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Policy KLD
The South Portland Board of Education believes in the fundamental principle that the schools exist primarily for the students. Consistent with the principle, complaints concerning school personnel should be viewed as an opportunity for parents and school officials to work together to resolve issues of concern in a manner that is both responsive and responsible.
Furthermore, the board believes that public complaints about school personnel should be handled in a timely manner for the benefit of students, parents and staff. Therefore, the Board has developed this policy that has several specific purposes: (1) to create a climate in the schools whereby persons having school-related complaints concerning school personnel will be encouraged to bring those complaints to the attention of school officials; (2) to explain the responsibilities of school officials in handling such complaints to ensure administrative accountability and follow-through; and (3) to guarantee that the school department will be responsive to such complaints so that mistrust will be prevented and corrective measures taken as appropriate.
Any person having a school-related complaint concerning any department employee is encouraged to meet directly with that employee to resolve the complaint. If this is deemed not appropriate because of the nature of severity of the complaint, the person can request a conference with the principal to discuss the complaint. The Principal or his/her designee will then be responsible for investigating the complaint and for communicating with the person making the complaint to the extent practicable within five school days of its receipt. Persons making such complaints will be encouraged but will not be required to put them in writing. A written record of complaints about school personnel will be maintained by the principal and copied to the employee.
If the principal or his/her designee is unable to effect a satisfactory resolution of a complaint, he/she will inform the Superintendent in writing. If the person bringing the complaint is not satisfied with the resolution he/she can appeal in writing to the Superintendent.
The Superintendent or his/her designee will investigate the matter and take appropriate action, including communication with the person making the complaint to the extent practicable within five school days of receiving the complaint in order to explain his/her response to the complaint. Complaints not resolved to the satisfaction of the person making the complaint shall at the request of that person be referred by the Superintendent to the Board of Education for consideration at a future meeting. The Chairperson of the Board will contact the person making the complaint in writing as soon as possible. The Board will decide if it is appropriate to rule on a complaint referred to the Board. Any complaint consisting of a sexual nature shall be reported immediately to the Superintendent of Schools.
Adopted: July 12, 1993
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