JII ©STUDENT CONCERNS, COMPLAINTS,
AND GRIEVANCES
JII ©The District Administrator is directed to establish procedures whereby students with sufficient concern may present a complaint or grievance regarding a violation of their constitutional rights, equal access to programs, discrimination, or personal safety provided that:
A. The topic is not the subject of disciplinary or other proceedings under other policies and regulations of the District, and
B. The procedure shall not apply to any matter for which the method of review is prescribed by law, or the Governing Board is without authority to act.
A complaint or grievance may be raised regarding one (1) or more of the following:
A. Violation of the student's constitutional rights.
B. Denial of an equal opportunity to participate in any program or activity for which the student qualifies not related to the student's individual capabilities.
C. Discriminatory treatment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability.
D. Concern for the student's personal safety.
Refer to Board Policy JICK for procedures applying to a complaint or grievance that alleges incidences of student violence, harassment, intimidation, or bullying.
The accusation must be made within thirty (30) calendar days of the time the student knew or should have known that there were grounds for the complaint or grievance. The initial complaint or grievance should be made using form JII-EA; however, a verbal complaint or grievance may be made to any school staff member. The receiving staff member shall immediately inform an administrator of the complaint or grievance.
When the initial complaint or grievance is submitted in a manner other than on the prescribed form, the District Administrator shall obtain from the student the particulars of the accusation and complete form JII-EA immediately thereafter. The District Administrator shall especially note all student-provided particulars determined to be necessary for the complaint or grievance to be investigated. Any question concerning whether a complaint or grievance falls within this policy shall be determined by the District Administrator.
If the District Administrator is included in the allegation, the complaint or grievance shall be transmitted to the Governing Board. Failure by the staff member to timely inform the District Administrator or Governing Board of a student's allegation may subject the staff member to disciplinary action. The staff member shall preserve the confidentiality of the subject, disclosing it only to the District Administrator or Governing Board or as otherwise required by law.
A student or student's parent or guardian may initiate the complaint process by completing Exhibit JII-EA.
A complaint or grievance may be withdrawn at any time. Once withdrawn, the process cannot be reopened if the resubmission is longer than thirty (30) calendar days from the date of the occurrence of the alleged incident.
Retaliatory or intimidating acts against any student who has made a complaint under this policy and its corresponding regulations, or against a student who has testified, assisted or participated in any manner in an investigation relating to a complaint or grievance, are specifically prohibited and constitute grounds for a separate complaint.
To assure that students and staff are aware of its content and intent, a notice of this policy and procedure shall be posted conspicuously in each school building and shall be made a part of the rights and responsibilities section of the student handbook. Forms for submitting complaints are to be available to students, staff and parents or guardians in the school offices.
Disposition of all complaints or grievances shall be reported to the District Administrator and the compliance officer for discrimination if other than the District Administrator . The District Administrator will determine if the policies of the District have been appropriately implemented and will make such reports and/or referrals to the Board as may be necessary.
The District Administrator shall develop procedures for the maintenance and confidentiality of documentation related to the receipt of a student's complaint or grievance, findings of the investigation, and disposition of the matter. The documentation shall not be used to impose disciplinary action unless the appropriate school official has investigated and determined there was an actual occurrence of the alleged incident.
Knowingly submitting a false report under this policy shall subject the student to discipline up to and including suspension or expulsion. Where disciplinary action is necessary pursuant to any part of this policy, relevant District policies shall be followed.
When District officials have a reasonable belief or an investigation reveals that a reported incident may constitute an unlawful act, law enforcement authorities will be informed.
Adopted: date of Manual adoption
LEGAL REF.:
A.R.S.
15-341
CROSS REF.:
AC - Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity
ACA - Sexual Harassment
GBEB - Staff Conduct
JB - Equal Educational Opportunities
JIC - Student Conduct
JICFA - Hazing
JICK - Student Bullying/Harassment/Intimidation
JK - Student Discipline
JKD - Student Suspension
JKE - Expulsion of Students
KE - Public Concerns and Complaints