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  2. Teacher Induction Program (TIP)
  3. TIP Handbook (Sections)
  4. TIP Handbook Page 10 (Grievance Policy)

TIP Handbook Page 10 (Grievance Policy)

Grievance Policy

The grievance process is as follows. The purpose of this procedure is to secure, at the lowest possible administrative level, equitable solutions to the problems which may from time to time arise negatively affecting the candidates and mentors. Both parties agree that these proceedings will be kept as informal and confidential as may be appropriate at any level of the procedure.Since it is important that grievances be processed as rapidly as possible, the time limits specified at each level should be considered to be maximum, and every effort should be made to expedite the process. The time limits may, however, be extended by express written agreement of all parties. Every effort will be made to resolve grievances before the end of the school year. Grievances shall be made within 30 work days of the act or event of the complaint. In the case of identical grievance claims, the District may elect to hear only the first written grievance filed.  When the decision is rendered, it shall be applicable to all claims on the same issue arising from the same set of circumstances.

Informal Level

  • An aggrieved person shall normally seek a solution(s) to his/her problem(s) through at least one informal discussion with the other party prior to initiating a formalized grievance proceeding as hereinafter described. Adjustment of a grievance through such an informal discussion may be accomplished without the intervention of the Dean of Burton Institute or the Executive Director for Human Resources.  
  • No grievance shall be valid unless it has been presented at the informal level within thirty (30) working days after the act or condition occurred.

 

Formal Level

Level One

  • If the aggrieved person is not satisfied with the disposition of the grievance at the Informal Level, he/she may forward the grievance, in writing, to the Dean of Burton Institute or if the grievance is against the Dean of Burton Institute, to the Executive Director for Human Resources. This may be done at any time within fifteen (15) working days after the Informal Level discussion.
  • An aggrieved person will first present his/her grievance in writing to the appropriate person as stated above. 
  • The Dean of Burton Institute or Executive Director will conduct any necessary investigation and will communicate his/her written decision on the matter to 
  • the aggrieved person within ten (10) working days after receiving the grievance claim.

 

Level Two

  • If the aggrieved person is not satisfied with the disposition of the grievance at Level One, or if no written decision has been rendered within the indicated ten (10) working day period, he/she may forward the grievance, in writing, to the Executive Director for Human resources.  This may be done at any time within five (5) working days after the Level One decision has been received or the ten (10) working day period for such a decision has expired.
  • Within ten (10) working days after he/she has received the written grievance, the Executive Director will meet with the aggrieved person in an effort to resolve it. Within ten (10) working days after such meeting, the Executive Director or his/her designee shall communicate his/her written decision on the matter to the aggrieved person.

 

Level Three

  • If the aggrieved person is not satisfied with the disposition of the grievance at Level Two, or if no written decision has been rendered within the indicated ten (10) working day period, he/she may forward the grievance, in writing, to the District Superintendent.  This may be done at any time within five (5) working days after the Level Two decision has been received or the ten (10) working day period for such a decision has expired.
  • Within ten (10) working days after he/she has received the written grievance, the Superintendent or his/her designee will meet with the aggrieved person in an effort to resolve it.  Within ten (10) working days after such meeting, the Superintendent or his/her designee shall communicate his/her written decision on the matter to the aggrieved person.

 

Level Four

  • If the aggrieved person is not satisfied with the disposition of the grievance at Level Three, or if no written decision has been rendered within the indicated ten (10) working day period, he/she may appeal, in writing, to the School Board. This may be done at any time within five (5) working days after the Level Three decision has been received or the ten (10) working day period for such a decision has expired. All information presented at the informal and steps one (1) through three (3) shall be included in the appeal.  The Superintendent shall provide a detailed report of the district’s attempt for a resolution at all steps including all documentation.  The Board shall have the authority to uphold the findings and resolution made by the district or may elect to hear the appeal during a regularly scheduled board meeting.  The hearing shall be held in open session unless the grievance relates to information required to be held in closed session as per Government Code sections 54950 - 54963.  
  • The Board shall make its decision within 20 days of the hearing and shall send its decision to all concerned parties. The Board's decision shall be final.