Parental Complaints Procedures

INTRODUCTION:

This is the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Partnerships to Uplift Communities Valley, Partnerships to Uplift Communities Lakeview Terrace and Partnerships to Uplift Communities Los Angeles on how handle parent complaints concerning any complaint not covered under the Uniform Complaint Procedure (UCP).

The guidance provided herein does not apply to complaints in relations to actions or decisions by the school on allegations of child protection, refusals to enroll and those decisions which may discriminate against a child.  Guidance to parents on these issues is set forth below:

Complaints Related to Child Protection or Reports of Child Abuse Concerns:

All employees of a California public school are considered “mandated reporters.”  “A list of person whose profession  qualifies them as “mandated reporters” of child abuse or neglect is found in California Penal Code Section 11165.7.  It includes all school/district employees, administrators, and athletic coaches.  All persons hired into positions included on the list of mandated reporters are required, upon employment, to be provided with a statement, informing them that they are a mandated reporter and their obligations to report suspected cases of abuse and neglect pursuant to California Penal Code Section 11166.5.”

Parents who have a child protection concern should contact the Child Protective Services.  Click on the website below for information on reporting or call Childhelp® (800-422-4453) for assistance.

http://www.cdss.ca.gov/Reporting/Report-Abuse/Child-Protective-Services/Report-Child-Abuse 

Suspension, Expulsion, or Refusal to Enroll: 

Parents can appeal a decision by the school to expel their child from its school, or to suspend their child as outlined in the school’s current charter petition in Element 10.

Discrimination:

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federally funded education program or activity.  Parents are to follow the Uniform Complaint Procedure and form to file a complaint. 

Further information about Title IX can be obtained at:  https://www.justice.gov/crt/overview-title-ix-education-amendments-1972-20-usc-1681-et-seq.

Miscellaneous:

1. Legal Representation: Legal representation or representation by person(s) acting in a professional  capacity is not permitted within this procedure.
   1. Note:  This procedure does not take away from the statutory rights of any of the participants.
2. Recordings: You may only record a meeting with school personnel if you provide 24 hours’ notice of your intent to record.
3. Where the complainant is a member of PUC governing board
   1. Where the complainant is a member of PUC governing board, they will play no part in the management or appeal of the complaint as set out in this procedure.

COMPLAINT PROCEDURE GUIDELINES FOR MAKING A COMPLAINT

The purpose of the procedure here within is to facilitate the resolution of difficulties where they may arise in an agreed and fair manner.  The procedure is as follows:

1. Step 1: Speaking with the teacher about your concern(s)
   • In the first instance, a complaint should normally be raised verbally with the teacher concerned (whether that be a classroom teacher, Assistant Principal or Principal), so that s/he may have an opportunity to address the issue(s). Please observe the school’s existing protocols for arranging and conducting such meetings and follow the school’s policy with respect to access to members of teaching staff.
   • If the complaint does not relate to a teacher in the school, it should be referred to the Principal.

1. Step 2a: Contact the Principal if your complaint is against a member of staff other than the Principal 
   • If your complaint remains unresolved following Step 1 you should arrange a meeting with the Principal to discuss the issue(s). In advance of this meeting you should inform the Principal in writing, of the nature of your complaint so that s/he may be in a position to resolve the problem without further delay. 
   • The principal should bring the precise nature of the written complaint to the notice of the teacher or member of staff and seek to resolve the matter between the parties within 15 school days of receipt of the written complaint.
   • In some circumstances the Principal may not be able to deal effectively with your complaint immediately and s/he may require some time to investigate and prepare a response. If further time is required you will be informed of the timescale and the likely date by which a response will be issued.
   • If you are unsatisfied with the result of the Principal’s decision, you may request and/or will be provided with mediation from a designee from the Office of the CEO. 
   • If your complaint remains unresolved following mediation with the Office of the CEO, you may appeal the decision to your CEO. See Step 3a.
2. Step 2b: Contact PUC’s CEO if your complaint is against the Principal
   • If your complaint is against the Principal and remains unresolved following Step 1 you should write to the CEO. The CEO should bring the precise nature of the written complaint to the notice of the principal and seek to resolve the matter between the parties within 15 school days of receipt of the written complaint.
   • In some circumstances the CEO may not be able to deal effectively with your complaint immediately and s/he may require some time to investigate and prepare a response. If further time is required you will be informed of the timescale and the likely date by which a response will be issued.
   • If you are unsatisfied with the result of the CEO decision, you may appeal the decision to the PUC Board of Trustees. See Step 3b.

1. Step 3a: Appeals Process-Appeals to CEO
   • If you are dissatisfied with the decision of the Principal, you may appeal that decision. In order to appeal, you must write to the CEO within 15 school days after the date of the mediation with the Office of the CEO designee. Your written request should be as concise as possible and set out specifically the grounds for your appeal.
   • You will have the opportunity to meet with the CEO where your appeal will be heard.
   • Within 15 school days of this meeting, you should expect a final written response. This will indicate the CEO’s findings, recommendations and the reasons supporting the decision.
   • Once the CEO provides a decision, the decision is final, the Complaints Procedures is exhausted, and the matter is considered closed.
2. Step 3b: Appeals Process-Appeals to the PUC Board of Trustees
   • If you are dissatisfied with the decision of the CEO, you may appeal that decision. In order to appeal, you must write to the Chair of the PUC Board of Trustees within 15 school days of receiving written feedback from the CEO. Your written request should be as concise as possible and set out specifically the grounds for your appeal.
   • You will have the opportunity to meet with the PUC Board of Trustees, where your appeal will be heard at the soonest Regular Board meeting during closed session.
   • Within 15 school days of this meeting, you should expect a final written response. This will indicate the PUC Board of Trustees’ findings, their recommendations and the reasons supporting their decision.
   • Once the PUC Board of Trustees provides a decision, the decision is final, the Complaints Procedures is exhausted, and the matter is considered closed.