SOUTH BURLINGTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
GENERAL COMPLAINT
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
The complainant shall be encouraged first to bring a complaint to the individual or individuals most directly responsible for oversight of the area of concern. The complainant is encouraged to bring forth the complaint as soon as possible following the occurrence that gave rise to the complaint. If the problem cannot be resolved with the individuals most directly related to the matter concerned, it should be brought to the attention of the immediate supervisor or administrator. The complaint should be communicated by direct contact and communication by writing, by phone, or by meeting to state the issues and supporting facts. If the complaint is filed against an individual, the individual against whom the complaint is filed shall be given every opportunity for explanation, comment, and presentation of the facts as he/she sees them.
If the issue is not resolved by involvement of the immediate supervisor or administrator, the complainant may refer the issue to the Principal for his or her review and decision. In the event the Principal’s review does not lead to a satisfactory resolution, the complainant shall submit the issue in writing to the Assistant Superintendent or Superintendent for review and decision.
APPEAL TO THE BOARD
If the above steps do not resolve the concern of the complainant, he/she may request a session of the Board for the purpose of reviewing the Superintendent's decision. If the School Board decides to hear the request of the complainant, it shall invite all parties involved including the appropriate school and District administrators to attend a meeting for purposes of presenting facts, making further explanations, and clarifying the issue. The Board shall conduct such meetings in a fair and just manner and shall render a decision in writing.
BOARD HEARING
Hearings will be:
1. Conducted in the presence of the administrator who made the ruling and in the presence of any other staff member, parent, student, if appropriate, or individual personally involved.
2. Held only after due written notification to all persons concerned.
3. Free from interference, coercion, restraint, discrimination, or reprisal.
4. Held in private with only the persons involved and/or their representatives present unless the complainant specifically requests an open session and it is legally appropriate.
This complaint procedure will be used for all complaints other than those specifically outlined in policies such as harassment, bullying, and controversial and sensitive issues.
South Burlington Educators’ Association/South Burlington School Board Agreement 2005-2008 Article III, section 3.1 to 3.11