The following complaint policies are those referenced in the previous article “Alamogordo Public School Board President Statement January 5th, 2024.”
Policy BHD (B-3100) Board Communications with the Public
The Board shall endeavor to be open and transparent with the public through organized communication. In its public communications, the Board shall comply with the confidentiality requirements of federal and state law and any confidentiality agreement.
T LEGAL REF.: 10-8-1 NMSA et seq.
2.4.2 NMAC The Board will not consider anonymous communications.
Policy KE (K-1350) Public Concerns and Complaints
Whenever a complaint is made directly to the Board as a whole or to a Board member as an individual, it will be referred to the school administration for study and resolution, if possible.
The administration will develop a procedure for courteously receiving complaints and will take steps to make proper replies to complainants. If resolution of a problem cannot be accomplished at the building level, either party may refer the matter to the Superintendent for review.
The Board may consider hearing citizen complaints when they have not been resolved by the administration. Matters referred to the Board as a whole must be in writing, should clearly identify the problem, and specifically state the desired action. The Board will not consider or act on complaints that have not been explored at the appropriate administrative level.
Regulation KE-R (K-1361) Public Concerns and Complaints
If a member of the community has a complaint, the following procedures are intended to assist in its resolution:
• If the matter relates to a student, and it is appropriate, talk with the student’s teacher. If the matter remains unresolved, talk with the school administrator.
• If resolution of a problem cannot be accomplished at the building level, either party may refer the matter to the Superintendent for review.
• When a complaint is made directly to the Board as a whole or to a Board member as an individual, it will be referred to the school administration for study and resolution, if possible.
Policy KEB (K-1450) Public Concerns/Complaints About Personnel
Trust in staff members and support for their actions should be such that employees are freed from unnecessary, spiteful, or negative criticisms and complaints.
In spite of this, criticisms and complaints may be forthcoming from the community. These complaints are best handled starting at the school level and, when necessary, should proceed through the various administrative levels.
All complaints shall be referred to the Superintendent for investigation. The employee involved shall be given an opportunity, at each administrative level at which the matter is reviewed, for explanation, comment, and presentation of facts, either formally or informally. The employee will be afforded elements of due process as provided in New Mexico law.
Regulation KEB-R (K-1461) Public Concerns/Complaints About Personnel
Required Information
The following information concerning a complaint is required:
• The name(s) of the person(s) making the complaint.
• Whether the person(s) making the complaint represents an individual or a group. If a group is represented, information shall be provided about the nature of the group and the manner in which the group has reviewed and taken a position on the matter.
• Whether the person(s) making the complaint has discussed the problem with the employee in question.
• A summary of the complaint(s) and of the above three (3) items.
Processing of Complaint(s) Following
Written Summation
The complaint shall be presented to the employee toward whom it is directed, together with a suggested solution, personally and in writing, by the person(s) filing the complaint. It is the responsibility of the employee’s supervisor to keep the Superintendent informed as the matter is reviewed at the various administrative levels.
The employee will have a minimum of five (5) working days in which to reply to the complaint at each administrative level at which the matter is reviewed.
If the complaint is not resolved between the originator of the complaint and the employee, the complaint shall be reviewed by the employee’s supervisor. Until the matter is resolved, it may be reviewed at each successive administrative level.
The Superintendent shall be the final level of review.
Policy KEC (K-1500) Public Concerns/Complaints About Instructional Resources
Occasional objections to the selection of instructional materials may be made by the public despite the care taken to select materials most valuable for the student and the teacher. The complainant will be asked to complete the form “Citizen’s Request for Reconsideration of Instructional Material.” Upon receipt of a request for reconsideration, the Superintendent will review the work in question. After review by the Superintendent, copies of the request form and the report will be sent to the principal and the citizen.
If not satisfied with the decision contained in the report, the citizen may appeal the decision to the Board.
Should a complaint reach the Board, the Board may refer the matter back to the Superintendent for further review, or the Board may review the materials in question in the light of its policy establishing criteria for the selection of materials. The Board’s decision is final.
Policy KED (K-1550) Public Concerns/Complaints About Facilities and Services
The Superintendent shall establish procedures to be used by citizens of the District who have complaints about District facilities or services. Such procedures shall provide for administrative review of such complaints and, further, shall provide for Board review at the request of the complainant if the matter is not resolved by administrative review.
LEGAL REF.: 29 U.S.C. 794 Rehabilitation Act of 1973, (Section 504)
Regulation KED-R (K-1561) Public Concerns/Complaints About Facilities and Services
Citizens of the District who have complaints about District facilities or services may register such complaints with the site administrator.*
Required information concerning complaint:
• Name(s) of person(s) making the complaint.
• Whether the person(s) represents an individual or group.
• Whether the person(s) making the complaint has discussed the problem with the site administrator.
• A summary of the complaint and suggested solution.
Processing of complaint:*
• Level 1. The complaint shall be presented in writing, with a suggested solution, to the site administrator. Five (5) working days will be allowed for a reply.
• Level 2. If a satisfactory response is not received within five (5) working days, a copy of the complaint may be forwarded to the Superintendent, who will have ten (10) working days to reply.
• Level 3. If a satisfactory response is not received within ten (10) working days, a copy of the complaint may be forwarded to the Board for its consideration. Consideration as to the disposition of the complaint will be given within thirty (30) days.
*If the matters of concern are eligibility and related procedures, procedural safeguards, or provision of a free and appropriate public education, the matter may be referred at any juncture in the procedure to the appropriate compliance coordinator.
YOUR ALAMOGORDO PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS:
Angela Cadwallader – School Board President – District 2
angela.cadwallader@alamogordoschools.org 575-915-6211
Brandy Murphy – School Board Vice President – District 4
brandy.murphy@alamogordoschools.org 575-915-6760
Craig Danekas – School Board Secretary – District 1
craig.danekas@alamogordoschools.org 575-915-5443
Shannan Wright – School Board Member – District 3
