Grievance Procedures

PAUL PCS GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

Paul PCS encourages individuals to discuss their concerns with appropriate school officials before resorting to a formal complaint. However, individuals are not required to do so before filing a formal complaint. Paul PCS will not retaliate against any person who files a complaint in accordance with these procedures.

The grievance procedures outlined below establish how complaints will be investigated and resolved. These grievance procedures are intended to provide for a prompt and equitable resolution of complaints. Grievance procedures may be used by employees, students, parents, or third parties. These grievance procedures do not bar individuals from filing claims in other forums to the extent permitted by state or federal law.

STUDENT & PARENT GRIEVANCES

Complains involving students or parents may be submitted to:

Any person who believes that Paul PCs has violated the regulations of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VI, Title IX, and/or the Age Act by discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability may submit a complaint to the designated individuals below.

Charlotte Spann
Director of Schools
cspann@paulcharter.org
202-291-7499

TITLE IX GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

Complains involving equal opportunity for male and female student athletes and allocation of scholarship dollars. Title IX Manual students or parents may be submitted to:

Any person who believes that Paul PCS has violated Title XI of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. & 1681.

William Henderson
Director of Operations/Title IX Coordinator
whenderson@paulcharter.org
202-297-7499

EMPLOYEE & THIRD PARTY GRIEVANCES

Complaints involving employees or third parties may be submitted to:

Tracy White, Ph.D
Chief Executive Officer
twright@paulcharter.org
202-291-7499

FORMAL COMPLAINTS

A formal complaint may be filed by following the steps outlined below:

Step 1

Within ninety (90) calendar days of the alleged discrimination or harassment, written notice of the complaint must be filed with the individual designated above. If the complaint is being made against the designated individual above, the complaint can be submitted directly to the Head of School, who will designate an appropriate individual to investigate the complaint. Complainants may use the complaint form attached to the grievance procedure. The written notice must include the nature of the complaint, the date(s) of the occurrence, the desired result, and must be signed and dated by the person making the complaint.

Upon receipt of the written notice of the complaint, the designated individual to whom the complaint was submitted will immediately initiate an adequate, reliable and impartial investigation of the complaint. Each investigation will include, as necessary, interviewing witnesses, obtaining documents and allowing parties to present evidence. All documentation related to the investigation will remain confidential.

Within thirty (30) business days of receiving the written notice of the complaint, the individual investigating the complaint will respond in writing to the complainant. The response will summarize the course and outcome of the investigation, and identify an appropriate resolution. If, as a result of the investigation, it is determined that discrimination or harassment have occurred, appropriate corrective and remedial action will be taken.

Step 2

If the complainant wishes to appeal the decision from Step 1, he/she may submit a signed statement of appeal to the Head of School at 5800 Eighth Street, NW, Washington, DC 2001, within ten (10) business days after receipt of the response. The Head of School will review all relevant information and meet with the parties involved, as necessary. Within twenty-one (21) business days of receiving the statement of appeal, the Head of School or designee will respond in writing to the complainant summarizing the outcome of the appeal and any corrective or remedial action to be taken.

Step 3

If the complainant is not satisfied with the decision of the Head of School he/she may appeal through a signed written statement to the school Board of Trustees within ten (10) business days of the receipt of the Head of School’s response. A statement of appeal to the Board may be submitted to the Head of School who will provide the statement to the Board. In an attempt to resolve the grievance, the Board shall review all relevant information and meet with the concerned parties and their representatives within thirty (30) calendar days of the receipt of such an appeal. A copy of the Board’s disposition of the appeal shall be sent to each concerned party within fifteen (15) business days of this meeting.

Grievant also have the right to file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights by: (1) mailing the complaint to Director, District of Columbia Office, Office for Civil Rights (OCR), U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-1475; (2) faxing it to (202) 453‑6021; or (3) filing it electronically at: www.ed.gov/ocr/complaintprocess.html. For more information, you can contact OCR at (202) 453-6020 (voice), (877) 521-2172 (TDD), or ocr.dc@ed.gov.