Section:1000 Community Relations
Policy Name:Public Complaints
Policy Number:1000
Date Approved:10/10/1989
Last Revised:9/8/2008


Public Complaints Board Members shall refer persons making complaints about the schools to the most immediate level at which the problems can be resolved and, as may be necessary, through lines of organization to the Superintendent of Schools. Parents should be made aware of the proper channels of communication and appeal. The decision of the principal regarding a student must include notice to the parents of the next step of appeal. Any appeal from the decision of the Superintendent to the Board shall be in writing and signed.
Upon receipt of a written petition signed by one percent of the voters or fifty voters, whichever is greater, the Board of Education shall hold a public hearing on any question specified in the petition within three weeks of receipt of the petition.

Challenged Material

A procedure for processing and responding to criticism of approved materials shall be established and followed. This procedure shall include a formal, signed complaint of standard format and an appointed committee to re-evaluate the material in question.

In all cases, the decision to retain or reject shall be made on the basis of whether the material represents life in its true proportions, whether circumstances are realistically dealt with, and whether the material has literary or social value. Factual material shall be included in all instructional material collections.

(cf. 1220- Citizens’ Advisory Committees)

(cf. 5145.2 – Freedom of Speech/Expression)

(cf. 6144 – Controversial Issues)

(cf. 6161
- Equipment, Books, Materials: Provision/Selection)

Legal reference:
Keyishian v. Board of Regents 385 U.S. 589, 603 (1967)

President’s Council, District 25 v. Community School Board No. 25 (457 F. 2d 289 (1972), cert denied 409 U.S. 998 (1972)

Manarcini v. Strongsville City School District, 541 F. 2d 577 (6th Cir. 1976)

Board of Education, Island Trees Union
Free School District No. 26 v. Pico, 457
U.S. 853 (1982)

Academic Freedom Policy (adopted by Connecticut State Board of Education, 9/9/81)

Connecticut General Statutes 10-238. Petition for hearing by Board of Education.