403.5R1 - Harassment Investigation Procedures

COMPLAINT PROCEDURE                                 

An employee or student who believes that they have been harassed will notify the elementary principal, the designated investigator.  The alternate investigator is the superintendent.  The investigator may request that the employee or student complete the Harassment Complaint form and turn over evidence of the harassment, including, but not limited to, letters, tapes, or pictures.  Information received during the investigation is kept confidential to the extent possible.

The investigator, with the approval of the superintendent, or the superintendent has the authority to initiate a harassment investigation in the absence of a written complaint.

 

INVESTIGATION PROCEDURE

The investigator will reasonably and promptly commence the investigation upon receipt of the complaint.  The investigator will interview the complainant and the alleged harasser.  The alleged harasser may file a written statement refuting or explaining the behavior outlined in the complaint.  The investigator may also interview witnesses as deemed appropriate.

Upon completion of the investigation, the investigator will report to the superintendent.  The investigator will outline the findings of the investigation to the superintendent. 

 

RESOLUTION OF THE COMPLAINT

The superintendent will complete the next step in the investigation reasonably and promptly upon receipt of the investigator's report.  Following the investigator's report, the superintendent may investigate further, if deemed necessary, and make a determination of the appropriate next step which may include discipline up to and including discharge.

Prior to the determination of the appropriate remedial action, the superintendent may, at the superintendent's discretion, interview the complainant and the alleged harasser.  The superintendent will file a written report closing the case.  The complainant, the alleged harasser and the investigator will receive notice as to the conclusion of the investigation.

 

POINTS TO REMEMBER IN THE INVESTIGATION

        ·        Evidence uncovered in the investigation is confidential.

        ·        Complaints must be taken seriously and investigated.

        ·        No retaliation will be taken against individuals involved in the investigation process.

        ·        Retaliators will be disciplined up to and including discharge.

 

CONFLICTS

If the investigator is the alleged harasser or a witness to the incident, the alternate investigator is the investigator. 

If the alleged harasser is the superintendent, the alternate investigator will take the superintendent's place in the investigation process.  The alternate investigator will report the findings to the board.

 

 

Approved 4/10/06                    
Reviewed _10/18/21                 
Revised _____________