Section K
Page Navigation
- Policies by Section
- KA: Community Engagement and Partnerships
- KBA: Public Records
- KG: Community Use of District Facilities
- KGD: External Research Studies
- KH: Public Gifts to the District
- KI: Public Solicitations in the Schools
- KJ: Advertising and Promotions in the Schools
- KL: Community Feedback and Complaints
- Cleveland Metropolitan School District
- KL: Community Feedback and Complaints
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KL: Community Feedback and Complaints
Policy
General Community Feedback and Complaints
Individuals should handle complaints as close to their source as possible. When appropriate, individuals should allow school personnel to resolve problems before bringing them to the Ombudsperson or District staff. Complaints, whenever possible, should be brought to individuals in the following order:
- School personnel
- Principal
- Network Leader
- Ombudsperson
- District Chief Executive Officer/School Board
If the Board receives the original complaint, the resolving party shares a resolution report with the Board.
Community Feedback and Complaints about Curriculum
The Board recognizes and respects the right of students to free access to many different types of books and materials and the right of the District’s professional staff to select materials consistent with the Board’s educational philosophy and goals. However, the Board has final responsibility for selecting and purchasing all instructional materials made available to students.
If a parent requests that their child not read a particular book, the teacher and principal should appropriately resolve the issue. The resolution may include arranging for the child read an alternate book that meets a similar instructional purpose.
The Board does not permit any individual or group to censor instructional materials and library collections. However, the Board may re-evaluate materials for withdrawal through the following process:
- The complaining party submits a signed complaint stating their objection to the material to the principal.
- The principal forwards the complaint to the Chief Academic Officer, who may choose to convene a review committee.
- The Chief Academic Officer reviews the complaint and committee’s recommendation and decides on the matter.
The complaining party may appeal the decision to the Board if not satisfied. The Board may decide whether or not to hear the complaint. When considering complaints about library collections, Board members may not let their social or political tastes be the sole factor in their decision-making.
Community Feedback and Complaints about District Personnel
If the Board receives a formal, written, and signed complaint regarding a District employee, the Board will assign the complaint to the Chief Executive Officer for review and, if warranted, an investigation by an appropriate supervisor or another District administrator.
The complaining party may appeal the decision to the Board if not satisfied. The Board may decide whether or not to hear the complaint.
History
- Adopted: October 4, 2001
- Amended: June 28, 2022
Legal References
- Ohio Revised Code Section 3329.01
- Ohio Revised Code Section 3329.08
- Ohio Revised Code Section 3329.09
- Ohio Revised Code Section 3311.72
- Ohio Revised Code Section 74
- Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22
- Ohio Revised Code Section 149.43
- Ohio Revised Code Section 3329.07
- Education Amendments of 1972, Title IX; 20 USC 1681 et seq.