401.5 - Employee Complaints

Complaints of employees against fellow employees should be discussed directly between employees as appropriate for the nature of the complaint.  Complaints should be made in a constructive and professional manner.  Complaints should generally not be made in the presence of other employees, students or outside persons.  

If the complaint cannot be resolved, the employee may discuss the matter with their immediate supervisor.  If the matter cannot be resolved within five days of speaking with the immediate supervisor, the employee may discuss it with the principal within five days of the supervisor's decision.  If the matter cannot be resolved by the principal, the employee may discuss it with the superintendent within five days after speaking with the principal.

If the matter is not satisfactorily resolved by the superintendent, the employee may ask to have the matter placed on the board agenda of a regularly scheduled board meeting in compliance with board policy.  The board retains discretion as to whether to consider or take action on any complaint.

This policy is designed to create an appropriate process for pursuing general employee complaints.  However, employees wishing to address a complaint on a topic with a more specialized procedure such as master contract grievances, or bullying or harassment claims should follow the appropriate process set forth in the master contract, employee handbook or other board policies specific to that topic. 

 

The order of process:

 

  1. Notify Supervisor.
  2. Complete form.
  3. Assigned to an Investigator.
  4. Investigator reports to Superintendent.
  5. Superintendent files decision by report.

 

 

 

Legal Reference:          Iowa Code §§ 20; 279.8.

 

Cross Reference:          217.2   Board of Directors and Employees

                                    309      Communication Channels

 

 

Approved 11/1/2004                              Reviewed 08/20/2007                           Revised 05/20/2019

                                                                              07/18/2011                                       01/17/2022

                                                                             07/18/2016

                                                                            05/20/2019

                                                                            01/17/2022

                                                                            03/21/2022