102 - Equal Educational Opportunity

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 Forest City Community School District does 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. 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 Zach Dillavou, 216 West School Street, Forest City, IA 50436, 641-585-4772, zdillavou@forestcity.k12.ia.us.

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 compliance 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, Forest City Community School District, Forest City, Iowa; or by telephoning 641-585-2323.

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 Dept. of Education, Grimes State Office Bldg., 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: 12-14-16
Reviewed:
8-9-21
Revised: 03-08-21

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Sun, 05/02/2021 - 18:24

102.E1 - Annual Notice of Nondiscrimination

102.E1 - Annual Notice of Nondiscrimination

The Forest City School District offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:

  • Agriculture
  • Business
  • Family and Consumer Sciences
  • Industrial Technology
  • Automotive (in conjunction with NIACC)
  • Health Services (in conjunction with NIACC)
  • HVAC (in conjunction with NIACC)

It is the policy of the Forest City 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 Zach Dillavou, Equity Coordinator, 216 West School Street, Forest City, IA 50436, 641-585-4772, zdillavou@forestcity.k12.ia.us.

 

 

Approved: 1-11-16
Reviewed:
8-9-21
Revised: 3-8-21

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Sun, 05/02/2021 - 18:27

102.E2 - Continuous Notice of Nondiscrimination

102.E2 - Continuous Notice of Nondiscrimination

It is the policy of the Forest City 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 Zach Dillavou, Equity Coordinator, 216 West School Street, Forest City, IA 50436, 641-585-4772, zdillavou@forestcity.k12.ia.us.

 

 

Approved:     1-11-16   
Reviewed:
8-9-21
Revised: 3-8-21

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Sun, 05/02/2021 - 18:29

102.E3 - Notice of Section 504 Student and Parental Rights

102.E3 - Notice of Section 504 Student and Parental Rights

The Forest City 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:

  • Participation of your child in school district programs and activities, including extracurricular programs and activities, to the maximum extent appropriate, free of discrimination based upon the student's disability and at the same level as students without disabilities;
  • Receipt of free educational services to the extent they are provided students without disabilities:
  • Receipt of information about your child and your child's educational programs and activities in your native language;
  • Notice of identification of your child as having a qualifying disability for which accommodations may need to be made and notice prior to evaluation and placement of your child and right to periodically request a re-evaluation of your child;
  • Inspect and review your child's educational records including a right to copy those records for a reasonable fee; you also have a right to ask the school district to amend your child's educational records if you feel the information in the records is misleading or inaccurate; should the school district refuse to amend the records, you have a right to a hearing and to place an explanatory letter in your child's file explaining why you feel the records are misleading or inaccurate; and
  • Hearing before an impartial hearing officer if you disagree with your child's evaluation or placement; you have a right to counsel at the hearing and have the decision of the impartial hearing officer reviewed.

It is the policy of the Forest City 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 Zach Dillavou, Equity Coordinator, 216 West School Street, Forest City, IA 50436, 641-585-4772, zdillavou@forestcity.k12.ia.us.

 

 

Approved: 1-11-16    
Reviewed:
8-9-21
Revised: 3-8-21  

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Sun, 05/02/2021 - 18:32

102.E4 - Discrimination Complaint Form

102.E4 - Discrimination Complaint Form

Date of complaint:           _________________________________

Name of Complainant:    _________________________________

Are you filling out this form for yourself or someone else (please identify the
individual if you are submitting on behalf of someone else):
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________

Who or what entity do you believe discriminated against, harassed, or
bullied you (or someone else)?
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________

Date and place of alleged incident(s):
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________

Names of any witnesses (if any):
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Nature of discrimination, harassment, or bullying alleged (check all that apply):
_____  Age                                  _____  Physical Attribute               _____  Sex
_____  Disability                        _____  Physical/Mental Ability    _____  Sexual Orientation
_____  Familial Status            _____  Political Belief                    _____  Socio-economic Background
_____  Gender Identity           _____  Political Party                     _____  Preference Other – Please Specify:
_____  Marital Status              _____  Race/Color
_____  National Origin/Ethnic Background/Ancestry                 _____  Religion/Creed

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.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I agree that all of the information on this form is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge.

Signature: _____________________________________ Date: __________________________

 

Approved: _____
Reviewed: _____
Revised: _____
 

dawn.gibson.cm… Sun, 05/02/2021 - 18:35

102.E5 - Witness Disclosure Form

102.E5 - Witness Disclosure Form

Name of Witness:______________________________________________________

Date of interview:______________________________________________________

Date of initial complaint:_________________________________________________

Name of Complainant (include whether the Complainant is a student or employee):
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

Date and place of alleged incident(s):
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

Nature of discrimination, harassment, or bullying alleged (check all that apply):
_____Age                                                                      _____Physical Attribute                      _____Sex
_____Disability                                                              _____Physical/Mental Ability              _____Sexual Orientation
_____Familial Status                                                     _____Political Belief                           _____Socio-economic Background
_____Gender Identity                                                    _____Political Party Preference         _____Other – Please Specify:
_____Marital Status                                                      _____Race/Color
_____National Origin/Ethnic Background/Ancestry      _____Religion/Creed

Description of incident witnessed:
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

Additional information:
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

I agree that all of the information on this form is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge.

Signature: _____________________________________ Date: __________________________

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Sun, 05/02/2021 - 18:41

102.E6 - Disposition of Complaint Form

102.E6 - Disposition of Complaint Form

Date:__________________________________________________

Date of initial complaint:__________________________________________

Name of Complainant (include whether the Complainant is a student or employee):
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

Date and place of alleged incident(s):
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

Name of Respondent (include whether the Respondent is a student or employee):
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

Nature of discrimination, harassment, or bullying alleged (check all that apply):
_____Age                                                                          _____Physical Attribute                                  _____Sex
_____Disability                                                                  _____Physical/Mental Ability                          _____Sexual Orientation
_____Familial Status                                                         _____Political Belief                                       _____Socio-economic Background
_____Gender Identity                                                        _____Political Party Preference                     _____Other – Please Specify:
_____Marital Status                                                           _____Race/Color
_____National Origin/Ethnic Background/Ancestry           _____Religion/Creed

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: _________________________

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Sun, 05/02/2021 - 18:46

102.R1 - Grievance Procedure

102.R1 - Grievance Procedure

It is the policy of the Forest City 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 Zach Dillavou, 216 West School Street, Forest City, IA 50436, 641-585-4772, zdillavou@forestcity.k12.ia.us.

Students, parents of students, employees, and applicants for employment in the school district have the right to file a formal complaint alleging discrimination. The district has policies and procedures in place to identify and investigate complaints alleging discrimination. If appropriate, the district will take steps to prevent the recurrence of discrimination and to correct its discriminatory effects on the Complainant and others.

A Complainant may attempt to resolve the problem informally by discussing the matter with a building principal or a direct supervisor. However, the Complainant has the right to end the informal process at any time and pursue the formal grievance procedures outlined below. Use of the informal or formal grievance procedure is not a prerequisite to the pursuit of other remedies. Please note that informal processes and procedures are not to be used in certain circumstances (e.g., sexual harassment and sexual assault).

 

Filing a Complaint

A Complainant who wishes to avail himself/herself of this grievance procedure may do so by filing a complaint with the equity coordinator(s). An alternate will be designated in the event it is claimed that the equity coordinator or superintendent committed the alleged discrimination or some other conflict of interest exists. Complaints shall be filed within 180 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 equity coordinator(s) shall assist the Complainant as needed.

 

Investigation

Within 15 working days, the equity coordinator will begin the investigation of the complaint or appoint a qualified person to undertake the investigation (hereinafter "equity coordinator"). If the Complainant is under 18 years of age, the equity coordinator shall notify his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) that they may attend investigatory meetings in which the Complainant is involved. The complaint and identity 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. The investigation may include, but is not limited to the following:

  • A request for the Complainant to provide a written statement regarding the nature of the complaint;
  • A request for the individual named in the complaint to provide a written statement;
  • A request for witnesses identified during the course of the investigation to provide a written statement;
  • Interviews of the Complainant, Respondent, or witnesses;
  • An opportunity to present witnesses or other relevant information; and
  • Review and collection of documentation or information deemed relevant to the investigation.

Within 60 working days, the equity coordinator shall complete the investigation and issue a report with respect to the findings.

The equity coordinator shall notify the Complainant and Respondent of the decision within [ state number of days - 5 ] working days of completing the written report. Notification shall be by U.S. mail, first class.

 

Decision and Appeal

The complaint is closed after the equity coordinator has issued the report, unless within [ state number of days - 10 ] working

days after receiving the decision, either party appeals the decision to the superintendent by making a written request detailing why he/she believes the decision should be reconsidered. The equity coordinator shall promptly forward all materials relative to the complaint and appeal to the superintendent. Within 30 working days, the superintendent shall affirm, reverse, amend the decision, or direct the equity coordinator to gather additional information. The superintendent shall notify the Complainant, Respondent, and the equity coordinator of the decision within 5 working days of the decision. Notification shall be by U.S. mail, first class.

The decision of the superintendent shall be final.

The decision of the superintendent in no way prejudices a party from seeking redress through state or federal agencies as provided by in law.

This policy and procedures are to be used for complaints of discrimination, in lieu of any other general complaint policies or procedures that may be available.

If any of the stated timeframes cannot be met by the district, the district will notify the parties and pursue completion as promptly as possible.

Retaliation against any person, because the person has filed a complaint or assisted or participated in an investigation, is prohibited. Persons found to have engaged in retaliation shall be subject to discipline by appropriate measures.

 

 

Approved: 12-14-15 
Reviewed: _____
Revised: 3-8-21

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Sun, 05/02/2021 - 18:49