This morning we received a message on our answering machine and an email in my inbox from Julie Catala at the District 509J offices.
The message on the machine said the email was coming, had a sense of urgency, and requested that I call her as soon as a could. The email contained a .pdf copy of a letter from Superintendent Tarzian (which went in the mail this morning). The original can be found here. Following is a transcription of the actual document:
June 6, 2007
Ronald and Denise Bjarnason
(address omitted on blog post)
Corvallis, OR 97333
Dear Ron and Denise:
While my staff and I worked with the district's attorney to prepare for the upcoming appeal hearing with the School Board, we realized that one of the issues you raised had not yet been addressed. That issue involved the right of children of "low-income families" to attend without tuition any kindergarten program offered beyond half time. We contacted the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) to seek guidance. ODE staff realized they were unsure how to interpret the laws and requested a legal opinion from the State Attorney General's Office.
I am committed to ensuring that we have examined and commented on every aspect of your complaint, which is what the School Board expects. I am, therefore, requesting that your appeal hearing scheduled for June 11, 2007 be postponed until after the Attorney General's Office has rendered an opinion. Even though it might take a couple of months, we will remain in contact with the staff there and will be in contact with you after receiving the opinion.
Sincerely,
Dawn Tarzian
Superintendent
DT:jc
I called Julie, and indicated that we realize that the point of having a hearing is so that a vote can be held, and that it's pointless to hold a vote while we are waiting for the Attorney General's Office to issue a ruling. Because of this, we agree to the postponement of the hearing.
I also was very clear to Julie that we are frustrated that we are getting this letter at this point in the process. We feel we have been very clear in explaining each of our issues, and it is because this particular issue has not been addressed that we have continued to escalate the issue. It is not fair that we receive this letter only 4 days prior to the actual hearing date.
I indicated to Julie that I would be preparing a response to this letter, and that I would like the response to be sent to the following people:
Superintendent Dawn Tarzian
All School Board members (sitting and incoming)
the Oregon Department of Education
the Attorney General's Office
I indicated that I'll be preparing my response today and will get it to her tomorrow.
Showing posts with label superintendent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label superintendent. Show all posts
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Response from Superintendent Tarzian
Much to our surprise, the written response from Superintendent Tarzian came in today's mail.
This is a scan of the response:
Here is a text version of the body of the message (I've copied it by hand, so let me know if there are errors):
Dear Ron and Denise:
This letter is a response to the formal complaint that we discussed when we met in my office on March 19, 2007. At our meeting, you provided me with a written memorandum entitled "Points of Concern." I will respond to each of your three points in the letter.
After reviewing our practices regarding transportation provided to half-time kindergarten students, I feel that we have not done an adequate job as a school district of providing parents with information about the availability of district transportation for kindergarten to and from school each day. To rectify this I have directed staff to include in a mailing to all 2007-2008 kindergarten parents written information on district provided transportation to and from school on each day kindergarten is in session. The letter to the parents will include the statement,
"Please notify your assigned school if you will need transportation services provided by the district. Transportation will be provided if the student is attending their neighborhood school and live more than one mile from the school. Please note: Student transfers outside of the neighborhood school boundary do not receive district transportation services, according to board policy and administrative rules."
On the second issue, the Corvallis School District provides a free half-time kindergarten program to all children and the option for parents to pay tuition to provide their child with a five day a week full-day or three day a week full-day program. ORS 327-006(1) includes the statement: "The aggregate days membership of kindergarten pupil shall be calculated on the basis of a half-day program." This language provides districts with the flexibility to group the half-time kindergarten time to provide for creativity in working with our students. It also allows school districts to work with their community of parents to structure the school day to meet local needs. This is the case for our 2.5 day program. as you and I discussed when we met, there are several parents who more recently have been requesting five day a week half-time program access. Mrs. Pearson and I spoke yesterday and she informed me that the requests that she has from parents currently are about equal regarding requests for a five day a week half-time program and for a 2.5 day a week program. With the note above that the school district will communicate more aggressively with next year's kindergarten parents regarding the provision of the district transportation to and from school, Adams Elementary and other elementary school in the district may seen an increase in interest for the five day a week half-time program.
On the third issue, the Corvallis School District, like many other districts in the state, provides the only mandatory program under law to all students and that is a half-time program. ORS 339.115 requires the district school board to admit free of charge in the schools of the district all persons between the ages of 5 and 19 who reside within the school district. ORS 339.155 prohibits certain fees as condition to admission. a district school board shall not require payment of fees as a condition of admission to those pupils entitled under the law to free admission. By reason of the ORS 327.006(1), the free admission is one-half of the regular school week. Therefore, admission may be charged for courses not part of the regular school program, according to ORS 339.155(1)(a). The hours beyond our aggregate half-time membership for kindergarten students are not a part of the regular school program. Tuition is paid by parents who wish to extend this time beyond the half-time hours. Scholarship money is collected to help support the families who have limited financial resources to have increased access to this additional program time.
In reviewing your requests for resolution, I feel that the district can to a better job of communicating with kindergarten parents about transportation and free admission for all kindergarten children to our half-time programs. The district will be revising our written information and kindergarten parent orientations to accomplish this goal. I was pleased to hear your report that you feel Adams Elementary School provided better information this year to parents regarding kindergarten options.
I would like to acknowledge your concerns and express appreciation for bringing them to the district. I know that it can be frustrating addressing a large system and our conversation has helped me to assess where we need to improve our communications. I have confidence that Principal Pearson and the leadership of our elementary schools are taking a hard look at the structure of our instructional time for our kindergarten students, taking into consideration the developmental needs and differences of our young children.
Sincerely,
Dawn Tarzian
Superintendent
C: Kathy Rodeman
Patty Pearson
We could not be happier with the resolution of the bussing issue. We feel that this is an ideal resolution.
We are disappointed in the district's interpretation of the tuition issue, especially in light of ORS 139.147. I continue to note that they haven't really dealt with the issue. I have claimed that they CAN charge tuition in certain cases, but NEVER to low-income families. Their response seems to be that they assert their right to charge tuition.
Yes! I agree, you can, but you still haven't addressed the implications of ORS 139.147 which prohibits charging low-income families.
We plan on appealing this ruling to the School Board of District 509J.
This is a scan of the response:
Here is a text version of the body of the message (I've copied it by hand, so let me know if there are errors):
Dear Ron and Denise:
This letter is a response to the formal complaint that we discussed when we met in my office on March 19, 2007. At our meeting, you provided me with a written memorandum entitled "Points of Concern." I will respond to each of your three points in the letter.
After reviewing our practices regarding transportation provided to half-time kindergarten students, I feel that we have not done an adequate job as a school district of providing parents with information about the availability of district transportation for kindergarten to and from school each day. To rectify this I have directed staff to include in a mailing to all 2007-2008 kindergarten parents written information on district provided transportation to and from school on each day kindergarten is in session. The letter to the parents will include the statement,
"Please notify your assigned school if you will need transportation services provided by the district. Transportation will be provided if the student is attending their neighborhood school and live more than one mile from the school. Please note: Student transfers outside of the neighborhood school boundary do not receive district transportation services, according to board policy and administrative rules."
On the second issue, the Corvallis School District provides a free half-time kindergarten program to all children and the option for parents to pay tuition to provide their child with a five day a week full-day or three day a week full-day program. ORS 327-006(1) includes the statement: "The aggregate days membership of kindergarten pupil shall be calculated on the basis of a half-day program." This language provides districts with the flexibility to group the half-time kindergarten time to provide for creativity in working with our students. It also allows school districts to work with their community of parents to structure the school day to meet local needs. This is the case for our 2.5 day program. as you and I discussed when we met, there are several parents who more recently have been requesting five day a week half-time program access. Mrs. Pearson and I spoke yesterday and she informed me that the requests that she has from parents currently are about equal regarding requests for a five day a week half-time program and for a 2.5 day a week program. With the note above that the school district will communicate more aggressively with next year's kindergarten parents regarding the provision of the district transportation to and from school, Adams Elementary and other elementary school in the district may seen an increase in interest for the five day a week half-time program.
On the third issue, the Corvallis School District, like many other districts in the state, provides the only mandatory program under law to all students and that is a half-time program. ORS 339.115 requires the district school board to admit free of charge in the schools of the district all persons between the ages of 5 and 19 who reside within the school district. ORS 339.155 prohibits certain fees as condition to admission. a district school board shall not require payment of fees as a condition of admission to those pupils entitled under the law to free admission. By reason of the ORS 327.006(1), the free admission is one-half of the regular school week. Therefore, admission may be charged for courses not part of the regular school program, according to ORS 339.155(1)(a). The hours beyond our aggregate half-time membership for kindergarten students are not a part of the regular school program. Tuition is paid by parents who wish to extend this time beyond the half-time hours. Scholarship money is collected to help support the families who have limited financial resources to have increased access to this additional program time.
In reviewing your requests for resolution, I feel that the district can to a better job of communicating with kindergarten parents about transportation and free admission for all kindergarten children to our half-time programs. The district will be revising our written information and kindergarten parent orientations to accomplish this goal. I was pleased to hear your report that you feel Adams Elementary School provided better information this year to parents regarding kindergarten options.
I would like to acknowledge your concerns and express appreciation for bringing them to the district. I know that it can be frustrating addressing a large system and our conversation has helped me to assess where we need to improve our communications. I have confidence that Principal Pearson and the leadership of our elementary schools are taking a hard look at the structure of our instructional time for our kindergarten students, taking into consideration the developmental needs and differences of our young children.
Sincerely,
Dawn Tarzian
Superintendent
C: Kathy Rodeman
Patty Pearson
We could not be happier with the resolution of the bussing issue. We feel that this is an ideal resolution.
We are disappointed in the district's interpretation of the tuition issue, especially in light of ORS 139.147. I continue to note that they haven't really dealt with the issue. I have claimed that they CAN charge tuition in certain cases, but NEVER to low-income families. Their response seems to be that they assert their right to charge tuition.
Yes! I agree, you can, but you still haven't addressed the implications of ORS 139.147 which prohibits charging low-income families.
We plan on appealing this ruling to the School Board of District 509J.
Preliminary response from District
This morning, Julie Cartala left a phone message indicating that Superintendent Tarzian had mailed us a response (by US Postal Service).
We expect to receive it either tomorrow or Saturday.
We expect to receive it either tomorrow or Saturday.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Nothing after 24 hours
WARNING: Portions of this blog are laced with my personal intuition and interpretation of innuendo, and NOT based on cold hard facts.
Well, 24 hours has come and gone, and we haven't heard anything from the office of Superintendent Tarzian. I assume we'll hear about all 3 issues by Friday.
I think it's interesting that I haven't received ANY feedback from anyone regarding item #3 from my list of concerns that I presented to Superintendent Tarzian. After I pointed out the law to Kathy Rodeman, her only comment seemed to be "I'm sorry that we weren't able to resolve your concerns.", and an assurance from the district attorneys that they were correct in their application of enrichment time (item #2 from my list).
When we talked to Superintendent Tarzian, I explained each of my concerns with her, and then we talked about issues #1 and #2. Her only question regarding item #3 was to clarify that I was referring to the lottery for the limited number of tuition waivers, and not the lottery for the limited number of spots in 5-day full-day programs. Other than that, there was no mention of the issue.
Possible interpretation:
Issue #1 is a communication issue. We agree on the interpretation of the law, and the application.
Issue #2 is an interpretation issue. I'm confident in my interpretation, and they are confident in theirs. Application will be determined once a third party determines the correct interpretation.
Issue #3 is an application issue. I'm guessing that our interpretation of the law is the same, but they recognize that the proper application of this law is going to cost them a lot of money. Consequently, I'm guessing that they are scrambling to try and figure out what their options are, and don't want to comment on the issue until they do.
Well, 24 hours has come and gone, and we haven't heard anything from the office of Superintendent Tarzian. I assume we'll hear about all 3 issues by Friday.
I think it's interesting that I haven't received ANY feedback from anyone regarding item #3 from my list of concerns that I presented to Superintendent Tarzian. After I pointed out the law to Kathy Rodeman, her only comment seemed to be "I'm sorry that we weren't able to resolve your concerns.", and an assurance from the district attorneys that they were correct in their application of enrichment time (item #2 from my list).
When we talked to Superintendent Tarzian, I explained each of my concerns with her, and then we talked about issues #1 and #2. Her only question regarding item #3 was to clarify that I was referring to the lottery for the limited number of tuition waivers, and not the lottery for the limited number of spots in 5-day full-day programs. Other than that, there was no mention of the issue.
Possible interpretation:
Issue #1 is a communication issue. We agree on the interpretation of the law, and the application.
Issue #2 is an interpretation issue. I'm confident in my interpretation, and they are confident in theirs. Application will be determined once a third party determines the correct interpretation.
Issue #3 is an application issue. I'm guessing that our interpretation of the law is the same, but they recognize that the proper application of this law is going to cost them a lot of money. Consequently, I'm guessing that they are scrambling to try and figure out what their options are, and don't want to comment on the issue until they do.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Meeting with Superintendent Tarzian
Today, Denise and I met with Superintendent Dawn Tarzian. I came prepared with two pages of prepared material. The first outlined our concerns and the second contained copies of the Oregon statutes that are in question.
This was what was on the first paper:
Points of Concern:
1. District 509J has failed to train their principals on bussing regulations.
At the 2007 Kindergarten Night at Adams School, Principal Pearson instructed the attending parents that there would be NO bussing provided for half-day kindergarten. When presented with information given to me by Kathy Rodeman (that bussing must be provided upon request), Principal Pearson responded that she had never been informed of such a policy.
2. District 509J charges tuition for 5-day full-day kindergarten programs. This appears to be a violation of OAR 581-022-0803(1) and ORS 339.141(3)(a).
If there is no clear distinction between the "classes or courses of study ... which are not a part of the regular school program" (as authorized ORS 339.141(2)), and the regular school program, then it must be assumed that the entire daily schedule fails into the regular school program. This distinction in the daily schedule is clear for the 3-day full-day program (allowing students to attend 2.5 days of the program). In speaking with kindergarten teachers, no such distinction appears to be made for the 5-day full-day program.
3. District 509J authorizes tuition waivers to a pre-determined number of students based on a random lottery. This appears to be a violation of ORS 339.147(1)(a,b)
Some students who qualify under 339.147(1)(a,b) are currently paying tuition for "courses not part of the regular school program".
Requests for Resolution
1. All 509J elementary principals be instructed regarding bussing policies. At a minimum, all parents of students in half-day programs should be informed that busses are available upon request.
2. If the district should choose to classify a portion of the 5-day full-day program as "classes or courses of study ... which are not a part of the regular school program", then it should allow open and free enrollment in that portion of the program that is classified as the "regular school program".
3. Allow open and free enrollment for ALL kindergarten programs for students who qualify under 139.147(1)(a,b). This policy should be explained clearly at the Kindergarten Night for each elementary school in District 509J.
I won't post the other page on the blog, because all I did was copy state laws from the appropriate websites. These were the quoted laws:
OAR 581-022-0803
(from http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/rules/
OARS_500/OAR_581/581_022.html)
ORS 339.141 and ORS 339.147
(from http://www.leg.state.or.us/ors/339.html)
We were in Superintendent Tarzian's office for about a half hour. We had a very good talk. We felt like she was very interested in our concerns. We felt like she even agreed with us on most of the issues. As opposed to the meeting we had with Kathy Rodeman, we felt like Superintendent Tarzian wants to get this resolved and has to power to do so.
These were my notes on the things that Superintendent Tarzian promised us would happen
- Work with school to communicate the availability of the free programs. This should be the first option presented to the parents.
- Investigate the transportation problem.
- Create a full menu of choices for parents who have children with differing needs and developmental interests.
Superintendent Tarzian said that it was her understanding that the district needed to provide bussing at the end of each regular school program, and that she would get back to me on this issue within 24 hours.
She said she would try to get back to me on the other two issues by the end of the week.
This was what was on the first paper:
Points of Concern:
1. District 509J has failed to train their principals on bussing regulations.
At the 2007 Kindergarten Night at Adams School, Principal Pearson instructed the attending parents that there would be NO bussing provided for half-day kindergarten. When presented with information given to me by Kathy Rodeman (that bussing must be provided upon request), Principal Pearson responded that she had never been informed of such a policy.
2. District 509J charges tuition for 5-day full-day kindergarten programs. This appears to be a violation of OAR 581-022-0803(1) and ORS 339.141(3)(a).
If there is no clear distinction between the "classes or courses of study ... which are not a part of the regular school program" (as authorized ORS 339.141(2)), and the regular school program, then it must be assumed that the entire daily schedule fails into the regular school program. This distinction in the daily schedule is clear for the 3-day full-day program (allowing students to attend 2.5 days of the program). In speaking with kindergarten teachers, no such distinction appears to be made for the 5-day full-day program.
3. District 509J authorizes tuition waivers to a pre-determined number of students based on a random lottery. This appears to be a violation of ORS 339.147(1)(a,b)
Some students who qualify under 339.147(1)(a,b) are currently paying tuition for "courses not part of the regular school program".
Requests for Resolution
1. All 509J elementary principals be instructed regarding bussing policies. At a minimum, all parents of students in half-day programs should be informed that busses are available upon request.
2. If the district should choose to classify a portion of the 5-day full-day program as "classes or courses of study ... which are not a part of the regular school program", then it should allow open and free enrollment in that portion of the program that is classified as the "regular school program".
3. Allow open and free enrollment for ALL kindergarten programs for students who qualify under 139.147(1)(a,b). This policy should be explained clearly at the Kindergarten Night for each elementary school in District 509J.
I won't post the other page on the blog, because all I did was copy state laws from the appropriate websites. These were the quoted laws:
OAR 581-022-0803
(from http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/rules/
OARS_500/OAR_581/581_022.html)
ORS 339.141 and ORS 339.147
(from http://www.leg.state.or.us/ors/339.html)
We were in Superintendent Tarzian's office for about a half hour. We had a very good talk. We felt like she was very interested in our concerns. We felt like she even agreed with us on most of the issues. As opposed to the meeting we had with Kathy Rodeman, we felt like Superintendent Tarzian wants to get this resolved and has to power to do so.
These were my notes on the things that Superintendent Tarzian promised us would happen
- Work with school to communicate the availability of the free programs. This should be the first option presented to the parents.
- Investigate the transportation problem.
- Create a full menu of choices for parents who have children with differing needs and developmental interests.
Superintendent Tarzian said that it was her understanding that the district needed to provide bussing at the end of each regular school program, and that she would get back to me on this issue within 24 hours.
She said she would try to get back to me on the other two issues by the end of the week.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Appointement with Superintendent
Julie Cartala called again this morning. She wanted to get us an appointment with Superintendent Tarzian early next week because district policy requires her to answer each appeal within 10 days of receiving the request (as noted in the documents Julie forwarded).
Denise and I are scheduled to meet with Ms. Tarzian Monday, March 19th at 2pm.
Denise and I are scheduled to meet with Ms. Tarzian Monday, March 19th at 2pm.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
First Contact From the Office of the Superintendent
My wife spoke to Jennifer Moody yesterday. Jennifer said she was disappointed that her counterpart was not following up on this story. I emailed her the address of this blog yesterday afternoon.
This morning at approximately 8:20 am, I was contacted by phone by Julie Catala at the Office of the Superintendent. She seemed uninformed regarding this particular complaint, so we spoke briefly regarding the steps that have already been taken.
She wanted to make sure that I was following correct district procedure in resolving my complaint. I assured her that I had already spoken with the school principal, filed a formal written complaint with District 509J, exchanged emails and phone messages with Jim Hogeboom and met personally with Kathy Rodeman. I gave her my email address, and she sent me the following email:
Hello Ron, I appreciate the time you took to talk with me just now. Here are the policy and administrative regulation that outline the process we are undertaking to address the concerns you have.
I understand from our conversation that you have already completed the complaint forms and are interested in appealing Kathy Rodeman’s decision to Superintendent Dawn Tarzian; please verify that for me by replying to this email. Then I’ll be in touch to find some time for you and your wife to meet with Superintendent Tarzian.
If you need to call me directly, my number is xxx-xxxx. I have voicemail, so even if you need to call after hours, you may leave a message for me.
Thank you again; I look forward to hearing from you and assisting you further.
Julie
Julie Catala
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
Corvallis School District 509J
These were the attachments:
(1)
CORVALLIS SCHOOL DISTRICT 509J
Code: KL
Adopted: 4/12/99
PUBLIC COMPLAINTS
Complaints are handled and resolved as close to their origin as possible.
Although no community member will be denied the right to petition the Board for redress of a grievance, complaints will be referred through the proper administrative channels for solution before investigation or action by the Board. Exceptions are complaints that concern Board actions or Board operations.
The Board advises the public that the proper channeling of complaints involving instruction, discipline or learning materials is as follows:
1. Teacher;
2. Building principal;
3. Superintendent;
4. Board.
While speakers may during public meetings offer objective criticism of school operations and programs, the Board will not hear personal complaints concerning district personnel nor against any person connected with the school system. To do so could expose the Board to a charge of being party to slander and would prejudice any necessity to act as the final review of administrative recommendations regarding the matter. The Board chairman will direct the patron to the appropriate means for Board consideration and disposition of legitimate complaints involving individuals.
The superintendent shall develop regulations designed to encourage the timely resolution of public complaints while providing a system of review which will allow both the complainant and the district an opportunity to be heard.
END OF POLICY
Legal References:
ORS 192.610—192.690
ORS 332.107
OAR 581-022-1940
Anderson v. Central Point School District No. 6, 554 F. Supp. 600 (D. Oregon 1982); aff'd in part, 746 F.2d 505 (9th Cir. 1984).
Connick v. Myers, 461 U.S. 138 (1983).
Cross Reference:
Policy BDDH - Public Participation
(continued)
PAGE 2-NUMPAGES 1
PAGE 1-NUMPAGES 1
(2)
CORVALLIS SCHOOL DISTRICT 509J
Code: KL-AR
Adopted: 4/12/99
Revised/Readopted: 8/14/06
PUBLIC COMPLAINT PROCEDURE
The following procedure will be used for all complaints:
1. A student or parent with a complaint shall generally first present it orally and informally to his/her teacher or the appropriate school employee;
2. If the complaint is not resolved, the complainant may formally present the complaint in writing (including all supporting statements and evidence) within 10 working days of the informal conference to the principal. The principal shall evaluate the evidence and render a decision within 10 working days after receiving the appeal;
3. If the complainant deems it desirable to carry the complaint beyond the decision reached by the principal, he/she may, within 10 working days, file the complaint with the superintendent or his/her designee. The superintendent or his/her designee shall evaluate the evidence and render a decision within ten working days after receiving the appeal;
4. If the complainant deems it desirable to carry the complaint beyond the decision reached by the superintendent or his/her designee, he/she may within 10 working days request a review by the Board at its next regularly scheduled meeting. A final determination shall be made within 20 working days from receipt of the appeal by the Board;
5. Persons may, after exhausting local complaint procedures, appeal in writing to the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Time
The number of days given at each level shall be regarded as a maximum and every effort will be made to expedite the process. However, the time limits stated may be extended by mutual agreement of the complainant and the administration.
Withdrawal
A complaint may be withdrawn by the complainant at any level without prejudice, reprisal or record.
Meetings and Decisions
At each of the levels the complainant shall be given the opportunity to be present and to be heard. All decisions at each level shall be in writing and include supporting rationale with the exception of the initial informal contact. Copies of all decisions and recommendations shall be furnished promptly to all parties of interest.
SUGGESTION, COMPLAINT OR COMMENDATION REGARDING AN
EMPLOYEE, PROGRAM, OR PRACTICE
The district is interested in suggestions, complaints, and commendations involving employees or programs. When such is registered, we are interested in investigating the incident to see if there has been a misunderstanding or if some corrective action should be taken to improve the district. Commendations are of value to the district because they improve morale and encourage district employees to take pride in their work and do more than is ordinarily expected of them.
As both complaints and commendations are of value to the district, we welcome comments and request you fill in the information requested below.
Name of Employee/Program Date of Suggestion, Complaint, or Commendation
Nature of Suggestion, Complaint, or Commendation:
Source of your information:
Justification of your feelings:
Remedy sought:
Signed Date Address Telephone
I have read but do not necessarily agree:
Employee Date Immediate Supervisor Date
PUBLIC COMPLAINT PROCEDURE—KL-AR
(continued)
PAGE 2-NUMPAGES 2
PAGE 1-NUMPAGES 2
I responded with this email:
Julie,
Thank you for the documents regarding district procedure. I have read them both and would like to appeal Kathy Rodeman's decision to the Superintendent.
My contact at the Oregon Department of Education is Mr. Russ Sweet. This is his contact information:
Russ Sweet
Education Specialist, Oregon Reading First
Office of Educational Improvement and Innovation
Oregon Department of Education
255 Capitol Street NE
Salem, Oregon 97310
Desk: (503) xxx-xxxx
Fax: (503) xxx-xxxx
russ.sweet@state.or.us
I have been keeping him informed of all communications that I have made regarding this matter. I have sent a copy of this email to Mr. Sweet. I have also attached the two documents you sent me this morning so that he may have a copy.
Ronald Bjarnason
Corvallis, OR
This was the first time it has been suggested to me that this would go to the School Board. In retrospect, I should have assumed it would go to them eventually.
This morning at approximately 8:20 am, I was contacted by phone by Julie Catala at the Office of the Superintendent. She seemed uninformed regarding this particular complaint, so we spoke briefly regarding the steps that have already been taken.
She wanted to make sure that I was following correct district procedure in resolving my complaint. I assured her that I had already spoken with the school principal, filed a formal written complaint with District 509J, exchanged emails and phone messages with Jim Hogeboom and met personally with Kathy Rodeman. I gave her my email address, and she sent me the following email:
Hello Ron, I appreciate the time you took to talk with me just now. Here are the policy and administrative regulation that outline the process we are undertaking to address the concerns you have.
I understand from our conversation that you have already completed the complaint forms and are interested in appealing Kathy Rodeman’s decision to Superintendent Dawn Tarzian; please verify that for me by replying to this email. Then I’ll be in touch to find some time for you and your wife to meet with Superintendent Tarzian.
If you need to call me directly, my number is xxx-xxxx. I have voicemail, so even if you need to call after hours, you may leave a message for me.
Thank you again; I look forward to hearing from you and assisting you further.
Julie
Julie Catala
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
Corvallis School District 509J
These were the attachments:
(1)
CORVALLIS SCHOOL DISTRICT 509J
Code: KL
Adopted: 4/12/99
PUBLIC COMPLAINTS
Complaints are handled and resolved as close to their origin as possible.
Although no community member will be denied the right to petition the Board for redress of a grievance, complaints will be referred through the proper administrative channels for solution before investigation or action by the Board. Exceptions are complaints that concern Board actions or Board operations.
The Board advises the public that the proper channeling of complaints involving instruction, discipline or learning materials is as follows:
1. Teacher;
2. Building principal;
3. Superintendent;
4. Board.
While speakers may during public meetings offer objective criticism of school operations and programs, the Board will not hear personal complaints concerning district personnel nor against any person connected with the school system. To do so could expose the Board to a charge of being party to slander and would prejudice any necessity to act as the final review of administrative recommendations regarding the matter. The Board chairman will direct the patron to the appropriate means for Board consideration and disposition of legitimate complaints involving individuals.
The superintendent shall develop regulations designed to encourage the timely resolution of public complaints while providing a system of review which will allow both the complainant and the district an opportunity to be heard.
END OF POLICY
Legal References:
ORS 192.610—192.690
ORS 332.107
OAR 581-022-1940
Anderson v. Central Point School District No. 6, 554 F. Supp. 600 (D. Oregon 1982); aff'd in part, 746 F.2d 505 (9th Cir. 1984).
Connick v. Myers, 461 U.S. 138 (1983).
Cross Reference:
Policy BDDH - Public Participation
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CORVALLIS SCHOOL DISTRICT 509J
Code: KL-AR
Adopted: 4/12/99
Revised/Readopted: 8/14/06
PUBLIC COMPLAINT PROCEDURE
The following procedure will be used for all complaints:
1. A student or parent with a complaint shall generally first present it orally and informally to his/her teacher or the appropriate school employee;
2. If the complaint is not resolved, the complainant may formally present the complaint in writing (including all supporting statements and evidence) within 10 working days of the informal conference to the principal. The principal shall evaluate the evidence and render a decision within 10 working days after receiving the appeal;
3. If the complainant deems it desirable to carry the complaint beyond the decision reached by the principal, he/she may, within 10 working days, file the complaint with the superintendent or his/her designee. The superintendent or his/her designee shall evaluate the evidence and render a decision within ten working days after receiving the appeal;
4. If the complainant deems it desirable to carry the complaint beyond the decision reached by the superintendent or his/her designee, he/she may within 10 working days request a review by the Board at its next regularly scheduled meeting. A final determination shall be made within 20 working days from receipt of the appeal by the Board;
5. Persons may, after exhausting local complaint procedures, appeal in writing to the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Time
The number of days given at each level shall be regarded as a maximum and every effort will be made to expedite the process. However, the time limits stated may be extended by mutual agreement of the complainant and the administration.
Withdrawal
A complaint may be withdrawn by the complainant at any level without prejudice, reprisal or record.
Meetings and Decisions
At each of the levels the complainant shall be given the opportunity to be present and to be heard. All decisions at each level shall be in writing and include supporting rationale with the exception of the initial informal contact. Copies of all decisions and recommendations shall be furnished promptly to all parties of interest.
SUGGESTION, COMPLAINT OR COMMENDATION REGARDING AN
EMPLOYEE, PROGRAM, OR PRACTICE
The district is interested in suggestions, complaints, and commendations involving employees or programs. When such is registered, we are interested in investigating the incident to see if there has been a misunderstanding or if some corrective action should be taken to improve the district. Commendations are of value to the district because they improve morale and encourage district employees to take pride in their work and do more than is ordinarily expected of them.
As both complaints and commendations are of value to the district, we welcome comments and request you fill in the information requested below.
Name of Employee/Program Date of Suggestion, Complaint, or Commendation
Nature of Suggestion, Complaint, or Commendation:
Source of your information:
Justification of your feelings:
Remedy sought:
Signed Date Address Telephone
I have read but do not necessarily agree:
Employee Date Immediate Supervisor Date
PUBLIC COMPLAINT PROCEDURE—KL-AR
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I responded with this email:
Julie,
Thank you for the documents regarding district procedure. I have read them both and would like to appeal Kathy Rodeman's decision to the Superintendent.
My contact at the Oregon Department of Education is Mr. Russ Sweet. This is his contact information:
Russ Sweet
Education Specialist, Oregon Reading First
Office of Educational Improvement and Innovation
Oregon Department of Education
255 Capitol Street NE
Salem, Oregon 97310
Desk: (503) xxx-xxxx
Fax: (503) xxx-xxxx
russ.sweet@state.or.us
I have been keeping him informed of all communications that I have made regarding this matter. I have sent a copy of this email to Mr. Sweet. I have also attached the two documents you sent me this morning so that he may have a copy.
Ronald Bjarnason
Corvallis, OR
This was the first time it has been suggested to me that this would go to the School Board. In retrospect, I should have assumed it would go to them eventually.
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