Student Grievance Procedure
STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
The grievance procedure for students is published in the district student handbook and publications that reach all students, including those in special education. The procedure, along with explanations, due process, and directions are available for inspection in the following offices: Superintendent of Schools and building principals. Inquiries can also be directed to the Director of Region VII Office for Civil Rights, 10220 North Executive Hills Boulevard, 8th Floor, Kansas City, Missouri 64153, or call (816) 891-8026.
It is the policy of this district that all grievances be resolved quickly and at the lowest step possible.
EXPLANATIONS
- Grievance
A grievance is a difference of opinion raised by a student or a group of students involving: 1) the meaning, interpretation, or application of established policies; 2) difference of treatment; or 3) application of the legal requirements of civil rights legislation.
- Grievant
Any student or group of students submitting a grievance in their own behalf.
- Days
Days when school is in session.
DUE PROCESS
Right to Representation
- A grievant(s) may choose to be represented by an attorney or other persons of their own choosing, such as a relative or advocate. Issue of ordinary school operation should, however, be resolved as informally as possible.
- Right to Present Witnesses and Evidence
Grievant(s) shall be allowed to present the grievance with relevant evidence and pertinent witnesses. Both parties shall have the opportunity for hearing and questioning witnesses.
- Time Limits
All participants shall adhere to the time prescribed for each level. Failure by the administration at any step of the procedure to communicate the decision on the grievance within the specified time limit shall permit the grievant(s) to proceed to the next step. Failure on the part of the grievant(s) to appeal the decision to the next step within the specified time limits shall be deemed to be an acceptance of the decision rendered at that step.
- Right to Information
Unless state laws and right-to-privacy laws are violated, all relevant records with names and identifying information must be made available to the grievant(s) for use as evidence in the grievance issue.
- Privacy
During the grievance procedure, except at Step IV, the grievant(s) shall have the right to designate whether the procedure and meetings will be confidential, including names and related information.
- Reprisals-Retaliation
Participants in a grievance submitted in this district shall not be subjected to reprisals, retaliation, or different treatment because of such participation. Participation shall not be recorded in the student file(s) or used to affect equal opportunity for access and equity in educational programs and services.
DIRECTIONS
Each step of authority shall acknowledge in writing the date of receipt of the written grievance with the statement that the issue will be considered promptly.
By Step III, the grievance must be submitted in writing, dated, and signed with the name of the attendance center and the grade level of the grievant(s). The issue should be described as specifically and completely as possible. The name of anyone who will represent the grievant(s) should be included. A statement of possible relief necessary to resolve the issue should be offered.
If the issue is of the type that would require a decision from higher authority, the facts surrounding the grievance should be compiled in writing and submitted to the proper level of authority, operating through appropriate channels. All levels of authority shall give immediate attention to the grievance issue, being aware of the specified timelines. Copies of the written answers to the grievant(s) shall be submitted to the superintendent and/or building principal. This response shall contain a summary of the evidence determined, the conclusion(s) reached, with reasons, and shall be delivered to each grievant(s). If hand delivery with receipt cannot be made, registered mail will be used.
