A.   Grounds for a Complaint

Any individual, organization or agency may file a complaint with Valdosta City Schools if that individual, organization or agency believes a violation of a federal statue or regulation that applies to a program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 has occurred. The complaint must allege that the violation occurred within one year prior to the date that the complaint is received.

B.   Federal Programs for Which Complaints Can Be Filed

1.  Title I, Part A
2.  Title I, Part C
3. Title I, Part D
4. Title II, Part A
5. Title II, Part D
6. Title III, Part A
7. Title IV, Part A
8. Title IX, Part E
9. School Improvement 1003(g)      
10.  Race to the Top
11. McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act

C.   Filing a Complaint

A complaint must be made in writing and signed by the complainant. The complaint must include the  following; A statement that Valdosta City Schools has violated a requirement of a Federal statute or regulation that applies to an applicable program;

1. The date on which the violation occurred;
2. The facts on which the statement is based and the specific requirement allegedly violated(include citation to the Federal statute or regulation);
3. A list of the names and telephone numbers of individuals who can provide additional information;
4. Whether a complaint has been filed with any other government agency, and if so, which agency;
5. Copies of all applicable documents supporting the complainant’s position; and
6. The address of the complainant.

D.   Investigation of Complaint

Within ten days of receipt of the complaint, the Superintendent or his designee will issue a Letter of Acknowledgement to the complainant that contains the following information:

1. The date the department received the complaint;
2. How the complainant may provide additional information;
3. A statement of the ways in which Valdosta City Schools may investigate or address complaint; and
4. Any other pertinent information.

Appropriate Department staff will review the information and determine whether:

1. Additional information is needed;
2. An investigation must be conducted;
3. Other measures must be taken to resolve the issues raised by the complainant; or
4. A Letter of Findings can be issued.

If additional information or an investigation is necessary, Valdosta City Schools will have sixty days from receipt of the information or completion of the investigation to issue a Letter of Findings.

If the Letter of Findings indicates that a violation has occurred, corrective action will be required and timelines for completion will be included.

The 60-day timeline outlined above may be extended, if exceptional circumstances exist.

The Letter of Findings will be sent directly to the complainant, as well as the other parties involved. 

Executive Secretary to the Superintendent under the direction of the Superintendent will be responsible for tracking complaints and reports on resolution of complaints.