The district places trust in its employees and desires to support their actions in such a manner that employees are freed from unnecessary, spiteful, or unjustified criticism or complaints.

The complainant shall be encouraged to first bring a complaint to the individual concerned. If the problem cannot be resolved with the individual concerned, it should be brought to the attention of the immediate supervisor or administrator. The complaint should be in writing stating the issues and supporting facts. The individual employee involved shall be given every opportunity for explanation, comment, and presentation of the facts as he/she sees them.

If the issue is not resolved by involvement of the immediate supervisor or if the issue involves the Building Administrator and cannot be resolved at the building level, the complainant may refer the issue to the Superintendent for his/her review and decision.

If the above steps do not resolve the concern of the complainant, he/she may request a session of the Board for the purpose of reviewing the Superintendent's decision. All parties involved, including the school administration, shall be asked to attend such a meeting for purposes of presenting facts, making further explanations, and clarifying the issue. The Board shall conduct such meetings in a fair and just manner. The Board shall then render a decision within 15 calendar days.

It is the intent of the Board that the rights of employees under collective bargaining agreements and Vermont law be protected through the administration of this policy.

Date Warned: March 1, 2002

Date Adopted: March 12, 2002

Legal Reference(s): 16 VSA § 1752

1 VSA § 312 et seq

Cross Reference: