Complaint Procedures - West Covina Unified School District

It is the intent of the Governing Board that matters giving rise to a complaint be addressed first on an informal basis and at the level closest to the situation. The Board recognizes that those closest to the situation have the most information about the reasons for a decision and that successful resolution of a complaint is most likely at that level. The Board also wishes to encourage patterns of communication and resolution of disputes that will contribute to building long-term positive relationships among parents, students, school and District staff, with the ultimate goal of benefiting students. If a complaint cannot be addressed and resolved informally at the level closest to the situation, then the formal steps of the complaint procedure are available to any complainant.

Depending on the specific circumstances of the complaint, the complaint procedures may be governed by the General Complaint Procedures, the Uniform Complaint Procedures, the Williams Complaint Procedures, or the Title IX Complaint Procedures. More information can be found through the following tabs:

General Complaint Procedures

General Complaint Procedures

Complaints can be filed in cases where there are concerns about employee behavior, concerns about how an incident was handled, or concerns with the application of district policy or procedures.

Complaints should be initially submitted to the direct supervisor of the employee who is the subject of the complaint. The supervisor may schedule a meeting and/or ask that the complaint be submitted in writing. Written complaints can be submitted through any mechanism, including a handwritten or typed letter, an email, or on the district's general complaint form.

If the matter is not resolved with the direct supervisor, the matter can be escalated to the principal of a school or to an administrator at the district office. In general, complaints are usually escalated to the Human Resources Department.

Uniform Complaint Procedures

Uniform Complaint Procedures

Williams Settlement Complaint Procedures

Williams Settlement Complaint Procedures

Title IX Complaint Information/Procedures

Title IX Complaint Information/Procedures

Title IX Rights and Protections
What is Title IX?
The Education Department’s (ED) Office of Civil Rights (OCR) enforces, among other statutes, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Title IX protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance. Title IX states that: No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

Scope of Title IX
Title IX applies to institutions that receive federal financial assistance from the ED, including state and local educational agencies. These agencies include approximately 16,500 local school districts, 7,000 postsecondary institutions, as well as charter schools, for-profit schools, libraries, and museums. Also included are vocational rehabilitation agencies and education agencies of 50 states, the District of Columbia, and territories and possessions of the United States. Educational programs and activities that receive ED funds must operate in a nondiscriminatory manner. Some key issue areas in which recipients have Title IX obligations are: recruitment, admissions, and counseling; financial assistance; athletics; sex-based harassment; treatment of pregnant and parenting students; discipline; single-sex education; and employment. Also, a recipient may not retaliate against any person for opposing an unlawful educational practice or policy, or made charges, testified or participated in any complaint action under Title IX.

Title IX Rights in California
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, California Education Code Section 221.6:

You have the right to fair and equitable treatment and you shall not be discriminated against based on your sex.
You have the right to be provided with an equitable opportunity to participate in all academic extracurricular activities, including athletics.
You have the right to inquire of the athletic director of your school as to the athletic opportunities offered by the school.
You have the right to apply for athletic scholarships.
You have the right to receive equitable treatment and benefits in the provision of all of the following: Equipment and supplies, Scheduling of games and practices, Transportation and daily allowances, Access to tutoring, Coaching, Locker rooms, Practice and competitive facilities, Medical and training facilities and services, Publicity
You have the right to have access to a gender equity coordinator to answer questions regarding gender equity laws.
You have the right to contact the State Department of Education and the California Interscholastic Federation to access information on gender equity laws.
You have the right to file a confidential discrimination complaint with the United States Office of Civil Rights or the State Department of Education if you believe you have been discriminated against or if you believe you have received unequal treatment on the basis of your sex.
You have the right to pursue civil remedies if you have been discriminated against.
You have the right to be protected against retaliation if you file a discrimination complaint.

Title IX Resources
WEST COVINA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

STATE AND FEDERAL RESOURCES

California Department of Education - Department of Equal Opportunity and Access webpage
US Department of Education - Title IX Information webpage
US Office of Civil Rights webpage

District Title IX Coordinators Contact Information
Michael F. Seaman
Assistant Superintendent - Human Resources
mseaman@wcusd.org
626-939-4600, ext. 1102

Roni Maddox, Ed.D.
Director - Human Resources
rmaddox@wcusd.org
626-939-4600, ext. 1107

Title IX District Training
Title IX Coordinators listed above have participated in training on current Title IX regulations.