Complaint Process

Families and community members are encouraged to resolve concerns directly with the school whenever possible. Below are the available reporting and complaint pathways:

Report Harassment, Bullying, or Intimidation

Submit a report if you believe a student has experienced harassment, bullying, or intimidation. Link: Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying Form

Request Access to Online Information

If any online content is inaccessible, you may request support by emailing Dustin Church or sending written correspondence to the school.

• Email: dchurch@catalystpublicschools.org
• Address: Catalyst Public Schools, 1305 Ironsides Ave, Bremerton, WA 98310

File an Accessibility (Section 504 / ADA) Complaint

For formal accessibility complaints, contact Steph Layson or submit a written complaint to the school.

• Email: slayson@catalystpublicschools.org
• Address: Catalyst Public Schools, 1305 Ironsides Ave, Bremerton, WA 98310

School‑Level Complaints

Contact school leadership based on your concern…

• Elementary program: tatiana@catalystpublicschools.org
• Middle school program: amanda@catalystpublicschools.org
• School operations: dchurch@catalystpublicschools.org

Board of Directors

Submit public comment, email the board, or request a meeting with board leadership. You may do so by contacting Julie Kennedy (email below).

Email: jkennedy@catalystpublicschools.org

CPS Board‑Approved Complaint Procedures

Review the full complaint policies and procedures.

• Community Complaint Policy 4220
• Staff Complaint Policy 5270

Informal Resolution

Begin by discussing the concern directly with the staff member involved.

Principal Review

If the issue is not resolved informally, bring the concern to the principal, who will meet with you and the staff member to work toward a solution.

Formal Written Complaint

If the concern remains unresolved:

• Submit a written complaint using the IPS Complaint Form, including a description of the issue and your suggested resolution.
  • Link: IPS Complaint Form
• Send the completed form to the CEO or designee, who will share it with the principal and staff member.
• The principal and staff member will respond to the CEO in writing or in person.
• The CEO or designee will then meet with you, the principal, and the staff member to attempt resolution.

Board Review

If the issue is still unresolved after meeting with the CEO:

• The CEO or designee will present the matter to the Board of Directors.
• If the complaint involves a staff member, the board may discuss it; the staff member may request that the discussion occur in an open meeting.
• The board will work to reach a final resolution. Any formal board action must occur in an open meeting.
• If the action could affect a staff member’s contract status, the board will provide written notice of their right to a hearing.

Next Steps

If the matter remains unresolved after board review, you may proceed to the next appropriate external process (if applicable). All previous steps must be completed first.

All community members have the right to understand how their concerns will be addressed. This grievance policy—created by the school’s founding board—ensures that complaints are handled swiftly, fairly, consistently, and in a culturally responsive manner.

All grievances are treated with confidentiality, non‑retaliation, and full compliance with laws related to civil rights, harassment, intimidation and bullying, sexual harassment, special education, and nondiscrimination.

The school’s board meetings follow the Open Public Meetings Act and include time for public comment, allowing community members to address the board directly about school policies, practices, or decisions.

Grievance Process

Complaints Between Internal Stakeholders

If a complaint is directed at a school employee:

• Step 1: Submit a documented, detailed description of the grievance (mail, email, or handwritten) within 10 days of the incident.
• Step 2: Within one week, the principal reviews the complaint, investigates, and may request interviews or additional information.
• Step 3: Within 30 days of the original incident, the principal provides a solution or explanation and issues a non‑binding recommendation.
• Step 4: If the complainant is not satisfied, they may appeal to the Board President.

Some grievances—such as sexual harassment or hate speech—will be prioritized and addressed immediately.

Complaints About the Principal

If the complaint involves the principal or a decision made by the principal:

• File the complaint with the Board President.
• The board may conduct its own fact‑finding or appoint a third‑party investigator.
• Findings are presented to the full board for review and action.

Complaints from External Parties

Complaints from individuals outside the school community follow the same steps as internal complaints and are led by the principal (or designee). If a complaint is found valid, the principal may take disciplinary action or provide corrective guidance to the employee involved.

Additional Supports

Translation and interpreter services are available at any stage of the grievance process to ensure all voices are heard.

Final Resolution

The formal grievance process is designed to reach a resolution within 30 days of the original filing. The Board of Trustees holds final decision‑making authority. If a complainant is not satisfied with the board’s decision, they may contact the Charter School Commission and/or OSPI. The school will cooperate fully with any required corrective actions.

State agencies will not intervene in internal disputes without the consent of the Board of Trustees and will refer such matters back to the board president or principal for resolution.

Commitment to Community

While no process can guarantee a resolution that satisfies all parties, this policy reflects the school’s commitment to proactive, consistent, and transparent communication—and to ensuring that all stakeholders can raise concerns without fear of intimidation or reprisal.

Overview

Rainier Prep encourages families and community members to resolve concerns as close to the source as possible. Most issues can be addressed quickly through direct, respectful conversation. When additional support is needed, the school provides a clear, step‑by‑step process to ensure complaints are handled fairly, consistently, and in a timely manner.

How to Begin

If you have a question, suggestion, or complaint:

1. Start with the person involved. Most concerns can be resolved informally through direct communication.
2. If the issue is not resolved, contact the appropriate administrator. The administrator will meet with you and the staff member to work toward a solution.

Filing a Formal Complaint

If the concern cannot be resolved informally:

• Complete the Request for Consideration of Complaint Form (available in the school office).
• The administrator or designee will explain the complaint process and inform you of your right to have an advocate assist you.
• The written complaint must:
  • Be in writing
  • Be signed by the complainant(s)
  • Describe the specific acts, conditions, or circumstances of concern

School Leader Review

Once the written complaint is submitted:

• The School Leader or designee will investigate and reach a decision within 20 schoolwork days.
• The decision will be communicated in writing to all parties.
• If fewer than 20 schoolwork days remain in the school year, the timeline may be reasonably extended.

Appeal to the Director of the Board

If the complaint is not resolved to your satisfaction:

• You may request, within 5 schoolwork days, that the complaint be referred to the Director of the Board.
• The School Leader/designee will forward the complaint within 5 schoolwork days.
• You (and the staff member, if applicable) may request a meeting with the Director of the Board or designee within 5 schoolwork days of the referral.
• The Director of the Board may:
  • Meet directly with the parties
  • Establish a review committee
  • Conduct or authorize additional fact‑finding

Special Note: If the complaint involves physical injury to a student, a review committee will be formed automatically.

Final Decision

The Director of the Board will issue a written decision within 10 schoolwork days after:

1. Receiving the complaint and the School Leader’s decision, or
2. Meeting with the parties, or
3. Receiving the review committee’s recommendation

The written response will state either:

1. That the school denies the allegations, or
2. The corrective measures the school will take, which must begin within 30 calendar days of the decision.

The Director of the Board or designee has full authority to resolve the complaint within the limits of board policy and state and federal law.

Overview

Most concerns can be resolved through informal, respectful conversations. Rainier Prep encourages community members to begin by speaking directly with the person involved. If the concern cannot be resolved informally, the Executive Director (ED) will work to address the issue through a conference with the community member and the staff member involved. All steps in this process are guided by restorative justice principles.

Formal Complaint Process

If the concern cannot be resolved through informal discussion or a conference with the Executive Director, the following steps apply:

Submit a Written Complaint

If the issue remains unresolved:

• Submit a written complaint to the Executive Director describing the concern and your suggested solution.
• The Executive Director will share the complaint with the Director of Operations (DOO) and the staff member involved.

Staff Response

The staff member involved will respond to the Executive Director and Director of Operations either in writing or in person.

Executive Director‑Led Resolution Conference

The Executive Director will attempt to resolve the matter through a conference that includes:

• The community member
• The staff member
• The Director of Operations

Board Review

If the issue is still not resolved:

• The Executive Director will present the matter to the Board of Directors.
• If the complaint involves a staff member, the board may discuss the issue.
• The staff member may request that the discussion occur in an open public meeting.

The board will work to reach a final resolution. Any formal board action must take place in an open meeting. If the action could affect a staff member’s contract status, the board will provide written notice of the staff member’s right to a hearing.

Final Step

The board’s decision represents the final step in the school’s internal complaint process.

Link: Complaint Form

Overview

Conflict is a natural part of any community, and SIA is committed to addressing concerns in a way that is fair, respectful, and solution‑oriented. Our grievance and conflict resolution process serves as a model for how we work through challenges together.

Grievances generally fall into three categories:

1. Concerns about a student, classroom experience, or teacher
2. Concerns about school‑wide policies or administration
3. Concerns involving another parent or community member

Where to Begin

• Classroom‑related concerns: Start by speaking directly with the classroom teacher.
• School‑wide or community‑related concerns: If the issue involves a school‑wide policy or another parent/community member, contact the Head of School. All grievances will be acknowledged in writing within 10 business days.

When to Contact the Board of Directors

Once all efforts to resolve a concern with school staff and leadership have been exhausted, families may bring a grievance to the Board of Directors.

To do so:

• Submit the grievance in writing to the Board Chair at boardofdirectors@spokaneintlacademy.org
• Written submission ensures all parties are working from the same information.

The Board will not address grievances that are:

• Anonymous
• Based on hearsay
• Submitted on behalf of another family
• Not first addressed through teachers, directors, or the Head of School
• Focused on the performance of an individual employee during a public meeting

If a grievance relates to an approved school policy (e.g., attendance, discipline, retention/promotion), the Board will refer families to that policy.

The Board may notify staff members about grievances involving them. Families may request that their identity not be disclosed.

Board Review Process

For any grievance brought to the Board:

• Discussion will occur in open session.
• A written response will be provided within 30 days of receiving the grievance.
• As an independent Local Education Agency (LEA), the Board’s decision is final.

Overview

Summit Public Schools provides a formal process for families and community members to raise concerns about school policies, staff actions, or violations of state or federal requirements. The process is designed to ensure complaints are addressed promptly, fairly, and in compliance with Washington law.

Start at the School Level

Families should first try to resolve concerns informally with the staff member or school leader involved. If the issue is not resolved, a formal written complaint may be submitted.

Submit a Written Complaint

A formal complaint must:

• Be in writing
• Describe the issue and the harm or violation
• Identify the law, policy, or requirement believed to be violated (if known)

Complaints are submitted to the school’s Executive Director or designated administrator.

School Investigation & Response

The school will:

• Review and investigate the complaint
• Provide a written response within 30 calendar days

The response will include findings, conclusions, and any corrective actions.

Appeal Options

If the complainant disagrees with the school’s decision, they may appeal to:

• The Summit Public Schools Board, or
• The Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), depending on the type of complaint

OSPI handles appeals related to:

• Discrimination
• Civil rights
• Special education
• Federal programs (e.g., Title I, Title II, McKinney‑Vento)

Appeals must be filed within the timelines stated in the school’s written decision.

OSPI Review

OSPI will:

• Review the appeal
• Issue a written decision
• Require corrective action if necessary

OSPI’s decision is final.

Special Rules for Discrimination Complaints

Discrimination complaints follow Washington’s Nondiscrimination Complaint Procedure, which includes:

• A 30‑day school response timeline
• A right to appeal to OSPI within 30 calendar days

Special Education Complaints

Families may file:

• A special education complaint
• A due process hearing request

These follow federal IDEA procedures and timelines.

Retaliation Prohibited

Students, families, and staff cannot be retaliated against for filing a complaint or participating in an investigation.

Link: Print Out of Complaint Process

Link: Complaint Process (general)

If you wish to file a formal Section 504 or Americans with Disabilities Act (Title II) complaint about the accessibility of any content on an IPS website, you may do so in any of the following ways:

Contact Chimere Hackney

• Email: chimere.hackney@intergenerational.school
  Please include the web address or URL along with a detailed description of the problems you have encountered.

or

• Submit written correspondence
  Address: 1 Bellis Fair Pkwy Suite 104 Bellingham, Washington 98226.
  In your correspondence, please include the web address or URL along with a detailed description of the problems you have encountered.

To make a general complaint about the operations and administration of the school please email leah.reisberg@myrvla.org with the following:

• A description of what the complaint is in regards to
• A list of all parties involved (anyone who knows about or was involved in the situation being reported.)
• If you know how you would like it to be resolved please include this in the email.
• The best way to contact you.
• Expect a response from school within 72 business hours. If it is an emergency, please reach out directly at 206-536-9311.

The Parent and Student Complaint form is available to all students, parents or guardians of a charter public school student who have attempted to file a complaint directly with their school and may not have received a resolution.

Link: Form

If you are not a student, parent or guardian of a charter public school.

Link: Form