District 99 Uniform Grievance Policy Informational Letter

District 99 Uniform Grievance Policy Informational Letter

The recent increase in individuals feeling safe to come forward with their experiences of harassment and abuse has been empowering for many. District 99 strives to provide a safe, secure, and respectful learning and work environment for everyone, and we strongly encourage anyone to come forward if that has not been their experience. If you, or someone you know, has questions about where to turn for help in coming forward, I hope the information below provides guidance about our process.

The District 99 Board of Education has long been committed to providing multiple ways to reach out to report wrongdoings associated with our organization. Board Policy 2.260 outlines the District’s “Uniform Grievance Procedure” and provides a clear set of instructions our staff must follow when investigating any report. We encourage any student, parent/guardian, employee, or community member to notify any District Complaint Manager and/or Nondiscrimination Coordinator if he or she believes the School Board, or its employees or agents, have violated his or her rights guaranteed by the State or federal Constitution, State or federal statute, or Board policy. This includes any form of harassment of a student or staff member that has occurred any time in the past or occurs in the future.

We will investigate any report that is brought forward with complete confidentiality. Although it may be difficult to come forward, firsthand knowledge of an incident provides the District the most powerful information to investigate and respond to wrongdoing. The Uniform Grievance Procedure Incident Report form, although not required, provides a template to help someone get started in sharing details. If you ever experience harassment, or are witness to any unlawful action on our campuses, please come forward so administration can respond appropriately.

Thank you for doing your part to help provide a safe, secure, and respectful learning and work environment in District 99.

Hank Thiele
Superintendent
Community High School District 99