Portland Public Schools, Complaint Procedures, from the Portland Schools Parent Handbook
Student and Parent/Guardian Complaint Procedures
If the problem relates to the classroom, the parent/guardian or student should first contact the classroom teacher, or informally discuss the matter with the Principal. If a student or parent/guardian believes the school's staff has not followed specific laws or policy, a conference may be requested.
Level I — Principal
1. The parent/guardian or student sends a letter to or telephones the Principal asking for a conference. The letter or call should give detailed information about the problem.
2. The Principal arranges a conference. Teachers will be included if appropriate. The conference must be scheduled within seven (7) working days of the request. Interpreters may be requested by students or parents/guardians who cannot understand English.
3. The conference is held with the Principal.
4. The Principal sends a written decision to the parent /guardian or student within seven (7) working days of the conference. A copy of the decision is sent to the school's Director of Student Achievement and appropriate staff members.
Level II — Director of Student Achievement
1. If dissatisfied with the Principal's decision, the parent/guardian or student asks, in writing or by telephone, for a conference with the Director of Student Achievement within ten (10) working days of the Principal's decision. The letter should give the reasons for dissatisfaction. A copy of the letter should be sent to the Principal.
2. The Director of Student Achievement arranges for a conference. An interpreter may be requested by students or parents/guardians who do not speak English. The conference must be scheduled within seven (7) working days of the request.
3. The conference is held with the Director of Student Achievement. The Principal will attend if this is considered necessary by the Director.
4. The Director of Student Achievement sends the parent/guardian or student a written decision within seven (7) working days after the conference. Copies of the decision are sent to the Superintendent and appropriate staff members.
Level III — Superintendent
1. If dissatisfied with the decision of the Director of Student Achievement, the parent/ guardian or student asks for a review by the Superintendent within ten (10) working days of that decision. The review request must identify a violation of law or School District policy. A copy of the letter is sent to the Director of Student Achievement.
2. The Superintendent or his designee reviews the matter and may choose to hold a conference or a formal hearing. An interpreter may be requested by students or parents/guardians who do not speak English.
3. The Superintendent makes a decision within seven (7) working days of receiving a report from the Director of Student Achievement or within seven (7) working days after the conference. The Superintendent sends his written recommendation to the School Board.
If the student or parent/guardian complaint relates to a student expulsion, expulsion appeal procedures should be used.