Complaints are best handled when both sides work together to find a solution.

The following is an outline of the District's complaint process. For a more detailed explanation, please refer to the District's Code of Policy and Rule, AG and AG-R. Please submit complaints in a timely manner in order to allow for the quickest resolution. If you have any questions regarding the District's Complaint Process, download Contact Information for the Complaint Process (PDF).

Step 1: Informal Level

• You should first contact the employee with whom you have a complaint.
• If a resolution is not reached, request to meet with the employee's supervisor.
• The supervisor will work with you to resolve the complaint.
• If you still can't resolve the complaint, move on to Step Two.

Step 2: Formal Level

• You must fill out a formal Complaint Form.
• Forms are available at any school or department. They are also available at the Administration Center located at 2450 Lancaster Ave. NE
• The form is filed with the supervisor who has responsibility for the area in which the complaint occurred.
• The supervisor will contact you within 5 working days of receiving the formal complaint to set up a meeting.
• The meeting will be scheduled for a mutually agreeable time within 10 working days after you are contacted.
• A written decision will be provided within 5 working days after you are contacted.
• If you are not satisfied with the decision, move to Step Three.

Step 3: Cabinet Level

• You must submit a letter to the Cabinet-level supervisor within 15 working days appealing the written decision from the supervisor.
• The Cabinet-level supervisor will review the complaint documentation and determine if further investigation is merited.
• If the Cabinet-level supervisor determines that further investigation is not warranted, a written decision will be provided to you within 10 working days after receiving the appeal.
• If the Cabinet-level supervisors finds that further investigation is needed, he/she will either conduct it or assign a District staff member to the task.
• The investigation will begin within 10 working days of when the complaint was received by the Cabinet-level supervisor.
• A written decision on the complaint will be provided to you within 10 working days after the investigation is completed.
• If you are not satisfied with the decision, move to Step Four.

Step 4: Superintendent Level

• You must submit a letter to the Superintendent appealing the written decision of the Cabinet-level supervisor. This letter should be filed within 15 working days after receiving the written decision.
• The Superintendent decides whether or not to investigate the complaint. You will be notified of the decision.
• If the Superintendent decides to investigate, an investigation will be conducted within 10 working days of receiving the complaint.
• A written decision will be provided within 10 working days after the investigation is completed.
• If you are not satisfied with the decision, move to Step Five.

Step 5: School Board Level

• You have 30 working days to appeal the Superintendent's decision to the School Board.
• You must submit a letter to the School Board.
• The School Board Chairperson and Vice Chairperson will review the record of the complaint and decide if the complaint warrants a hearing before the full Board.
• If a hearing is not granted, you have 15 working days to submit a petition to the rest of the Board asking for a hearing.
• You will be notified in writing if a hearing will be held.

If you are not satisfied with the decision of the School Board, you may contact another agency like the Oregon Department of Education or the Office of Civil Rights.