File A Complaint
Report A General Complaint
How to File a Public Complaint
Brookings-Harbor School District values open communication and takes concerns from parents, students, staff, and community members seriously. If you have a concern or issue you would like to address, there is a formal process in place to ensure your voice is heard and your concerns are reviewed in a fair and timely manner.
Step 1: Start with the Staff Member Involved
If you have a concern, first try to resolve the issue by speaking directly with the staff member involved. Often, concerns can be addressed quickly at this level through a respectful conversation.
Step 2: Contact the Supervisor
If the issue is not resolved after talking with the staff member, you may file a written, signed complaint with that person’s supervisor within five (5) working days of the response.
-
A Complaint Form is available but not required.
-
The supervisor will review the complaint and provide a decision within five (5) working days of receiving it.
Step 3: Submit a Complaint to the Superintendent
If you're not satisfied with the supervisor's decision, you may submit a written, signed complaint to the Superintendent or their designee within ten (10) working days.
-
Be sure to include the nature of the complaint and your suggested resolution.
-
The Superintendent or designee will investigate, meet with the involved parties, and issue a written response within ten (10) working days.
Step 4: Appeal to the School Board
If the complaint is still not resolved to your satisfaction, you may appeal the Superintendent’s decision to the Brookings-Harbor School Board within five (5) working days of receiving the decision.
-
The Board may review the matter during a public meeting or in executive session (if legally permitted).
-
A final written decision will be issued within 30 days and will include responses to each complaint point.
Special Situations
-
Complaints against a school principal: File with the Superintendent. If unresolved within 10 working days, you may request the item be placed on a future School Board agenda.
-
Complaints against the Superintendent: Submit directly to the Board Chair.
-
Complaints against the Board as a whole or an individual Board member: Submit to the Board Chair (or to the Vice Chair if the complaint is about the Chair).
-
In each case, the Board may choose to investigate, hold a hearing, or take other appropriate action. Final written decisions will be issued within 30 days and will include reasoning for the district’s response.
Final Appeals Outside the District
For complaints involving Oregon Department of Education rules (Division 22 Standards, restraint and seclusion laws, retaliation protections, etc.), and if unresolved through the local process, you may appeal the district’s final decision to the Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction under OAR 581-002-0001 through 581-002-0023.
Administrative Rule KL (1)- Public Complaint Procedure - aka "The Complaint Form"
Administrative Rule KL (2) - Appeal to the Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction