Complaints:
Palo Alto Unified School District
Annual Notice to Students of Uniform Complaint Procedures
The purpose of this notice is to inform you of your right to file a complaint about certain matters. The school district has different procedures for handling different kinds of complaints. Please read the following carefully and see a teacher or the main office if you have questions about this information:
You may complain to the main office concerning a lack of textbooks, a teacher who does not have the credential to teach a class, or a condition of the school grounds or buildings that poses a safety threat. There is a complaint form that must be completed. The form will be provided to you. You may obtain assistance completing the form. If your complaint is valid, the school must correct the situation within 30 workdays. You are also entitled to a written response within 45 workdays of submitting your complaint.
Complaints concerning discrimination against a student based on age, sex, sexual orientation, ethnic group, race, ancestry, national origin, religion, color, mental disability, or physical disability are filed with the office of the Associate Superintendent for Educational Services. There are also laws and regulations that the District is required to follow in special programs, such as career/technical education and nutrition services. If you believe the District is not following those laws, you may file a complaint with the Associate Superintendent for Educational Services. The main office can assist you in obtaining the complaint form. You may obtain assistance completing the form. The school will forward the written complaint to the Associate Superintendent for Educational Services, who must give you a written response in 60 calendar days.
For all complaints, there are procedures for appealing the decision of the school site or the Associate Superintendent. The District’s policies and administrative regulations contain more details concerning your appeal rights and the process for lodging complaints. Copies of District Policies and Administrative Regulations are available at the main office or at the District office.