In accordance with the No Child Left Behind Act, Title I, Part A, Section 1111 and New Mexico Public School Code 22-10A-16

Parent's Right To Know

HAGERMAN MUNICIPAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

 Discrimination & Civil Rights Grievance Procedures

The Hagerman Municipal School District complies with the Civil Rights laws, including but not limited to, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (discrimination based on race, color, or national origin), Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 (discrimination based on sex), ESEA Title I Parts A, C, and D of the General Provisions Act,  Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disability Act of 1990 (discrimination based on disability), in assuring the students and employees of the district and all other persons that the District does not discriminate on basis of race, color, sex, national origin, disability, religion, or age.  The Superintendent is designated by the Board to coordinate the District’s efforts to comply with this assurance.

Compliance Officers:

Step 1  Prior to the filing of a written complaint, the person who believes a valid basis for a grievance exists is encouraged to visit with the Compliance Officer and make a reasonable effort to informally and in a verbal basis resolve the problem or complaint.  The Compliance Officer after investigating the complaint will reply with an answer within five (5) business days.

If the complainant feels the grievance is not satisfactorily resolved informally, they may initiate formal procedures.

Step 2  A written statement of the grievance signed by the complainant shall be submitted to the Compliance Officer within ten (10) business days of receipt of answers to the informal complaint.  The Compliance Officer shall further investigate the matter by gathering information from all parties and interviewing witnesses.  The Compliance Officer will reply in writing to the complainant within ten (10) business days.

Step 3  If the complainant wishes to appeal the decision of the Compliance Officer, he/she may submit a signed statement of appeal to the Superintendent within ten (10) business days after receipt of the Compliance Officer’s response.  The Compliance Officer and Superintendent cannot be the same individual.  The Superintendent shall meet with all parties involved, formulate a conclusion, and respond in writing to the complainant within ten (10) business days.

Step 4  If the complainant remains unsatisfied, he/she may appeal through a signed written statement to the Hagerman Municipal School District’s Board of Education within ten (10) business days of the receipt of the Superintendent’s response in Step 3.  In an attempt to resolve the grievance, the Board of Education shall meet with the concerned parties and their representative within forty (40) days of the receipt of such an appeal.  A copy of the Board of Education’s disposition of the appeal shall be sent to each concerned party within ten (10) business days of the meeting.

Confidentiality of Records:  All records, complaints, notes, documents, and statements made during or relating to allegations of discrimination shall be maintained on a confidential basis by the Compliance Officer, and no information concerning any complaints shall be documented in an employee’s personnel file.  However, in the event official proceedings relating to such allegations are initiated by a party or the District, such records may become public in accordance with law.  Information pertaining to complaints shall be maintained for three (3) years after resolution of the complaint.