Hawthorne School Parent-Student Handbook 2016-2017
If the matter concerns an allegation of discrimination including harassment , grievance and any appeal must be made in writing to the affirmative action officer who shall make an attempt , after investigation , to resolve the matter . The principal shall be provided with a copy of the appeal . If the matter is not resolved by the Affirmative Action Officers within ten days , the officer ‘ s findings shall be reported to the Superintendent of Schools .
If the grievance cannot be resolved informally or whenever the grievant believes that such a procedure is inappropriate or impractical , the grievant shall file a written statement setting forth the following information :
1 . A brief statement of the specific nature of the grievance and the facts giving rise to it , and the steps previously pursued . 2 . A brief statement of the relief desired . 3 . A brief statement of reasons why the grievant believes he / she is entitled to the relief sought .
The written statement shall be delivered to the school principal who shall furnish a copy to the staff member involved . If the grievance concerns the principal , it shall be forwarded to the Superintendent of Schools . A conference will be scheduled within ten school days following receipt of the grievance , which shall be conducted informally , with each party having an opportunity to be heard . The principal shall render a written decision within five school days following the conference and a copy of same shall be provided to all interested parties .
If either party is dissatisfied with the decision , he or she may appeal within ten school days following receipt of the written decision . The appeal shall be in writing and to the Superintendent of Schools . All interested parties shall be provided a copy of the appeal , which must contain a statement of reasons upon which the appeal is based .
Upon receipt of the appeal , the Superintendent may decide the matter on the papers or hold a conference . The Superintendent will render a written decision to all interested parties within ten days following receipt of the papers or the conference , if one is held . If the Board is required to act , the Superintendent must make his / her recommendations within ten days of receipt of the grievance with copies to all parties .
If any party is dissatisfied with the decision of the Superintendent , he or she may request a hearing before the Board by filing a written notice of appeal to the Board Secretary within ten days of the Superintendent ‘ s decision . The notice shall briefly state the basis of the appeal and copies shall be provided to all parties , the principal and Superintendent . The Board Secretary shall notify all parties of the hearing date . The parties may present their positions to the Board orally or in writing and the Board may call witnesses and experts as it deems necessary to aid in resolving the matter . The Board shall forward its determination to all parties within thirty days of the hearing . The Board ‘ s decision shall be subject to review as may be available under Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes . Failure to appeal a grievance to the next step within the specified time limits shall be deemed to be acceptance of the decision at that step .
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