Grievance Policies

Complaints should be initiated by contacting the person who is the most direct subject of the complaint. If the complaint concerns a teacher or staff member, that employee is the initial level of review. See below for who to contact initially based on the department or nature of the concern. If the complaint concerns a school level as a whole, the principal of that level is the appropriate contact.

Review at the initial level is informal and should follow a discussion format utilizing the school’s Communication Framework. The concern itself may be oral or in writing and should be resolved within a reasonable period of time in light of the circumstances. If a concern is not resolved satisfactorily or in a timely fashion (or within two weeks), the Complainant may bring the matter before the supervisor at the school or department level for further discussion.

If the complaint is against an individual designated in this policy as the individual to review the concern, then the Complainant may proceed to the next level in the process. For example, if the complaint is against a Principal, the Complainant may proceed directly to Section C; if the complaint is against one of the co-executive directors, then directly to Section D.

If a concern is not resolved satisfactorily at the employee or department level, the Complainant may bring the matter before Peak to Peak’s appropriate leadership team member (principal or program director).

Such appeal shall be in writing, directed to the appropriate principal or program director, and shall specify the nature of the complaint, the decision by the employee or department, and the reasons for the appeal. An appeal must be submitted within a reasonable period of time, usually within two weeks after the employee or department action to address the complaint.

Upon receipt of an appeal, the principal or program director shall notify the supervisor of the employee or department and request a written statement of the decision within three (3) working days, unless additional time is needed.  A copy of that statement shall be provided to the Complainant. Complainant shall be allowed five (5) working days to provide written information and documentation to the principal or program director. The principal or program director shall offer a meeting with the Complainant, at which time the Complainant may present information in support of Complainant’s position.

The principal or program director shall make findings and submit a written decision within five (5) working days of the hearing, unless additional time is needed.

If a complaint is not satisfactorily resolved at the principal or program director level, the Complainant may appeal to the co-executive directors. Such an appeal shall be in writing and include a statement of the complaint, the decisions of the principal or program director, and a statement of the reasons for the appeal. This appeal must be submitted within five (5) working days after receipt of the decision of the principal or program director.

The co-executive directors shall review the prior decisions and records and, at their discretion, may permit the Complainant or the other personnel to present further information. Within five working days after completion of this process, unless additional time is needed, the co-executive directors shall render a written decision and provide a copy to the Complainant. This decision shall be final unless the Board of Directors accepts the matter for review.

The Complainant may appeal the decision of the co-executive directors to the Board of Directors. Such appeal shall be directed to the President of the Board and the co-executive directors within five (5) working days after receipt of the co-executive directors’ decision. The appeal shall be in writing and include at least all prior decisions, a statement of the complaint, reasons for the appeal, and the action desired. The Board shall forward complaints that have not been considered at the appropriate administrative level to the appropriate administrative level.

The Board shall have the discretion to accept or reject the matter for review. If it rejects the matter, the co-executive directors’ decision shall be final. If it accepts the matter, the Board may determine an appropriate course of action, which may include scheduling a meeting at which it will consider the appeal. At such meeting, in its discretion, the Board may hear arguments from the parties, review the prior decisions and evidence, and make such inquiry as it deems necessary. The Board shall render a written decision within five working days after this meeting unless additional time is needed or unless a different course of action is selected. The Board's decision shall be final.

If the Board receives a complaint against one or both of the co-executive directors then the Board President, in his or her discretion, may take steps to investigate or mediate the complaint prior to the next board meeting. The Board President may delegate this authority or make assignments in his or her discretion. If the complaint is against the Board President, or if he or she is unavailable, then the Board Vice-President, or another Board officer, shall act in his or her stead. At its next meeting the Board will review any actions taken or information collected and determine to accept or reject the matter for additional review and take any other appropriate course of action.