Policy 1312.2 - Complaints Concerning Instructional Resources

Complaints Concerning Instructional Resources

The Board of Education takes great care in the adoption of instructional resources and is aware that all adopted materials may not be acceptable to all students, their parents/guardians, or other district residents.

The Superintendent or designee shall establish procedures which will permit proper consideration of any complaints against the use of any instructional resources, including textbooks, supplementary textbooks, library books, and other instructional materials and equipment.

The Board believes the Superintendent and staff are well qualified to consider complaints concerning instructional resources. Complainants are advised to consider and accept the Superintendent or designee’s decision as final. However, if the complainant finds the decision of the Superintendent or designee unsatisfactory, he/she may request that the matter be placed on the agenda of a regular Board meeting.

The Board’s decision in any such case will be based on educational suitability and will not be influenced by a desire to suppress information or deny students access to ideas with which the Board disagrees.

Complaints related to sufficiency of textbooks or instructional materials shall be resolved pursuant to the district’s Williams uniform complaint procedure at Rule 1312.4.

Rule 1312.2

Step 1: Informal Complaint
Complaints concerning instructional resources will be accepted only from staff, district residents, or the parents/guardians of children enrolled in a district school. The principal receiving a complaint regarding learning resources shall try to resolve the issue informally.

1. The principal and/or library media specialist shall explain to the complainant the school’s selection procedure, criteria, and qualifications of those persons selecting the resource.
    
2. The principal and/or library media specialist shall explain the particular place the questioned resource occupies in the education program, its intended education usefulness, and additional information regarding its use.
    
3. If the complainant wishes to file a formal challenge, a copy of the district Selection and Evaluation of Instructional Materials (Policy 6161.1) and Request for Reconsideration of Instructional Resources Form (Exhibit 1312.2) shall be handed or mailed to the party concerned by the principal.

Step 2: Formal Complaint
If the complainant is not satisfied with the principal's initial response, they shall present a written complaint to the principal.  Complaints regarding printed material shall name the author, title, and publisher and shall identify the objection by page and item numbers. In the case of nonprinted material, written information specifying the precise nature of the objection shall be given.  Complainants shall sign all complaints and provide identifying information so that the district is able to make a proper reply.  Anonymous complaints will not be accepted.

Upon receiving a complaint, the principal shall acknowledge its receipt and answer any questions regarding procedure.  The principal then shall notify the Superintendent or designee and the certificated employee(s) involved with the complaint.

During the investigation of the complaint, the challenged material may remain in use until a final decision has been reached.  However, upon request of the parent/guardian who has filed the complaint, their child may be excused from using challenged materials until a resolution has been reached.  The certificated employee shall assign the student an alternate material of equal merit.

Step 3: Superintendent Determination
The Superintendent or designee shall determine whether a review committee should be convened to review the complaint.

If the Superintendent or designee determines that a review committee is not necessary, the Superintendent shall issue a decision regarding the complaint.