Grievances
The school district takes seriously all concerns or complaints by students, employees, parents or other persons. If a specific complaint is provided within any other policy of the school district, the specific procedure shall be followed in reference to such a complaint. If a specific complaint procedure is not provided, the purpose of this policy is to provide a procedure that may be used.
General Statement of Policy
A. Students, parents, employees or other persons may report concerns or complaints to the school district. While written reports are encouraged, a complaint may be made orally. Any employee receiving a complaint shall advise the director of the receipt of the complaint.
B. Depending upon the nature and seriousness of the complaint, the director shall determine the nature and scope of the investigation or follow-up procedures. The director will determine whether an internal or external investigation should be conducted and will designate the person responsible for the investigation or follow-up. The designated investigator shall ascertain details concerning the complaint and respond promptly to the director concerning the status or outcome of the matter.
C. The director shall respond in writing to the complaining party concerning the outcome of the investigation or follow-up, including any appropriate action or corrective measure that was taken. The response to the complaining party shall be consistent with the rights of others pursuant to the applicable provisions of Minn. Stat. Ch. 13 (Minnesota Government Data Practices Act) or other law.
D. Individuals who are uncomfortable submitting a complaint to the school director may contact the school board chairperson who will act in place of the director to follow steps outlined in B. and C. above.
E. If a matter is not resolved by the director, the complainant may submit a written complaint to the school board chairperson.
PROCESS FOR COMPLAINTS BROUGHT TO THE NLCS SCHOOL BOARD
A. Complaint Receipt. The complaint must identify the complainant and provide a method of contact (such as a phone number or email address). The NLCS School Board will not investigate anonymous complaints. NLCS School Board will acknowledge receipt of the complaint. At this point in the process, the School Board may inquire as to how the complainant attempted to resolve the grievance with the Director prior to contacting the School Board.
B. Allegation Determination. NLCS School Board will determine whether the allegations in the complaint are related to violation of law or failure to protect students or uphold public interests. If not, the NLCS School Board will provide a response to the complainant to explain as such and clarify the NLCS School Board's roles and responsibilities as a School Board.
C. Reasonable Inquiry. If the School Board determines that the allegations are related to violations of law or failure to protect students or uphold public interests, the School Board will conduct a reasonable inquiry for the purpose of verifying whether the allegations provide sufficient evidence to establish the alleged violations or improprieties. The extent and manner of the reasonable inquiry is in the School Board’s sole discretion.
D. Required Action. If the reasonable inquiry provides sufficient evidence to establish the alleged violations or improprieties, the NLCS School Board will notify the Director of the school and require action as necessary and appropriate in the NLCS School Board’s sole discretion.
E. NLCS School Board Response. Although the length of the reasonable inquiry will vary depending upon the scope, complexity, and specific city of the complaint at issue, the NLCS School Board will strive to respond to the complainant in writing within thirty days of receipt of the complaint (if a response was not previously provided in step B). If circumstances warrant, the NLCS School Board may require additional time to provide such a response, in which case it will generally advise the complainant.
Legal Reference Minn. Stat. 13 (Minnesota Government Data Practices Act)
Link to: School Board Policies: https://www.nlcschool.org/page/school-board-policies - Under Section 100
103 - Complaints - Students, Employees, Parents, Other Persons