104.R1 Anti-Bullying/Harassment Investigation Procedures

 

Filing a Complaint

A Complainant who wishes to avail himself/herself of this procedure may do so by filing a complaint with the superintendent or superintendent’s designee. An alternate will be designated in the event it is claimed that the superintendent or superintendent’s designee committed the alleged discrimination or some other conflict of interest exists. Complaints shall be filed within 15 days of the event giving rise to the complaint or from the date the Complainant could reasonably become aware of such occurrence. The Complainant will state the nature of the complaint and the remedy requested. The Complainant shall receive assistance as needed.

School employees, volunteers, and students shall not engage in reprisal, retaliation, or false accusation against a victim, witness, or an individual who has reliable information about an act of bullying or harassment.

Investigation

The school district will promptly and reasonably investigate allegations of bullying or harassment upon written complaint. The Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee (hereinafter “Investigator”) will be responsible for handling all complaints alleging bullying or harassment. The investigation may include, but is not limited to the following:

• Interviews with the Complainant and the individual named in the complaint (“Respondent”);

• A request for the Complainant to provide a written statement regarding the nature of the complaint;

• A request for the Respondent to provide a written statement;

• Interviews with the witnesses identified during the course of the investigation;

• A request for witnesses identified during the course of the investigation to provide a written statement; and

• Review and collection of documentation or information deemed relevant to the investigation.

The Investigator shall consider the totality of circumstances presented in determining whether conduct objectively constitutes bullying or harassment as defined in Board policy.  Upon completion of the investigation, the Investigator shall issue a report with respect to the findings, and provide a copy of the report to the appropriate building principal or Superintendent if the investigation involves the building principal.   

The complaint and identity of the Complainant, Respondent, or witness will only be disclosed as reasonably necessary in connection with the investigation or as required by law or policy.  Similarly, evidence uncovered in the investigation shall be kept confidential to the extent reasonably possible.  

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the equity coordinators and building principals, to develop district procedures regarding anti-bullying/harassment. The superintendent [or designee] will also be responsible for organizing training programs for students, school employees, and volunteers regarding how to recognize bullying and harassing behavior and what to do if this behavior is witnessed.

The superintendent [or designee] is responsible for developing a process for evaluating the effectiveness of policy in reducing bullying and harassment and will report on the progress of reducing bullying and harassment to the school board.

Decision

The investigator, building principal or superintendent, depending on the individuals involved, shall inform the Complainant and the accused about the outcome of the investigation.  If, after an investigation, a student is found to be in violation of this policy, the student shall be disciplined by appropriate measures, which may include suspension and expulsion. If after an investigation a school employee is found to be in violation of this policy, the employee shall be disciplined by appropriate measures, which may include termination. If after an investigation a school volunteer is found to be in violation of this policy, the volunteer shall be subject to appropriate measures, which may include exclusion from school grounds.

Individuals who knowingly file false bullying or harassment complaints and any person who gives false statements in an investigation may be subject to discipline by appropriate measures, as shall any person who is found to have retaliated against another in violation of this policy. Any student found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, suspension and expulsion. Any school employee found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, termination of employment. Any school volunteer found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, exclusion from school grounds.

 

Approved 7-14-11     Reviewed   11-19-2019        Revised  7-17-24