402.5 Public Complaints about Employees

Code No. 402.5

PUBLIC COMPLAINTS ABOUT EMPLOYEES

The board recognizes situations may arise in the operation of the school district that are of concern to parents/guardians and other members of the school district community. While constructive criticism is welcomed, the board desires to support its employees and their actions to free them from unnecessary, spiteful, or negative criticism and complaints that do not offer advice for improvement or change.

The board firmly believes concerns should be resolved at the lowest organizational level by those individuals closest to the concern. Whenever a complaint or concern is brought to the attention of the board it will be referred to the administration to be resolved. Prior to board action however, the following should be completed:

  1. Matters should first be addressed to the teacher or employee.
  2. Unsettled matters from (a) above or problems and questions about individual attendance centers should be addressed to the employee's building principal for licensed employees and the superintendent for classified employees.
  3. Unsettled matters regarding licensed employees from (b) above or problems and questions concerning the school district should be directed to the superintendent.
  4. If a matter cannot be settled satisfactorily by the superintendent, it may then be brought to the board. To bring a concern regarding an employee, the individual may notify the board president in writing, who may bring it to the attention of the entire board, or the item may be placed on the board agenda of a regularly scheduled board meeting in accordance with board policy 214.1.

It is within the discretion of the board to address complaints from the members of the school district community, and the board will only do so if they are in writing, signed, and the complainant has complied with this policy.

NOTE: School districts with a different procedure for addressing complaints about employees should insert it here.
 

Legal Reference:     
Iowa Code § 279.8 (2013).

Cross Reference:     
210.8 Board Meeting Agenda
213 Public Participation in Board Meetings
307 Communication Channels

Approved 9/23/2015

Reviewed 1/25/2023