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Complaint Procedures & Forms

District Complaint Procedures

Central Unified believes that its programs can improve when we listen to concerns, consider differences of opinion, and resolve disagreements through an established process. 

This process provides a means by which the public (e.g. community members, parents, district employees) can hold the District and its employees accountable. Complainants are encouraged to resolve concerns early and informally whenever possible.

Please be aware that individual Board members do not have the authority to resolve complaints directly. If approached directly with a complaint, a Board member may listen, and refer the complainant to the Superintendent or designee. Some procedures may permit the Board to serve as an appeals body, if the complaint is not resolved.  

The District acknowledges and respects every person's right to privacy. Complaints are investigated in a manner that protects confidentiality to the extent permitted by law and the integrity of the process. 

The District will not investigate anonymous complaints unless it so desires.  

Reference: 

  • BP 1312 / Exhibit 1312
  • BP 1312.1
  • BP 4344 / AR 4344

 

Before Filing a District-Level Formal Complaint

Many concerns may be resolved quickly without engaging in the formal complaint process.

A District-level formal complaint may be submitted when a Complainant has already attempted to resolve their concerns through the established channels of supervision and the matter is unresolved. 

 

Established Channels of Supervision and Communication:

Whenever possible, Complainant's are encouraged to resolve concerns early and informally through the  following steps: 

If concerns remain:

  • Step 4: Submit a formal complaint, if/when all prior attempts have not resolved the concerns.


  

Additional Resources:

 

Formal Complaint Intake Questionnaire

Every effort should be made to resolve concerns at the earliest possible stage through the established channels of supervision and communication, before using this form.

Formal Complaint - Intake Questionnaire (Webform) - English

Queja formal - cuestionario de admision (formulario web) - spanish

formal complaint - intake questionnaire (webform) - 

formal complaint - intake questionnaire (webform) /ਰਸਮੀ ਸ਼ਿਕਾਇਤ - ਦਾਖਲੇ ਸੰਬੰਧੀ ਪ੍ਰਸ਼ਨਾਵਲੀ (ਵੈੱਬਫਾਰਮ)

District Complaint Coordinators


District-Level Formal Complaints

The following administrators provide district-level oversight and may receive, manage, and respond to district-level formal complaints within their scope of supervision: 
 

 

Title IX Coordinator

The following individual has been designated to coordinate the District’s efforts to comply with Title IX, as well as to investigate and resolve Title IX complaints. Any known or suspected violation of these rights, should be immediately reported to:

Javan Childs, Ed. D.,
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources & Labor Relations
5652 W. Gettysburg Ave, Room 9
Fresno, CA 93722
(559) 274-4700, Ext. 10204
jchilds@centralunified.org 

Title IX - Know Your Rights

 

Complaint Procedures

After a complaint is filed, the District will determine the correct investigative procedure to follow based upon the policy and/or regulation that best corresponds to the complaint and its subject matter [E 1312]. If it is unclear, the Superintendent or designee shall determine which procedure will be used. The Superintendent or Designee's decision shall be final. [BP 1312.1]. 

The District acknowledges and respects every person's right to privacy. Complaints will be investigated in a manner that protects confidentiality to the extent permitted by law and the integrity of the process.

Expected Timelines

Complaint timelines are determined by the applicable complaint procedures and may vary depending on the subject matter. Timelines may also be impacted by the scope and complexity of the investigation required. 

Resolution and Mediation Practices
When it is appropriate, the District encourages the use of conflict resolution/peer mediation practices, which are designed to handle conflict constructively, reduce violence, and promote communication, personal responsibility, and problem-solving skills. 

Resolution procedures are determined by the applicable complaint procedures and may vary depending on the case and its subject matter. Participation is voluntary.  

Standard of Proof

A preponderance of the evidence is the typical standard of proof in administrative investigations. Preponderance simply means that the burden of proof is met when the evidence used to reach an investigative finding outweighs evidence to the contrary. 

Allegations are assigned one of three potential findings:

  • Unfounded: The investigation clearly established the allegation(s) are untrue.
  • Not Substantiated: The investigation did not yield sufficient evidence to determine whether the allegation(s) occurred.
  • Substantiated: The investigation determined the allegations(s) occurred.

Corrective Actions 

If and when investigative findings warrant corrective actions, state and federal confidentiality laws strictly prohibit the District from disclosing any specific details about administrative actions towards personnel. The District may indicate when corrective measures have been implemented, without specific detail. Corrective actions are determined on a case-by-case basis; the following is only an example of possible action(s): 

  • Professional development and training to prevent reoccurrence.
  • Remedial measures to ensure that relevant policies, best practices, and expectations are followed.
  • Progressive discipline up to and including dismissal

Appeal Rights

The ability to appeal the outcome of a complaint depends on the specific procedures used to investigate the matter. As a result, appeal rights may vary based on the applicable policy or process. When appeal procedures are available, the parties involved in the complaint will be notified at the conclusion of the process.

The following procedures have been created in alignment with district Board Policies (BP), Administrative Regulations (AR), and applicable state and federal laws and regulations. If it is unclear which procedure applies to a complaint, the Superintendent (or Designee) shall determine the correct procedure. The Superintendent or Designee's decision shall be final.  

Link to District Policies (all): District Board Policy (BP) and Administrative Regulations (AR)

Reference:

Complaint Procedures

  • BP 1312  / Exhibit 1312
  • BP 1312.1
  • BP 4344 / AR 4344 

Complaints Concerning District Employees 

  • 1312.1 AR - Complaints Concerning District Employees

  • 1312.1 BP - Complaints Concerning District Employees

Complaints Concerning Instructional Materials

  • 1312.2 AR - Complaints Concerning Instructional Materials

  • 1312.2 BP - Complaints Concerning Instructional Materials

  • 1312.2 E - Complaints Concerning Instructional Materials

Uniform Complaint Procedures

  • 1312.3 BP - Uniform Complaint Procedures

  • 1312.3 AR - Uniform Complaint Procedures

William Uniform Complaint Procedures

  • 1312.4 AR - Williams Uniform Complaint Procedures

  • 1312.4 E - Williams Uniform Complaint Procedures

Nondiscrimination in Employment

  • 4030 BP - Nondiscrimination in Employment 

  • 4030 AR - Nondiscrimination in Employment

Sexual Harassment [Employees]

  • 4119.11 BP - Sexual Harassment

  • 4119.11 AR - Sexual Harassment

4119.12 AR - Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedures

Sexual Harassment [Students]  

  • 5145.7 BP - Sexual Harassment

  • 5145.7 AR - Sexual Harassment

  • 5145.71 AR - Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedures

Nondiscrimination - Athletic Competition

  • 6145.2 BP - Athletic Competition

  • 6145.2 AR - Athletic Competition