Public Complaints about Library Curriculum or Instructional Materials (Procedure)

Procedures to be followed concerning complaints or requests to review library or instructional material used by the Public Schools:

Level One

1. All complaints to be considered shall be submitted in writing to the principal and the complaint or request properly signed and identified.
2. The librarian, teacher, and administration shall be informed of the nature and facts concerning the complaint.
3. The complaint or request to review the material shall be submitted by the principal to a review committee composed of the library media specialist, the principal, counselor and at least one person teaching in the subject matter field of the materials challenged.
4. The materials are judged by the committee and a written recommendation shall be submitted to the principal and a copy of the complaint and recommendation shall be kept on file in the principal's office for future reference. The person who filed the complaint will receive a copy of the written recommendation and determination made by the review committee regarding the complaint.

Level Two:

1. In the event the complainant is not satisfied with the review committee's decision, the complainant may appeal the decision to the superintendent. The complaint should be put in writing.
2. The superintendent must hear the complaint within three school days after receiving a request for a hearing.
3. At Level Two, the complainant will present the complaint on his own behalf but may be accompanied by a friend of his own choosing. The Superintendent will carefully review and consider the decision of the review committee to determine whether the committee's determination was based on pedagogical reasons.
4. Within three school days, the superintendent shall make a decision. The decision will be communicated in writing to the complainant.
5. If the decision is appealed to Level Three, the superintendent shall provide the board with a written record of the Level Two hearing including his decision on the matter with supporting reasons for his decision. A record of the Level One determination by the review committee shall also be made available to the board.

Level Three:

1. Within five days of receiving the decision of the superintendent, the complainant may appeal his decision to the board of education. The request for a hearing must be made through the superintendent or clerk of the board of education in writing.
2. The hearing will be held at the next regular school board meeting with all persons who participated at Levels One and Two.
3. The complainant may be represented at Level Three by anyone of his choosing, but the complainant must be present at the hearing.
4. Within ten days, the board shall issue a decision to all parties involved. Such decision by the board shall be final except that proper redress may be sought through the courts, should the complainant choose to do so.