Complaint Procedures
GENERAL COMPLAINT PROCEDURE
The Redondo Beach Unified School District aims to provide the best educational environment for all students and welcomes constructive criticism to improve its policies and programs. Complaints should initially be addressed informally at the closest level. If a complaint involves altering a student’s record, Education Code Sections 49070 and 49071 take precedence. The district makes efforts to maintain confidentiality but cannot guarantee it. Harassment or retaliation against anyone filing a complaint is strictly prohibited.
WILLIAMS COMPLAINT PROCEDURE
The Williams v. State of California case, filed in 2000, involved nearly 100 students alleging the state failed to provide equal access to instructional materials, safe facilities, and qualified teachers. The case was settled in 2004, with the state allocating $138 million for instructional materials and $50 million for implementation costs for schools in the lowest three deciles based on the 2003 Academic Performance Index. An additional $800 million was set aside for critical facility repairs. Legislation in 2004 (SB 6, SB 550, AB 1550, AB 2727, AB 3001) enabled the settlement, benefiting up to 2.3 million students.
UNIFORM COMPLAINT PROCEDURE
The Board of Education is tasked with ensuring compliance with state and federal educational laws and encourages resolving complaints early, though it provides a Uniform Complaint Procedure (UCP) for formal disputes. The UCP addresses issues such as violations of laws related to educational programs (special education, child nutrition), discrimination, harassment, intimidation, bullying, illegal student fees, issues with the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP), and concerns affecting vulnerable student groups like foster youth, homeless students, and former juvenile court students.
Certain complaints are excluded from the UCP and are referred to appropriate agencies, such as child abuse, health and safety violations, employment discrimination, and fraud. The district also follows the Williams UCP, addressing concerns related to textbooks, unsafe conditions, and teacher vacancies or misassignments.
The UCP applies to specific complaints outlined in district policy, and compliance officers are designated to manage and investigate complaints. These officers may assign others to assist but must avoid conflicts of interest. Staff involved in investigations are trained on legal compliance, investigation procedures, and corrective actions. Interim measures can be taken during investigations when necessary.
The UCP policy must be posted at district schools, and stakeholders must be notified annually. It must be accessible to individuals with limited English proficiency, with translations provided if necessary. Complaint timelines require reviews to be completed within 60 days, with possible extensions. Complaints must be filed in writing, with assistance available for those who cannot submit a written complaint.
Certain complaints may be resolved through mediation, except for cases involving sexual assault or coercion. Investigations must begin within 10 business days, and both parties must be kept informed. The process includes reviewing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and maintaining confidentiality. If the district fails to cooperate, the complaint may be considered substantiated.
Once a complaint is resolved, a written report is provided, including findings and corrective actions, which may involve training, policy updates, or disciplinary measures. Appeals can be made to the California Department of Education within 15 days of the decision, with an option to seek civil remedies after 60 days.
Corrective actions may include remedies for students, staff discipline, or system-wide changes to prevent recurrence.