United Public Schools

Descriptor Code: KACA
Patron Complaints
Constructive criticism of the schools is welcomed by the United Public School District #7 School Board whenever it is motivated by a sincere desire to improve the quality of the educational program or to equip the schools to do their tasks more effectively. The Board has however, confidence in its professional staff and desires to support their actions in order that they be free from unnecessary, spiteful, or negative criticism and complaint. Therefore, whenever a complaint is made directly to the Board as a whole or to a board member as an individual, it will promptly be referred to the school administration for study and possible solution.
Since individual board members have no authority to resolve complaints, other than by formal board action, administrators are expected to follow up on all complaint referrals and to advise the board members of the nature of the complaint and the action(s) taken. The Board expects that the administration will develop a procedure for receiving complaints courteously and that it will take steps to make a proper reply to the complainant. This follow-up should generally take the form of a brief written memorandum to the board members.
[Anonymous complaints provide no avenue for response or redress of the complaint. An unsigned complaint will not be read or acted upon at any meeting of the board and anonymous telephone complaints will not be brought to the board by any individual board member, administrator, or other employee. No disciplinary action will be initiated based solely on an anonymous complaint; however the administration will investigate every anonymous complaint.]
The Board will not consider or act upon complaints that have not been explored at the appropriate administrative levels or complaints for which specific resolution procedures have been established that do not include board review.
Complaints for which specific resolution procedures are provided shall be directed through those channels. This includes complaints about personnel and complaints about instructional materials.
Complaints should be resolved at the lowest possible level of authority. If resolution of the problem seems unlikely at the building level either party is encouraged to refer the matter to the Superintendent for his review.
If all other remedies have been exhausted, and a non-personnel related complaint has not been satisfactorily resolved, the complainant may request that the matter be placed on the agenda of the next regular meeting of the Board. The complaint shall be presented in writing and included in the agenda materials provided to the Board prior to the meeting. Generally all parties involved, including the administrator(s), shall be asked to attend such a meeting for purposes of presenting additional facts, making further explanations, and clarifying the issues.
If the Board decides to hear the complaint, the Board shall make a decision that shall be sent to all interested parties. If the decision alters policy, the procedures for suspending, amending or adopting policy shall be followed. Complaints concerning personnel will be heard only in accordance with applicable statutes.