100 Series: School District

100 Series: School District
Policy Manual
Grinnell-Newburg School District

100   Legal Status of the School District (approved: 1/22/14, reviewed: 4/14/21, revised: 2/26/14)
101   Educational Philosophy of the School District (approved: 1/22/14, reviewed: 2/12/14, revised: 4/14/21)
102   Equal Educational Opportunity (approved: 1/22/14, reviewed: 2/12/14, revised: 4/14/21)
102.Rl Grievance Procedure (approved: 1/22/14, reviewed: 2/12/14, revised: 4/14/21)
103   Long-Range Needs Assessment (approved: 1/22/14, reviewed: 2/12/14, revised: 4/14/21)
103.Rl Long-Range Needs Assessment (approved: 1/22/14, reviewed: 4/14/21, revised: 2/26/14)
104   Anti-Bullying/Harassment/Sexual Harassment Policy (approved: 1/22/14, reviewed: 2/12/14, revised: 4/14/21)
104.Rl Anti-Bullying/Harassment Investigation Procedures (approved: 1/22/14, reviewed: 2/12/14, revised: 4/14/21)

100 Legal Status of the School District

Code No. 100

LEGAL STATUS OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Iowa law authorizes the creation of a Common Schools System. As part of this Common Schools System, this school district is a school corporation created and organized under Iowa law. This school district is known as the Grinnell-Newburg Community School District.

This school corporation is located in Poweshiek County, and its affairs are conducted by elected school officials, the Grinnell-Newburg Community School District Board of Directors. The GNSB shall not be bound by any statement or action of an individual GNSB member. This school corporation has exclusive jurisdiction over school matters in the territory of the school district.

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code§§ 274.1, .2, .6, .7; 278.1(9); 279.8; 594A (2013).

Cross Reference:
200 Legal Status of the Board of Directors

Approved: 3/12/08

Reviewed: 4/14/21

Revised: 2/26/14

101 Educational Philosophy of the School District

Code No. 101

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT

As a school corporation of Iowa, the Grinnell-Newburg Community School District, acting through its board of directors, is dedicated to promoting an equal opportunity for a quality public education to its students. The board's ability may be limited by the school district's ability and willingness to furnish financial support in cooperation with student's parents and school district community. The board is also dedicated to providing the opportunity to develop a healthy social, intellectual, emotional, and physical self-concept in a learning environment that provides guidance to and encourages critical thinking in the students for a lifetime.

Through the dedication of the school district's resources, the board endeavors to encourage students, who come to the school district from a variety of backgrounds, to look forward to the time when they will have jobs, homes, families, places in the school district community, and attain recognition as individuals. In order to achieve this goal, the board will seek qualified employees dedicated to development of their professional skills and expertise for the betterment of the education program and for educational productivity.

Instruction and curriculum are the key elements of a public education. Critical thinking and problem solving skills that will assist the students' preparation for life are instructed as part of a sequentially coordinated curriculum. The school district strives to prepare students for employment, to discover and nurture creative talent and to prepare them to meet and cope with social change in an atmosphere conducive to learning.

The support and involvement between the student's guardians and school district community are essential to achieve educational excellence in the school district. The school district strives to maintain an active relationship with the student's guardians to create within students an awareness of their individual social and emotional development.

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code§§ 256.11, .llA (2013).

Cross Reference:
102   Equal Educational Opportunity
103   Long-Range Needs Assessment
209   Board of Directors’ Management Procedures
600   Goals and Objectives of the Education Program
602   Curriculum Development

Approved: 3/12/08

Reviewed: 2/12/14

Revised: 4/14/21

102 School District Mission Statement

Code No. 102

EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of the Grinnell Newburg Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. See policy 102.E3. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact Heidi Durbin,1333 Sunset St. Grinnell IA 50112 , 641-236-2720 Heidi.durbin@grinnell-k12.org

Note: The grievance procedure is mandatory. The classes listed are all mandatory. For more detailed discussion of this issue, see IASB's Policy Primer, Vol. 19 #10- June 8, 2007.

Legal Reference:
20 U.S.C. §§ 1221 et seq. (2012).
20 U.S.C. §§ 1681 et seq. (2012).
20 U.S.C. §§ 1701 et seq. (2012).
29 u.s.c. § 794 (2012).
42 U.S.C. §§ 12101 et seq. (2012).
34 C.F.R. Pt. 100 (2012).
34 C.F.R. Pt. 104 (2012).
Iowa Code§§ 216.9; 256.11, .11A; 280.3 (2013).
281 I.A.C. 12.

Cross Reference:
101 Educational Philosophy of the School District
401.1 Equal Employment Opportunity
500 Objectives for Equal Educational Opportunities for Students
506.1 Student Records

Approved: 4/9/08

Reviewed: 02/12/14

Revised: 04/14/2021

102E1 Notice of Non Discrimination

Code No. 102E1

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION

Students, guardians, employees and others doing business with or performing services for the Grinnell Newburg Community School District are hereby notified that this school district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age (except students), religion, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability in admission or access to, or treatment in, its programs and activities.

The school district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age (except students), religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or disability in admission or access to, or treatment in, its hiring and employment practices. Any person having inquiries concerning the school district's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), § 504 or Iowa Code § 280.3 is directed to contact:

Title: Superintendent

Where Located: 925 Broad Street, Grinnell, IA 50112

Telephone number: 641-236-2700

who has been designated by the school district to coordinate the school district's efforts to comply with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, the ADA, § 504 and Iowa Code § 280.3.

Approved:

Reviewed: 02/26/14

Revised: 04/14/2021

102E2 Grievance Form for Complaints of Discrimination or Non-compliance with Federal or State Regulations Requiring Non-discrimination

Code No. 102E2

GRIEVANCE FORM FOR COMPLAINTS OF DISCRIMINATION OR NON-COMPLIANCE

WITH FEDERAL OR STATE REGULATIONS REQUIRING NON-DISCRIMINATION

I, _________________________am filing this grievance because ________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

(Attach additional sheets if necessary)

Describe incident or occurrence as accurately as possible: ______________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

(Attach additional sheets if necessary)

Signature: __________________________________________________Date: _____________________

Address: _____________________________________________________________________________

Phone Number: ______________________

If student, name: ____________________________________________ Grade Level: _______________

Attendance center: _____________________________________________________________________

Assisting Staff member’s signature (if applicable): ____________________________________________

All complaints will be taken seriously and followed up with a written response to the person who has completed this form. Following the completion of the response the person completing this form will receive a copy and this will be entered into the district’s file in the event that it needs to be referenced at a later date. If the person who completes this form is not satisfied with the response, they should contact the District Superintendent at 641-236-2700.

Approved: 02/26/14

Reviewed:

Revised: 04/14/2021

102E3 Grievance Documentation

Code No. 102E3

GRIEVANCE DOCUMENTATION

Name of Individual Alleging Discrimination or Non-Compliance: ________________________________

Grievance Date: _________________________

State the nature of the complaint and the remedy requested: _____________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Indicate Principal’s or Supervisor’s response or action to above complaint: ________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Signature of Principal or Supervisor: _______________________________________________________

All complaints will be taken seriously and followed up with a written response to the person who has completed this form. Following the completion of the response, the person completing this form will receive a copy and this will be entered into the district’s file in the event that it needs to be referenced at a later date. If the person who completes this form is not satisfied with the response, they should contact the District Superintendent at 641-236-2700. This form will be used to investigate the manner of the complaint.

Approved: 02/26/14

Reviewed:

Revised: 04/14/2021

102E4 Section 504 Student and Parental Rights

Code No. 102E4

SECTION 504 STUDENT AND PARENTAL RIGHTS

The Grinnell-Newburg Community School District does not discriminate in its educational programs and activities on the basis of a student's disability. It has been determined that your child has a qualifying disability for which accommodations may need to be made to meet his or her individual needs as adequately as the needs of other students. As a guardian, you have the right to the following:

participation of your child in school district programs and activities, including extracurricular programs and activities, to the maximum extent appropriate, free of discrimination based upon the student's disability and at the same level as students without disabilities;
receipt of free educational services to the extent they are provided students without disabilities:
receipt of information about your child and your child's educational programs and activities in your native language;
notice of identification of your child as having a qualifying disability for which accommodations may need to be made and notice prior to evaluation and placement of your child and right to periodically request a re-evaluation of your child;
inspect and review your child's educational records including a right to copy those records for a reasonable fee; you also have a right to ask the school district to amend your child's educational records if you feel the information in the records is misleading or inaccurate; should the school district refuse to amend the records, you have a right to a hearing and to place an explanatory letter in your child's file explaining why you feel the records are misleading or inaccurate;
hearing before an impartial hearing officer if you disagree with your child's evaluation or placement; you have a right to counsel at the hearing and have the decision of the impartial hearing officer reviewed.

Inquiries concerning the school district's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), § 504 or Iowa Code § 280.3 should be directed to:

Title: Superintendent

Where Located: 925 Broad Street, Grinnell, IA 50112

Telephone number: 641-236-2700

who has been designated by the school district to coordinate the school district's efforts to comply with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title IX, the ADA, § 504 and Iowa Code§ 280.3.

Approved: 02/26/14

Reviewed:

Revised: 04/14/2021

102R1 Grievance Procedure

Code No. 102.R1

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

Students, guardians of students, employees, and applicants for employment in the school district will have the right to file a formal complaint alleging discrimination under federal or state regulations requiring non-discrimination in programs and employment.

Level One -Principal or Immediate Supervisor

(Informal and Optional -may be bypassed by the grievant)

Employees with a complaint of discrimination based upon their gender, race, national origin, creed, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or disability are encouraged to first discuss it with their immediate supervisor, with the objective of resolving the matter informally. An applicant for employment with a complaint of discrimination based upon their gender, race, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability are encouraged to first discuss it with the personnel contact person. This paragraph is for employees and "marital status" isn't a protected class for employees.

A student, or a guaardian of a student, with a complaint of discrimination based upon their gender, race, national origin, creed, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability are encouraged to discuss it with the instructor, counselor, supervisor, building administrator, program administrator or personnel contact person directly involved.

Level Two - Compliance Officer

If the grievance is not resolved at Level One and the grievant wishes to pursue the grievance, the grievant may formalize it by filing a complaint in writing on a Grievance Filing Form, which may be obtained from the Compliance Officer. The complaint will state the nature of the grievance and the remedy requested. The filing of the formal, written complaint at Level Two must be within I 5 working days from the date of the event giving rise to the grievance, or from the date the grievant could reasonably become aware of such occurrence. The grievant may request that a meeting concerning the complaint be held with the Compliance Officer. A student may be accompanied at that meeting by a parent or guardian. The Compliance Officer will investigate the complaint and attempt to resolve it. A written report from the Compliance Officer regarding action taken will be sent to the involved parties within a reasonable time after receipt of the complaint.

Level Three - Superintendent/Administrator

If the complaint is not resolved at Level Two, the grievant may appeal it to Level Three by presenting a written appeal to the superintendent within ten working days after the grievant receives the report from the Compliance Officer, the grievant may request a meeting with the Superintendent. The superintendent may request a meeting with the grievant to discuss the appeal. A decision will be rendered by the superintendent within a reasonable time after the receipt of the written appeal. If, in cases of disability grievances at the elementary and secondary level, the issue is not resolved through the grievance process, the parents have a right to an impartial hearing to resolve the issue.

This procedure in no way denies the right of the grievant to file formal complaints with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights or Office of Special Education Programs, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or the Iowa Department of Education for mediation or rectification of civil rights grievances, or to seek private counsel for complaints alleging discrimination.

Level Four- Appeal to Board

If the grievant is not satisfied with the superintendent's decision, the grievant can file an appeal with the board within ten working days of the decision. It is within the discretion of the board to determine whether it will hear the appeal.

The Compliance Officer is:
Position: Business Manager, Grinnell-Newburg School District
Office Address: 925 Broad Street, Grinnell, IA 50112
Phone number: 641-236-2700
Office Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Approved: 02/18/09

Reviewed: 02/26/14

Revised: 04/14/2021

103 Long-Range Needs Assessment

Code No. 103

LONG-RANGE NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Long-range needs assessment enables the school district to analyze assessment data, get feedback from the community about its expectation of students and determine how well students are meeting student learning goals. The board will conduct ongoing and in-depth needs assessment, soliciting information from business, labor, industry, higher education and community members, regarding their expectations for adequate student preparation.

The board will authorize the appointment of a committee representing administrators, employees, parents, students and community members to make recommendations and assist the board in determining the priorities of the school district.

The School Improvement Advisory Committee (SIAC) serves as the representative committee to receive data, to make recommendations and to assist the board in determining priorities. Opportunities to gather local feedback on an ongoing basis will include, but not be limited to, surveys, focus groups, ad hoc committees and task forces. This is open to any community member. Contact the Superintendent’s office if interested in joining this committee.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to ensure the school district community is informed of students' progress on state and locally determined indicators. The superintendent will report annually to the board about the means used to keep the community informed.

As a result of the board and committee's work, the board will determine major educational needs and rank them in priority order; develop long-range goals and plans to meet the educational needs; establish and implement short-range and intermediate-range plans to meet the goals and to attain the desired levels of student performance; evaluate progress toward meeting the goals and maintain a record of progress under the plan that includes reports of student performance and results of school improvement projects; and annually report the school district's progress made under the plan to the committee, community and Iowa Department of Education.

For more information please contact 641-236-2700 and ask for either the superintendent’s office or the contact information for the SIAC parent facilitator. In the event that the SIAC committee does not have a diverse representation the superintendent will recruit members of the committee to serve on the SIAC committee.

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code§§ 21; 256.7; 280.12, .18 (2013).
281 I.A.C. 12.8(l)(b).

Cross Reference:
101 Educational Philosophy of the School District
200 Legal Status of the Board of Directors
208 Committees of the Board of Directors
603.1   Basic Instruction Program
801.1   Buildings and Sites Long Range Planning
801.2   Buildings and Sites Surveys

Approved: 04/23/08

Reviewed: 02/26/14

Revised: 04/14/2021

103R1 Long Range Needs Assessment

Code No. 103R1

LONG-RANGE NEEDS ASSESSMENT

The school district's long range needs assessment process includes these items:

provisions for collecting, analyzing and reporting information derived from local, state and national sources;
provisions for reviewing information acquired on the following:
- state indicators and other locally determined indicators,
- locally established student learning goals,
- specific data collection required by state and federal programs;

provisions for collecting and analyzing assessment data on the following:
- state indicators,
- locally determined indicators,
- locally established student learning goals.

Approved: 02/26/14

Reviewed: 04/14/2021

Revised:

104 Anti-Bullying/Harassment/Sexual Harassment Policy

Code No. 104

ANTI-BULLYING/HARASSMENT/SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY

The Grinnell-Newburg School District understands the importance of the emotional wellbeing and the physical safety of every student in the district. To that end, the board considers all bullying and harassment of students to be unacceptable, and these behaviors will not be tolerated. Communication and interactions between students should be respectful and kind.

Description of Bullying & Harassment

The board considers bullying and harassment to be any behaviors that adversely impact another student. These behaviors include any electronic, written, verbal, or physical acts or conduct toward a student which are based on any actual or perceived trait or characteristic of the student and which causes harm or fear of harm in that student.

Bullying behaviors may look like, but are not limited to:

Verbal bullying: speaking or writing harmful things either in person or electronically

Social bullying: harming the victim’s relationships or social standing

Physical bullying: harming another person’s body or things

Sexual harassment: unwelcome and inappropriate sexual remarks or physical advances

Discrimination: Unjust or prejudicial treatment based on a persons difference(s) unfair or unequal treatment of an individual (or group)based on certain characteristics

Hazing: requiring the performance of certain tasks or rituals in order to be accepted into a group

Often there is a power imbalance between the bully and the bullied student. And although bullying generally happens repeatedly, the board acknowledges the negative impact even one harassing interaction can cause to a student’s wellbeing.

Bullying of a Protected Class

Bullying of a protected class includes behavior done to degrade an individual on the basis of the student’s actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, nationality, ethnicity, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity,gender expression, or genetic information or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

Bullying of a protected class will be considered “hate-motivated” harassment and will be treated as such.

Scope of the Policy

This policy is in effect while students or employees are on property within the jurisdiction of the board; while in school-owned or school-operated vehicles; while attending or engaged in school-sponsored activities; and while away from school grounds when the misconduct directly affects the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school or school district.

Reporting Bullying and Harassment

Any student, staff member, or volunteer who witnesses or experiences bullying behavior can report the incident here. Any person who promptly, reasonably, and in good faith reports an incident of bullying or harassment under this policy to a school official, shall be immune from civil or criminal liability relating to such a report and to the person's participation in any administrative, judicial, or other proceeding relating to the report. Individuals who knowingly file a false complaint may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

Investigation, Procedures, and Prevention

The school or school district will promptly and reasonably investigate allegations of bullying or harassment. The Superintendent or designee will be responsible for handling all complaints by students alleging bullying or harassment. The Superintendent or designee will be responsible for handling all complaints by employees alleging bullying or harassment.

It also is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the investigator and principals, to develop procedures regarding this policy. The current bullying and harassment procedures can be found here.

The superintendent also is responsible for organizing training programs for students, school officials, faculty, staff, and volunteers who have direct contact with students. The training will include how to recognize harassment and what to do in case a student is harassed. It will also include proven effective harassment prevention strategies. The superintendent will also develop a process for evaluating the effectiveness of the policy in reducing bullying and harassment in the school district. The superintendent shall report to the board on the progress of reducing bullying and harassment to the board.

Retaliation

Retaliation against any person, because the person has filed a bullying or harassment complaint or assisted or participated in a harassment investigation or proceeding, is also prohibited. Individuals who knowingly file false harassment complaints and any person who gives false statements in an investigation shall be subject to discipline by appropriate measures, as shall any person who is found to have retaliated against another in violation of this policy. Any person found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, suspension and expulsion.

Discipline and Remediation

Disciplinary actions for bullying and harassment may include, but are not limited to:

warnings; counseling; loss of opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities, school social events or graduation exercises; loss of school bus transportation; community service; in-school suspension; short term suspension; or transfer to another school among others. The specific consequences should be consistent, reasonable, fair, age appropriate and match the severity of the incident. If necessary, counseling will be provided for the target and/or the student perpetrating the bullying or harassment.

Legal References:
20 U.S.C. §§ 1221-1234i (2012).
29 U.S.C. § 794 (2012).
42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d-2000d-7 (2012).
42 U.S.C. §§ 12001 et. seq. (2012).
Iowa Code§§ 216.9; 280.28,280.3 (2013).
281 I.A.C. 12.3(6).
Morse v. Frederick, 127 S.Ct. 26!8 (2007)

Cross References:
502   Student Discipline
503   Student Records
506   Student Rights and Responsibilities

Approved: 04/23/08

Reviewed: 02/26/14

Revised: 04/14/2021

104.E1 Anti-Bullying/Harassment Complaint Form

Code No. 104E1

ANTI-BULLYING/HARASSMENT COMPLAINT FORM

Name of complainant: ________________________________________ Date: _________________

Position of complainant: ____________________________________________________________

Name of student or employee harmed: ___________________________________________________

Name of alleged harasser or bully: _____________________________________________________

Date and place of incident or incidents: _________________________________________________

Nature of Discrimination or Harassment Alleged (Check all that apply)

__ Age __ Physical Attribute __ Sex

__ Disability __ Physical/Mental Ability __ Sexual Orientation

__ Familial Status __ Political Belief __ Socio-economic Background

__ Gender Identity __ Political Party Preference __ Other - Please Specify:

__ Marital Status __ Race/Color ______________________

__ Religion/Creed __ Background/Ancestry __ National Origin/Ethnic

Description of misconduct: __________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

Name of witnesses (if any): __________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

Evidence of harassment or bullying, i.e., letters, photos, etc. (attach evidence if possible): _________

_________________________________________________________________________________

Any other information: ______________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

I agree that all of the information on this form is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge.

Signature: __________________________________________________ Date: _________________

Assisting Staff Member Signature (if appropriate): ________________________________________

Please complete this form and submit it to the building administrator and send a copy to the District Superintendent’s Office.

Approved: 02/26/14

Reviewed:

Revised: 04/14/2021

104E2 Anti-Bullying/Harassment Complaint Form

Code No. 104E2

ANTI-BULLYING/HARASSMENT COMPLAINT FORM

Name of witness: _________________________________________________________________

Position of witness: _______________________________________________________________

Date of statement interview: ________________________________________________________

Description of incident observed: ____________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

Any other information: _____________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

I agree that all of the information on this form is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge.

Signature: _________________________________________________ Date: _________________

Assisting Staff Member Signature (if appropriate): _______________________________________

Approved: 02/26/14

Reviewed:

Revised: 04/14/2021

104E3 Disposition of Anti-Bullying/Harassment Form

Code No. 104E3

DISPOSITION OF ANTI-BULLYING/HARASSMENT FORM

Name of complainant: __________________________________________________________________

Name of student or employee harmed: _______________________________________________________

Grade and building of student or employee: __________________________________________________

Name and position or grade of Alledged perpertrator/respondent: _________________________________

Date of initial complaint: ________________________________________________________________

Nature of Bullying or Harassment Alleged (Check all that apply)

__ Age __ Physical Attribute __ Sex

__ Disability __ Physical/Mental Ability __ Sexual Orientation

__ Familial Status __ Political Belief __ Socio-economic Background

__ Gender Identity __ Political Party Preference __ Other - Please Specify:

__ Marital Status __ Race/Color ______________________

__ Religion/Creed __ National Origin/Ethnic __ Background/Ancestry

Summary of investigation: _______________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

I agree that all of the information on this form is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge.

Signature: __________________________________________________ Date: _________________

Approved: 02/26/14

Reviewed:

Revised: 04/14/2021

104R1 Anti-Bullying/Harassment Investigation Procedures

Code No. 104.R1

ANTI-BULLYING/HARASSMENT INVESTIGATION PROCEDURES

Individuals who feel that they have been harassed should:

Communicate to the harasser that the individual expects the behavior to stop, if the individual is comfortable doing so. If the individual wants assistance communicating with the harasser, the individual should ask a teacher, counselor or principal to help.
If the harassment does not stop, or the individual does not feel comfortable confronting the harasser, the individual should:
- tell a teacher, counselor or principal; and
- write down exactly what happened, keep a copy and give another copy to the teacher, counselor or principal including;
  - what, when and where it happened;
  - who was involved;
  - exactly what was said or what the harasser did;
  - witnesses to the harassment;
  - what the student said or did, either at the time or later;
  - how the student felt; and
  - how the harasser responded.

COMPLAINT PROCEDURE

An individual who believes that the individual has been harassed or bullied without resloution at the building level, will notify the Superintendent, who will assign the case to the designated investigator using the investigator rotation cycle. The investigator may request that the individual complete the Harassment/Bullying Complaint fonn and turn over evidence of the harassment, including, but not limited to, letters, tapes, or pictures. The complainant shall be given a copy of the completed complaint form. Information received during the investigation is kept confidential to the extent possible.

The investigator, with the approval of the principal, or the principal has the authority to initiate an investigation in the absence of a written complaint.

INVESTIGATION PROCEDURE

The investigator will reasonably and promptly commence the investigation upon receipt of the complaint. The investigator will interview the complainant and the alleged harasser. The alleged harasser may file a written statement in response to the complaint. The investigator may also interview witnesses as deemed appropriate.

Upon completion of the investigation, the investigator will make written findings and conclusions as to each allegation of harassment and report the findings and conclusions to the principal. The investigator will provide a copy of the findings of the investigation to the principal.

RESOLUTION OF THE COMPLAINT

Following receipt of the investigator's report, the principal may investigate further, if deemed necessary, and make a determination of any appropriate additional steps which may include discipline.

Prior to the determination of the appropriate remedial action, the principal may, at the principal's discretion, interview the complainant and the alleged harasser. The principal will file a written report closing the case and documenting any disciplinary action taken or any other action taken in response to the complaint. The complainant, the alleged harasser and the investigator will receive notice as to the conclusion of the investigation. The principal will maintain a log of information necessary to comply with Iowa Department of Education reporting procedures.

POINTS TO REMEMBER IN THE INVESTIGATION

Evidence uncovered in the investigation is confidential.
Complaints must be taken seriously and investigated.
No retaliation will be taken against individuals involved in the investigation process.
Retaliators will be disciplined up to and including suspension and expulsion.

CONFLICTS

If the investigator is a witness to the incident, the alternate investigator shall investigate

Approved: 02/26/14

Reviewed:

Revised: 04/14/2021