Human Resources

The Tahoma School Board has adopted Policy 4220 pertaining to complaints concerning staff or programs. It is the policy of the Tahoma School District to respond to the needs and concerns of the community. Open communication between the District and community and clear procedures for processing community concerns are essential to ensure that:

1. Parent concerns are handled expeditiously;
2. The community is informed of the procedures for appealing a district decision;
3. Employees have the opportunity to remedy complaints;
4. Employees are fairly heard before any administrative remedy/action is initiated; and
5. The channel for resolving parent complaints is consistently applied.

The procedure outlined below should be followed for a complaint against a Tahoma School District employee, except complaints arising out of student discipline (WAC 180-40) or handicapped education (WAC 392-171).

Step 1: The complainant should first attempt to resolve the concerns with the individual employee.

Step 2: If the employee and the complainant have not resolved the complaint at Step 1, either party may request that the employee’s supervisor assist with resolution.

Step 3: If the problem is not resolved to the complainant’s satisfaction, the complainant may put the complaint in writing on the Complaint Form and present it to the employee’s supervisor.

Any written charge of misconduct made against an employee by a complainant will be promptly called to the attention of the employee.

When charges of misconduct are made against an employee by a complainant which results in an investigation, the supervisor will give written notice of the allegations to the employee within twelve (12) school business days of commencement of the investigation. Any investigation will include an opportunity for the employee to respond to all allegations lodged against him/her.

The complainant and the employee will be given written notice of the results of the investigation within twelve (12) school business days of completion of the investigation.

Step 4: If the complainant is not satisfied with the response of the supervisor, the complainant may appeal to the Superintendent in writing within ten (10) school business days of receipt of the Step 3 response. Copies of the appeal request will be sent to the employee and the supervisor within three (3) school business days of its receipt by the Superintendent.

Upon receipt of the appeal, the Superintendent will investigate and forward a response by certified mail to the complainant within ten (10) school business days. At the same time copies of the response will be given to the employee, the supervisor, and the Association.

Step 5: If the complainant is not satisfied with the response of the Superintendent, the complainant may submit a written appeal to the Board of Directors within ten (10) school business days of receiving the Superintendent's decision.

Following its review, the Board of Directors will forward a written response by certified mail to the complainant within five (5) school business days following its next regular meeting. At the same time, copies of the response will be given to the employee, the supervisor and the Association.

All of the timelines contained herein can be adjusted by the District if the nature of the complaint or time of filing indicates that more time is needed for complete investigation and processing of the complaint. Additionally, the supervisor or Superintendent may delegate responsibility of their duties in this procedure to a designee.

per Procedure 4220P: Complaints Concerning Staff or Programs; last revised Aug. 22, 2017