Public complaints shall be handled in a timely manner and be resolved as close to their origin as possible.

To secure the earliest possible solutions, public complaints should follow this sequence:

1. Problems should first be directed to the teacher involved. If the matter cannot be settled satisfactorily by the teacher, it should be brought to the principal.
2. Problems and questions concerning individual schools should first be directed to the principal of the school.
3. If the matter cannot be settled satisfactorily by the principal, it should be brought to the Superintendent or his/her designee.
4. If the matter cannot be settled satisfactorily by the Superintendent or his/her designee, it should be brought to the Board of Education. Questions and comments submitted to the Board in letter form will be brought to the attention of Board members.
5. If the matter cannot be settled satisfactorily at the Board level, the complainant shall be advised of other avenues of appeal.

Complaints Regarding Educational Materials

The Board of Education has established the following guidelines for addressing complaints regarding the utilization of books and other educational materials in the instructional program.

1. If there is parental/guardian concern about a particular book or instructional material, the parent will be asked to complete a "Request for Review of Book or Other Instructional Material" form. This request will be reviewed by the teacher giving the assignment, the appropriate department coordinator, and the principal. If a question arises concerning the suitability of a library book or other library material, the same form will be used to register parental concern and the form will be reviewed by the librarian, the appropriate department coordinator, and the principal. The principal will discuss the results of the school's review with the Superintendent of Schools and provide an answer giving the school's position to the parent. If the parent is not satisfied with the answer given by the principal, he may appeal to the Board of Education through the Superintendent of Schools. 1312(b) Community Relations Public Complaints (continued)

2. A parent or legal guardian has the right to request that his/her child not read, view or hear given material provided a written request is made to the appropriate building principal. No parent or legal guardian has the right to determine instructional materials for students other than his/her own children.

(cf. 1220 - Citizens' Advisory Committees)

(cf. 5145.2 - Freedom of Speech/Expression)

(cf. 6144 - Controversial Issues)

(cf. 6161 - Equipment, Books, Materials: Provision/Selection)

Legal Reference:

Keyishian v. Board of Regents 385 U.S. 589, 603 (1967)

President's Council, District 25 v. Community School Board No. 25 457 F.2d 289 (1972),

cert.denied 409 U.S. 998 (1976)

Minarcini v. Strongsville City School District, 541 F. 2d 577 (6th Cir. 1976).

Board of Education, Island Trees Union Free School District No. 26 v. Pico, 457 U.S. 853 (1982).

Academic Freedom Policy (adopted by Connecticut State Board of Education, 9/9/81).

Connecticut General Statutes 10-238 Petition for hearing by board of education.

 

Policy adopted: November 12, 1997

HAMDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Hamden, Connecticut