2020-2021 

Introduction 

On December 10, 2015 a new Federal education law was signed by the President. This law, the  Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), requires schools that receive federal Title IA funding adopt  written procedures for resolving complaints filed. 

Definition 

A “complaint” is a written, signed statement filed by an individual or an organization. It must  include: 

1. a) A statement that a school has violated a requirement of federal statute or regulation that applies to Title IA.
2. b) The facts on which the statement is based.
3. c) Information on any discussions, meetings or correspondence with a school regarding the complaint.

Complaint Resolution Procedures 

∙ Referral – Complaints against schools should be referred to the District’s Central Office:    

  Dr. John Kimmel, Superintendent 

  354 Baker Street, Suite 2 

Rimersburg, PA 16248 

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

814-473-6311 x0 

2) Notice to School – The Federal Programs Director will notify the school Superintendent and  Building Principal that a complaint has been received. A copy of the complaint will be given to the  Superintendent and Building Principal with directions given for the Principal to respond. 

3) Investigation – After receiving the Principal’s response, the Central Office, along with the  Superintendent, will determine whether further investigation is necessary. If necessary, the  Federal Programs Director and the Superintendent may do an onsite investigation at the school. 

4) Opportunity to Present Evidence – The Federal Programs Director may provide for the  complainant and the Principal to present evidence. 

5) Report and Recommended Resolution – Once the Federal Programs Director has completed the investigation and collected evidence, a report will be prepared with a recommendation for 

resolving the complaint. The report will give the name of the party bringing the complaint, the  nature of the complaint, a summary of the investigation, the recommended resolution and the  reasons for the recommendation. Copies of the report will be issued to all parties involved. The  recommended resolution will become effective upon issuance of the report. 

6) Follow up – The Federal Programs Director and the Superintendent will ensure that the  resolution of the complaint is implemented. 

7) Time Limit – The period between the Federal Programs Director receiving the complaint and  resolution of the complaint shall not exceed sixty (60) calendar days. 

8) Right to Appeal – Either party may appeal the final resolution to the Department of Education. Appeals should be addressed as follows: 

Ms. Susan McCrone, Chief 

Division of Federal Programs 

Pennsylvania Department of Education 

333 Market Street, 7th Floor 

Harrisburg, PA 17126‐0333

 

Please feel free to make copies of the form attached below, or call Union School District at 814-473-6311 x0 or the PA Federal Programs Regional Coordinator at 717-787-7135 for additional information.