted in Executive Sessions.

All decisions relative to Board Committee Hearings will be conducted during a scheduled public meeting by the Board as a whole.