Iowa law authorizes the creation of a Common Schools System. As part of this Common Schools System, this school district is a school corporation created and organized under Iowa law. The school district shall be known as the Wapello Community School District.
This school corporation is located in Louisa County, and its affairs are conducted by elected school officials, the Wapello Community School District Board of Directors. This school corporation has exclusive jurisdiction over school matters in the territory of the school district.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code 274.1, .2, .6, .7; 279.8; 594A
Cross Reference: 200 Legal Status of the Board of Directors
Approved: 08/17/1995
Reviewed: 11/21/2006; 10/12/11; 8/26/15; 6/8/2020
Revised: 7/13/2006
As the school corporation of Iowa, the Wapello Community School District, acting through its Board of Directors, is dedicated to promoting an equal opportunity for a quality public education to its students within the limitations of the school district's ability and willingness to furnish financial support to provide for students in cooperation with their parents and the school district community, the opportunity to develop a healthy social, intellectual, emotional, and physical self-concept in a learning environment that provides guidance to and encourages critical thinking in the students for a lifetime.
The board endeavors through the dedication of the school district's resources, to encourage students, who come to the school district from a variety of backgrounds, to look forward to the time when they will have jobs, homes, families, places in the school district community, and attain recognition as individuals. In order to achieve this goal, the board will seek qualified employees dedicated to development of their professional skills for the betterment of the education program and for the expertise for educational productivity.
Instructional and curriculum are the key elements of a public education. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will assist the students' preparation for life shall be instructed as part of a sequentially coordinated curriculum. The school district strives to prepare students for employment, to discover and nurture creative talent, and to prepare them to meet and cope with social change in an atmosphere conducive to learning.
The support and involvement of the home and the school district community are essential to achieve educational excellence in the school district. The school district strives to maintain an active relationship with the home and the school district community to create within the students an awareness of dignity and worth of the individual, civic responsibility, and respect for authority.
Approved: 08/17/1995
Reviewed: 11/21/2006; 10/12/11; 8/26/15; 6/8/2020
Revised: 7/13/2006
102 EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY
It is the goal of the board to develop a healthy social, intellectual, emotional, and physical self-concept in the students enrolled in the school district. Each student attending school will have the opportunity to use its education program and services as a means for self-improvement and individual growth. In so doing, the students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that assures each student the same educational opportunity.
The board does not discriminate in its educational activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity, and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. The belief in equal educational opportunity serves as a guide for the board and employees in making decisions relating to school district facilities, employment, selection of educational materials, equipment, curriculum, and regulations affecting students. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy, please contact Rena Philp, 501 Buchanan, Wapello, IA 52653, 319-523-3641, renaphilp@wapellocsd.org
Board policies, rules, and regulations affect students while they are on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school owned and/or operated school or chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in school activities; and while away from school grounds if misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management, and welfare of the school district.
The board requires all persons, agencies, vendors, contractors and other persons and organizations doing business with or performing services for the school district to subscribe to all applicable federal and state laws, executive orders, rules and regulations pertaining to contract compliance and equal opportunity.
Inquiries by students regarding ompliance with equal educational opportunity and affirmative action laws and policies, including but not limited to complaints of discrimination, are directed to the Affirmative Action Coordinator by writing to the Affirmative Action Coordinator, Wapello Community School District, Wapello Iowa 52353; or by telephoning 319-523-3641
Inquiries by students regarding compliance with equal educational opportunity and affirmative action laws and policies, including but not limited to complaints of discrimination, may also be directed in writing to the Director of the Region VII office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczynski Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn St., 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604 (312 730-1560, fax (312) 730-1576 OCR, Chicago@ed.gov, the Iowa Civil Rights Commissioner, https://icrc.iowa.gov, (515) 281-4121 or the Iowa Department of Education, Grimes State Office Building, Des Moines, IA 50319. (515) 281-5294. This inquiry or complaint to the federal or state office may be done instead of, or in addition to, an inquiry or complaint at the local level.
Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C. §§ 1221 et seq.
20 U.S.C. §§ 1681 et seq.
20 U.S.C. §§ 1701 et seq.
29 U.S.C. § 206 et seq.
29 U.S.C. § 794
42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d and 2000e.
42 U.S.C. §§ 12101 et seq.
34 C.F.R. Pt. 100.
34 C.F.R. Pt. 104
Iowa Code §§ 216.6;-216.9; 256.11; 280.3.
281 I. A.C. 12.
Cross Reference: 101 Educational Philosophy of the School District
401.1 Equal Employment Opportunity
500 Objectives for Equal Educational Opportunities for Students
506.1 Student Records
Approved: August 17, 1995
Reviewed: November 21, 2006; 10/12/11; 8/26/15; 6/8/2020
Revised: July 13, 2006; November 21, 2006; August 16, 2007; June 10, 2013; 12/9/2020
Code No. 102E1
Annual Notice of Nondiscrimination
Students, parents, employees, and others doing business with or performing services for the Wapello Community School District are hereby notified that this school district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment in, its programs and activities.
The school district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment in, its hiring and employment practices. Any person having inquiries concerning the school district's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), § 504 or Iowa Code § 280.3 is directed to contact:
Ms. Rena Philp 500 Buchanan Street Wapello, IA 52653 319-523-3241 Ex. 1120
who has been designated by the school district to coordinate the school district's efforts to comply with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, the ADA, § 504 and Iowa Code § 280.3 (2007).
It is the policy of the Wapello Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact
Rena Philp
Wapello High School
501 Buchanan
Wapello, IA 52653
319-523-3241
The Wapello Community School District does not discriminate in its educational programs and activities on the basis of a student's disability. It has been determined that your child has a qualifying disability for which accommodations may need to be made to meet his or her individual needs as adequately as the needs of other students. As a parent, you have the right to the following:
It is the policy of the Wapello Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact:
Rena Philp
Wapello High School
501 Buchanan
Wapello, IA 52653
319-523-3241
DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT FORM
Date of complaint:
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Name of Complainant:
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Are you filling out this form for yourself or someone else (please identify the individual if you are submitting on behalf of someone else):
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Who or what entity do you believe discriminated against, harassed, or bullied you (or someone else)?
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Date and place of alleged incident(s): |
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Names of any witnesses (if any): |
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Nature of discrimination, harassment, or bullying alleged (check all that apply):
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Physical Attribute |
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Disability |
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Physical/Mental Ability |
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Sexual Orientation |
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Familial Status |
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Political Belief |
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Socio-economic Background |
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Gender Identity |
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Political Party Preference |
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Other – Please Specify: |
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Marital Status |
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Race/Color |
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National Origin/Ethnic Background/Ancestry |
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Religion/Creed |
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In the space below, please describe what happened and why you believe that you or someone else has been discriminated against, harassed, or bullied. Please be as specific as possible and attach additional pages if necessary.
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I agree that all of the information on this form is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge.
Signature: _____________________________________ Date: __________________________
WITNESS DISCLOSURE FORM
Name of Witness: |
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Date of interview:
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Date of initial complaint:
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Name of Complainant (include whether the Complainant is a student or employee): |
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Date and place of alleged incident(s): |
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Nature of discrimination, harassment, or bullying alleged (check all that apply):
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Physical Attribute |
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Disability |
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Physical/Mental Ability |
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Sexual Orientation |
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Familial Status |
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Political Belief |
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Socio-economic Background |
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Gender Identity |
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Political Party Preference |
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Other – Please Specify: |
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Marital Status |
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Race/Color |
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National Origin/Ethnic Background/Ancestry |
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Religion/Creed |
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Description of incident witnessed: _________________________________________________________
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Additional information: _________________________________________________________________
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I agree that all of the information on this form is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge.
Signature: _____________________________________ Date: __________________________
DISPOSITION OF COMPLAINT FORM
Date:
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Date of initial complaint:
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Name of Complainant (include whether the Complainant is a student or employee): |
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Date and place of alleged incident(s): |
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Name of Respondent (include whether the Respondent is a student or employee): |
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Nature of discrimination, harassment, or bullying alleged (check all that apply):
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Physical Attribute |
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Sex |
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Disability |
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Physical/Mental Ability |
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Sexual Orientation |
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Familial Status |
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Political Belief |
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Socio-economic Background |
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Gender Identity |
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Political Party Preference |
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Other – Please Specify: |
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Marital Status |
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Race/Color |
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National Origin/Ethnic Background/Ancestry |
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Religion/Creed |
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Summary of Investigation: _______________________________________________________________
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I agree that all of the information on this form is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge.
Signature: _____________________________________ Date: _________________________
Students, parents of students, employees, and applicants for employment in the school district will have the right to file a formal complaint alleging discrimination under federal or state regulations requiring non-discrimination in programs and employment.
Level One - Principal, Immediate Supervisor or
Personnel Contact Person
(Informal and Optional - may be bypassed by the grievant)
Employees with a complaint of discrimination based upon their gender, race, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability are encouraged to first discuss it with their immediate supervisor, with the objective of resolving the matter informally. An applicant for employment with a complaint of discrimination based upon their gender, race, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability are encouraged to first discuss it with the personnel contact person. This paragraph is for employees and “marital status” isn’t a protected class for employees.
A student, or a parent of a student, with a complaint of discrimination based upon their gender, race, national origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability are encouraged to discuss it with the instructor, counselor, supervisor, building administrator, program administrator or personnel contact person directly involved.
Level Two - Compliance Officer
If the grievance is not resolved at Level One and the grievant wishes to pursue the grievance, the grievant may formalize it by filing a complaint in writing on a Grievance Filing Form, which may be obtained from the Compliance Officer. The complaint will state the nature of the grievance and the remedy requested. The filing of the formal, written complaint at Level Two must be within 15 working days from the date of the event giving rise to the grievance, or from the date the grievant could reasonably become aware of such occurrence. The grievant may request that a meeting concerning the complaint be held with the Compliance Officer. A minor student may be accompanied at that meeting by a parent or guardian. The Compliance Officer will investigate the complaint and attempt to resolve it. A written report from the Compliance Officer regarding action taken will be sent to the involved parties within a reasonable time after receipt of the complaint.
Level Three - Superintendent/Administrator
If the complaint is not resolved at Level Two, the grievant may appeal it to Level Three by presenting a written appeal to the superintendent within five working days after the grievant receives the report from the Compliance Officer, the grievant may request a meeting with the Superintendent. The superintendent may request a meeting with the grievant to discuss the appeal. A decision will be rendered by the superintendent within a reasonable time after the receipt of the written appeal. If, in cases of disability grievances at the elementary and secondary level, the issue is not resolved through the grievance process, the parents have a right to an impartial hearing to resolve the issue.
This procedure in no way denies the right of the grievant to file formal complaints with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights or Office of Special Education Programs, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or the Iowa Department of Education for mediation or rectification of civil rights grievances, or to seek private counsel for complaints alleging discrimination.
Level Four - Appeal to Board
If the grievant is not satisfied with the superintendent's decision, the grievant can file an appeal with the board within five working days of the decision. It is within the discretion of the board to determine whether it will hear the appeal.
The Compliance Officer is:
Name:
Office Address:
Phone Number:
Office Hours:
At least every five years the Wapello Board of Directors shall conduct an in-depth needs assessment, soliciting information from business, labor, industry, higher education, and community members, regarding their expectations for adequate student preparation. One purpose of this assessment is to assist the Board in developing and evaluating the statement of philosophy for the school district. The second purpose of this assessment is to determine the areas of student performance, knowledge, and attitudes and the areas of school district operations which are judged to be most crucial in meeting school or school district goals. As part of this assessment, the Board shall develop a process for communicating with business, industry, labor, and higher education regarding their expectations for adequate student preparation. The statement of philosophy shall describe the Board's beliefs about topics which shall include the nature of learning, the purpose of the school district, the scope of educational experiences that the school district should provide, the nature of its learners, and a description of a desirable learning atmosphere.
In conjunction with the in-depth needs assessment of the school district, the Board shall authorize the appointment of a committee, representing administrators, employees, parents, students, and community members, to make recommendations and assist the Board in determining the priorities of the school district in addition to the basic skills areas of the education program.
It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to insure the school district community is informed of the Board's policies, programs and goals and has an opportunity to express their thoughts and suggestions for the operation of the school district. At the June meeting, the superintendent shall report to the Board about the means used to keep the community informed.
As a result of the Board and committee's work, the Board shall determine major educational needs and rank them in priority order; develop long-range goals and plans to meet the needs; establish and implement short-range and intermediate-range plans to meet the goals and to obtain the desired levels of student performance; evaluate progress toward meeting the goals and maintain a record of progress under the plan that includes reports of student performance and results of school improvement projects; and annually report the school district's progress made under the plan to the committee, community, and Iowa Department Of Education.
Approved: 08/17/1995
Reviewed: 11/21/2006; 10/12/11; 6/8/2020
Revised: 7/13/2006; 11/21/2006; 8/26/15
The school district's long range needs assessment process includes these items:
Harassment and bullying of students and employees are against federal, state and local policy, and are not tolerated by the board. The board is committed to providing all students with a safe and civil school environment in which all members of the school community are treated with dignity and respect. To that end, the board has in place policies, procedures, and practices that are designed to reduce and eliminate bullying and harassment as well as processes and procedures to deal with incidents of bullying and harassment.
Bullying and harassment of students by other students, by school employees, and by volunteers who have contact with students will not be tolerated in the school or school district.
This policy is in effect while students or employees are on property within the jurisdiction of the board; while on school-owned or school-operated vehicles; while attending or engaged in school-sponsored activities.
Complaints may be filed with the superintendent or superintendent’s designee pursuant to the regulation accompanying this policy. The superintendent is responsible for implementation of this policy and all accompanying procedures. Complaints will be investigated within a reasonable time framt. Within 24 hours of receiving a report that a student may have been the victim of conduct that constitutes bullying and/or harassment, the district will notify the parent or guardian of the student.
If as a result of viewing surveillance system data or based on a report from a school district employee, the district determines that a student has suffered bullying or harassment by another student enrolled in the district, a parent or guarding of the student may enroll the student in another attendance center within the district that offers classes at the student’s grade level, subject to the requirements and limitations established in Iowa law related to this topic.
Any person who promptly, reasonably, and in good faith reports an incident of bullying or harassment under this policy to a school official, shall be immune from civil or criminal liability relating to such report and to the person’s participation in any administrative, judicial, or other proceeding relating to the report. Individuals who knowingly file a false complaint may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.
Retaliation Prohibited
Retaliation against any person, because the person has filed a bullying or harassment complaint or assisted or participated in a harassment investigation or proceeding, is also prohibited.
Individuals who knowingly file false harassment complaints and any person who gives false statements in an investigation shall be subject to discipline by appropriate measures, as shall any person who is found to have retaliated against another in violation of this policy.
Any student found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, suspension and expulsion. Any school employee found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, termination of employment.
Any school volunteer found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, exclusion from school grounds.
Definitions
For the purposes of this policy, the defined words shall have the following meaning:
Publication of Policy
The board will annually publish this policy. The policy may be publicized by the following means:
Legal References: 20 U.S.C. §§ 1221-1234i.
29 U.S.C. § 794.
42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d-2000d-7.
42 U.S.C. 12100 2et. Seq.
Iowa Code §§ 216.9; 280.3 .28
281 I.A.C. 12.3(6)
Morse v. Frederick, 551 U.S. 393 (2007)
Cross Reference: 102 Equal Educational Opportunity
502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
503 Student Discipline
506 Education Records
Adopted: 7/12/07
Reviewed: 10/12/11; 8/26/15; 6/8/2020
Revised: 12/12/07; 7/12/23
ANTI-BULLYING/HARASSMENT COMPLAINT FORM
Name of complainant:
Position of complainant:
Name of student or employee target:
Date of complaint:
Name of alleged harasser or bully:
Date and place of incident or incidents:
Nature of Discrimination or Harassment Alleged (Check all that apply)
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Age |
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Physical Attribute |
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Sex |
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Disability |
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Political Belief |
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Sexual Orientation |
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Familial Status |
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Race/Color |
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Socio-economic Background |
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Marital Status |
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Religion/Creed |
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Other – Please Specify: |
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National Origin/Ethnic Background/Ancestry |
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Description of misconduct:
Name of witnesses (if any):
Evidence of harassment or bullying, i.e., letters, photos, etc. (attach evidence if possible):
Any other information:
I agree that all of the information on this form is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge.
Signature:
Date: / /
ANTI-BULLYING/HARASSMENT WITNESS DISCLOSURE FORM
Name of witness:
Position of witness:
Date of testimony, interview: Description of incident witnessed:
Any other information:
I agree that all of the information on this form is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge.
Signature:
Date: / /
DISPOSITION OF ANTI-BULLYING/HARASSMENT COMPLAINT FORM
Name of complainant:
Name of student or employee target::
Grade and building of student or employee:
Name and position or grade of alleged perpetrator /respondent:
Date of initial complaint:
Nature of discrimination or harassment alleged (Check all that apply)
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Age |
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Physical Attribute |
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Sex |
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Disability |
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Political Belief |
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Sexual Orientation |
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Familial Status |
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Race/Color |
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Socio-economic Background |
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Marital Status |
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Religion/Creed |
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Other – Please Specify: |
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National Origin/Ethnic Background/Ancestry |
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Summary of investigation:
I agree that all of the information on this form is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge.
Signature:
Date: / /
Filing a Complaint
Individuals who feel that they have been harassed or bullied may file a complaint with the superintendent or superintendent’s designee. The complain form is available at www.wapello.csd.org
An alternate investigator will be designated in the event it is claimed that the superintendent or superintendent’s designee committed the alleged bullying or harassment or some other conflict of interest exists. Complaints shall be filed within 10 days of the event giving rise to the complaint or from the date the Complainant could reasonably become aware of such occurrence. The Complainant will state the nature of the complaint and the remedy requested. The Complainant shall receive assistance as needed.
Investigation
The school district will promptly and reasonably investigate allegations of bullying or harassment upon receipt of a written complaint. The investigator will be responsible for handling all complaints alleging bullying or harassment.
The investigation may include, but is not limited to the following:
The Investigator shall consider the totality of circumstances presented in determining whether conduct objectively constitutes bullying or harassment as defined in board policy. Upon completion of the investigation, the Investigator shall issue a report with respect to the findings, and provide a copy of the report to the appropriate building principal or Superintendent if the investigation involved the building principal.
The complaint and identify of the Complainant, Respondent, or witnesses will only be disclosed as reasonably necessary in connection with the investigation or as required by law or policy. Similarly, evidence uncovered in the investigation shall be kept confidential to the extent reasonably possible.
Decision
The investigator, building principal, or superintendent, depending on the individuals involved, shall inform the Complainant and the accused about the outcome of the investigation. If,, after an investigation, a student is found to be in violation of the policy, the student shall be disciplined by appropriate measures which may include suspension and expulsion. If after an investigation a school employee is found to be in violation of this policy, the employee shall be disciplined by appropriate measures, which may include termination. If after an investigation a school volunteer is found to be in violation of this policy, the volunteer shall be subject to appropriate measures, which may include exclusion from school grounds.
Individuals who knowingly file false bullying and/or harassment complaints and any person who gives false statements in an investigation may be subject to discipline by appropriate measures, as shall any person who is found to have retaliated against another in violation of this policy. Any student found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, suspension and expulsion. Any school employee found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, termination of employment. Any school volunteer found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, exclusion from school grounds.