Communication with the Board
If you have a complaint or concern with the schools, the ICCSD wants to help you resolve it. More often than not, issues are best resolved by working with the people directly involved in the situation. For example, if a problem arises involving a school employee, we suggest you begin by talking with that person. If the situation remains unresolved, visit next with his or her immediate supervisor.
If you are unable to resolve the issue at the school building level, you may contact the Superintendent or members of his or her staff at the Central Administration Office
If after visiting with the Superintendent, your issue remains unresolved, you have the right to bring your concern to the School Board. Individual Board members may be contacted via phone, e-mail, or U.S, post, or you may address the board as a whole during the Open Discussion portion of the School Board Meetings.
If you believe a Board policy has been violated, you may file a formal complaint by following these steps:
1. Write a one page summary of the nature and history of your complaint. Describe your efforts to resolve it with district personnel and explain why you believe a board policy is involved. Provide your name, address, phone, e-mail and the date. By law, this summary is considered a public document and is available for review by members of the public and the press.
2. Send your statement to the School Board Secretary at the District Central Administrative Office at 509 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City IA 52240. The Board Secretary will distribute copies of your letter to the School Board.
3. Following discussion during a Board meeting, directors will individually decide whether your statement involves a violation of board policy and merits a formal board hearing. If three or more board members vote to hold a hearing, you will be notified of your opportunity to appear before the Board.
4. Hearings will be held in open meetings unless a closed session is specifically permitted under the state's open meetings and open records laws, Chapters 21 and 22 of the Code of Iowa.
5. If a hearing is held, the Board will, in a timely fashion, issue a brief public statement of its conclusions.
