Legal Information
Soap Lake School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Education Programs and Activities Provider
Soap Lake School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.
The following employee has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Aaron Chavez- Superintendent, 120 Main Avenue East, Soap Lake, WA 98851 509-246-1822 achavez@slschools.org
|
Section 504/ADA Coordinator 410 Ginkgo St. S., Soap Lake, WA 98851 509-246-1323 |
Title IX Coordinator Aaron Chavez - Superintendent |
|
Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator |
Language Access Liaison |
|
HIB Compliance Coordinator |
|
CTE Annual Nondiscrimination Notice
Soap Lake School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity or disability in its programs or activities. The Soap Lake School District offers classes in several career and technical education programs areas under its open admissions policy Lack of English language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in career and technical education programs. For more information about CTE course offerings and admissions criteria, contact Levi Spencer, High School Principal, at 509-246-1201 or Aaron Chavez, Superintendent, 120 Main Avenue East, Soap Lake 98851, 509-246-1822.
Prior to the beginning of each school year, school districts must advise students, parents, employees and the general public of all vocational opportunities and admission criteria. This announcement will posted on the school website, and available in multiple languages, as well as sent via district newsletter.
Complaint Process for Grievances, including Discrimination, Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying
A complaint can be made to any staff member, informally. Staff shall report to his/her supervisor or professional staff member.
Formal complaints will follow due process requirements and the district will implement anti-retaliatory provisions to protect witnesses and complainants. A formal investigation process may be undertaken by the compliance officer.
Soap Lake School District Complaint Process
Soap Lake School District Complaint Process
If you believe that you or your child have experienced unlawful discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or sexual harassment at school, you have the right to file a complaint.
Before filing a complaint, you can discuss your concerns with your child’s principal or with the school district’s Section 504 Coordinator, Title IX Officer, or Civil Rights Coordinator, who are listed above. This is often the fastest way to resolve your concerns.
Complaint to the School District
Step 1. Write Out Your Complaint
In most cases, complaints must be filed within one year from the date of the incident or conduct that is the subject of the complaint. A complaint must be in writing. Be sure to describe the conduct or incident, explain why you believe discrimination, discriminatory harassment, sexual harassment or other offense has taken place, and describe what actions you believe the district should take to resolve the problem. Send your written complaint—by mail, fax, email, or hand delivery—to the district superintendent or civil rights compliance coordinator.
Step 2: School District Investigates Your Complaint
Once the district receives your written complaint, the coordinator will give you a copy of the complaint procedure and make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The superintendent or designee will respond to you in writing within 30 calendar days—unless you agree on a different time period. If your complaint involves exceptional circumstances that demand a lengthier investigation, the district will notify you in writing to explain why staff need a time extension and the new date for their written response.
Step 3: School District Responds to Your Complaint
In its written response, the district will include a summary of the results of the investigation, a determination of whether or not the district failed to comply with civil rights laws, notification that you can appeal this determination, and any measures necessary to bring the district into compliance with civil rights laws. Corrective measures will be put into effect within 30 calendar days after this written response—unless you agree to a different time period.
Appeal to the School District
If you disagree with the school district’s decision, you may appeal to the school district’s board of directors. You must file a notice of appeal in writing to the secretary of the school board within 10 calendar days after you received the school district’s response to your complaint. The school board will schedule a hearing within 20 calendar days after they receive your appeal, unless you agree on a different timeline. The school board will send you a written decision within 30 calendar days after the district receives your notice of appeal. The school board’s decision will include information about how to file a complaint with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).
Complaint to OSPI
If you do not agree with the school district’s appeal decision, state law provides the option to file a formal complaint with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). This is a separate complaint process that can take place if one of these two conditions has occurred: (1) you have completed the district’s complaint and appeal process, or (2) the district has not followed the complaint and appeal process correctly.
You have 20 calendar days to file a complaint with OSPI from the day you receive the decision on your appeal. You can send your written complaint to the Equity and Civil Rights Office at OSPI:
Email: [email protected] ǀ Fax: 360-664-2967
Mail or hand deliver: PO Box 47200, 600 Washington St. S.E., Olympia, WA 98504-7200
For more information, visit www.k12.wa.us/Equity/Complaints.aspx, or contact OSPI’s Equity and Civil Rights Office at 360-725-6162/TTY: 360-664-3631 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Other Discrimination Complaint Options
Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education
206-607-1600 ǀ TDD: 1-800-877-8339 ǀ [email protected] ǀ www.ed.gov/ocr
Washington State Human Rights Commission
1-800-233-3247 ǀ TTY: 1-800-300-7525 ǀ www.hum.wa.gov
Updated 4.2.2022
Complaints Related to Federal Programs
A citizen complaint is a written statement that alleges a violation of a federal rule, law or regulation or state regulation that applies to a federal program. Things to check before you file a citizen complaint:
- This citizen complaint process is for Washington state's K-12 school system.
- If you live outside of Washington state, check with your state's department of education or Local Educational Agency (LEA) and ask for their complaint process.
- The complaint must address the violation of at least one of the federal programs in the list below.
- This process is not for complaints related to discrimination and professional practices.
- Complaints that allege discrimination please go to Equity and Civil Rights.
The following federal programs are part of the citizen complaint process:
Title Programs
- Title I, A Programs and services for struggling learners
- Title I, C Migrant Education
- Title I, D Institutional Education
- Title I, G Advanced Placement
- Title II, A Teacher & Principal Quality
- Title III Limited English Proficient & Immigrant Students - Language Instruction
- Title IV, B 21st Century Community Learning Centers
- Title V Rural Education Achievement Program
- Title VI(link is external) Indian, Native Hawaiian, Alaska Native Education
