CHAPTER 6.00 - PERSONNEL

6.50 Grievance Procedure for Personnel

Policy:

The Board and the Superintendent recognize that good morale among its employees is necessary. Problems are solved as they arise by sincere efforts of all persons concerned to work toward constructive solutions of such problems in an atmosphere of courtesy and cooperation. Whenever an employee feels that he/she has a complaint, every effort is to be made to arrive at a satisfactory resolution of the problem on an informal basis. When this cannot be done, employees not covered by a collective bargaining complaint procedure, can resort to the more formal procedures as provided herein. 

(1) Definitions: 

(a) “Complaint” shall mean any dispute or disagreement involving the interpretation or application of any existing Board rule or practice. It does not include disputes involving the interpretation or application of a collective bargaining agreement, or any provision thereof. Such disputes must be resolved through the grievance procedure in the bargaining agreement. 

(b) “Complainant” shall mean any employee, or group of employees, directly affected by the alleged misinterpretation or violation, filing a complaint. 

(c) “Employer” shall mean the School Board or its representatives. (d) “Day” shall mean a working day. 

(2) Time Limits - The number of days indicated at each level is to be considered the maximum. Time limits may be extended by mutual agreement between the parties. 

(3) Released Time - The complaint procedure will normally be carried out during non-work time. If, however, the Board elects to carry out provisions during work time, the complainant shall lose no pay.

(4) Complaint Procedure: 

(a) Informal discussion - If an employee believes there is a basis for complaint, he/she shall discuss the complaint with his/her immediate supervisor within five (5) days of the occurrence of the alleged violation. 

(b) Level one - If the complainant is not satisfied with the informal resolution he/she may, within ten (10) days, file a formal complaint on the proper form and deliver it to his/her immediate supervisor. The Supervisor shall communicate his/her answer in writing to the complainant within ten (10) days after receipt of the complaint. Class complaints involving more than one (1) supervisor and complaints involving an administrator above the building level may be filed by the complainant at level two. 

(c) Level two - If the complainant is not satisfied with the resolution at level one he/she may, within ten (10) days of the answer, file a copy of the complaint with the Superintendent. Within ten (10) days of receipt of the complaint the Superintendent shall indicate his/her disposition in writing to the complainant. 

(d) Board appeal - If the complainant is not satisfied with the resolution by the Superintendent, he/she shall have the right to appeal the Superintendent’s decision to the School Board; provided request for placement on Board agenda is filed within ten (10) days.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY : 1001.41, 1012.22, 1012.23, F.S. 

LAWS IMPLEMENTED: 447.401, 1001.41, 1001.49, 1012.22, 1012.27, F.S. 

HISTORY: Adopted: January 14, 1999 

Revision Date(s): February 9, 2010 

Formerly: