104.1 - Equal Educational Opportunity

The following statement is to be published in written and electronic form in the district’s official documents and on the district’s website.

It is the goal of the board to develop a healthy social, intellectual, emotional, and physical self-concept in the students enrolled in the school district. Each student attending school will have the opportunity to use its education program and services as a means for self-improvement and individual growth. In so doing, the students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that assures each student the same educational opportunity.

The Linn-Mar Community School District does not to discriminate on the basis of age (for employment), color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status (for programs), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, genetic information, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, military status, socioeconomic status (for programs), pregnancy, or familial status in its educational programs and its employment practices. The belief in equal educational opportunity serves as a guide for the board and employees in making decisions relating to school district facilities, employment, selection of educational materials, equipment, curriculum, and regulations affecting students.

Further, the school board affirms the right of all students, staff, and volunteers to be treated with respect and to be protected from intimidation, discrimination, physical harm, and harassment. In the delivery of the educational program, students will treat the employees with respect and students will receive the same in return. Employees have the best interest of the students in mind and will assist them in school-related or personal matters if they are able to do so. Students should feel free to discuss problems, whether school-related or personal, with school counselors or other employees.

Board policies, rules, and regulations affect students while they are on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school owned and/or operated school or chartered vehicles, while attending or engaged in school activities; and while away from school grounds if misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management, and welfare of the school district.

Board policy refers to the term “parents” in many policies. The term “parents” for purposes of the Linn-Mar Community School District means the legal parents, the legal guardians or custodians of a student, and students who have reached the age of majority or are otherwise considered an adult by law.

The school board also requires all persons, agencies, vendors, contractors, and other persons and organizations doing business with or performing services for the school district to subscribe to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, executive orders, rules, and regulations pertaining to bullying/harassment, compliance, and equal opportunity.

There is a grievance procedure related to this policy. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy, please contact the district’s equity coordinators. (Refer to Policy 104.1-R)

Equity Coordinator/Title IX Coordinator/Affirmative Action Coordinator:
Karla Christian, Chief Officer of Human Resources
319-447-3036 / kchristian@Linnmar.k12.ia.us

Equity Coordinators:
Nathan Wear, Associate Superintendent (Secondary Level)
319-447-3028 / nathan.wear@Linnmar.k12.ia.us

Bob Read, Associate Superintendent (Elementary Level)
319-447-3016 / bread@Linnmar.k12.ia.us

Special Education/Student Services Equity Coordinator:
Melissa Frick, Executive Director of Student Services
319-447-3663 / melissa.frick@Linnmar.k12.ia.us

Address: 2999 N 10th Street, Marion, IA 52302
Fax: 319-377-9252

Inquiries regarding compliance with equal educational opportunity and affirmative action laws and policies, including but not limited to complaints of discrimination, are directed to the affirmative action coordinator listed above.

Inquiries regarding compliance with equal educational opportunity and affirmative action laws and policies, including but not limited to complaints of discrimination, may also be directed in writing to the Director of the Region VI Office of Civil Rights, US Department of Education, John C. Kluczynski Federal Building, 230 S Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604 / 312-730-1560 / Fax 312-730-1576 / OCR.Chicago@ed.gov / the Iowa Civil Rights Commissioner at https://icrc.iowa.gov or 515-281-4121; or the Iowa Department of Education, Grimes State Office Building, Des Moines, IA 50319 / 515-281-5294. This inquiry or complaint to the federal or state office may be done instead of, or in addition to, an inquiry or complaint to the local level.

Further information and copies of the procedures for filing a complaint are available in the district’s central administrative offices and the administrative office in each attendance center.


Adopted: 11/08
Reviewed: 10/11; 5/14; 9/16; 3/23
Revised: 9/10; 4/13; 7/17; 10/17; 11/18; 6/20; 2/21; 10/23
Related Policy: 104.1-R; 104.1-E1-E5; 400.1
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 216.6; 216.9; 256.11; 280.3
IASB Reference: 102
Mandatory Policy

104.1-R - Regulations Regarding Equal Educational Opportunity Grievances

It is the policy of the Linn-Mar Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, genetic information, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, military status, socioeconomic status, pregnancy, or familial status in its educational programs and its employment practices.

Students, parents/guardians of students, employees, volunteers, and applicants for employment in the school district have the right to file a formal complaint alleging discrimination. The district has policies and procedures in place to identify and investigate complaints alleging discrimination. This policy and procedures are to be used for complaints of discrimination, in lieu of any other general complaint policies or procedures that may be available. If appropriate, the district will take steps to prevent the recurrence of discrimination and to correct its discriminatory effects on the complainant and others.

A complainant may attempt to resolve the problem informally by discussing the matter with a building principal or a direct supervisor. However, the complainant has the right to end the informal process at any time and pursue the formal grievance procedures outlined below. Use of the informal or formal grievance procedures is not a prerequisite to the pursuit of other remedies. Please note that informal processes and procedures are not to be used in certain circumstances (Example: sexual harassment and sexual assault).

If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy, please contact the district’s equity coordinators:

Equity Coordinator/Title IX Coordinator/Affirmative Action Coordinator:
Karla Christian, Chief Officer of Human Resources
319-447-3036 / kchristian@Linnmar.k12.ia.us

Equity Coordinators:
Nathan Wear, Associate Superintendent (Secondary Level)
319-447-3028 / nathan.wear@Linnmar.k12.ia.us

Bob Read, Associate Superintendent (Elementary Level)
319-447-3016 / bread@Linnmar.k12.ia.us

Special Education/Student Services Equity Coordinator:
Melissa Frick, Executive Director of Student Services
319-447-3663 / melissa.frick@Linnmar.k12.ia.us

Address: 2999 N 10th Street, Marion, IA 52302
Fax: 319-377-9252

LEVEL ONE: (Informal and optional - May be bypassed by the complainant)
Employees or volunteers with a complaint of discrimination based upon their age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, genetic information, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, military status, socioeconomic status, pregnancy, or familial status are encouraged to first discuss it with their immediate supervisor with the objective of resolving the matter informally. This paragraph is for employees and marital status isn’t a protected class for employees.

An applicant for employment with a complaint of discrimination based upon their age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, genetic information, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, military status, socioeconomic status, pregnancy, or familial status are encouraged to first discuss it with the chief officer of human resources. This paragraph is for employees and marital status isn’t a protected class for employees.

A student or a parent/guardian of a student with a complaint of discrimination based upon their age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, genetic information, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, military status, socioeconomic status, pregnancy, or familial status are encouraged to discuss it with the instructor, counselor, supervisor, building administrator, program administrator, or personnel contact person directly involved.

LEVEL TWO: FILING A GRIEVANCE AND INVESTIGATION

Filing a Grievance: If the complaint is not resolved at Level One and the complainant wishes to pursue a grievance, they may formalize it by filing a complaint in writing with the district’s equity coordinators. An alternate investigator will be designated in the event it is claimed that the equity coordinators committed the alleged discrimination, or some other conflict of interest exists. (Refer to Policy 104.1-E3)

The complainant will provide a written statement of the nature of the grievance and the remedy requested. The filing of the formal, written complaint at Level Two must be within 15 working days from the date of the event giving rise to the grievance or from the date the complainant could reasonably become aware of such occurrence.

The complainant may request that a meeting concerning the grievance be held with the equity coordinators. The complainant will be given the opportunity to present witnesses and other relevant information. A minor student may be accompanied at the meeting by a parent or guardian. The equity coordinators shall assist the complainant as needed.

Investigation: Within 15 working days, the equity coordinators will begin the investigation of the complaint or appoint a qualified person to undertake the investigation and attempt to resolve it. The grievance and identity of the complainant, respondent, or witnesses will only be disclosed as reasonably necessary in connection with the investigation or as required by law or policy. (Refer to Policy 104.1-E4)

This investigation may include but is not limited to the following:

  • A request for the individual named in the grievance to provide a written statement;
  • A request for the witnesses identified during the course of the investigation to provide a written statement;
  • Interviews with the complainant, respondent, or witnesses;
  • Opportunity to present witnesses or other relevant information; and
  • Review and collection of documentation or information deemed relevant to the investigation.

Within 30 working days, the equity coordinators shall complete the investigation and issue a report with respect to the findings.

If any of the stated timeframes cannot be met by the district, the district will notify the parties and pursue completion as promptly as possible.

If, in cases of disability grievances at the elementary and secondary level, the issue is not resolved through the grievance process the parents/guardians have a right to an impartial hearing to resolve the issue.

Retaliation against any person, because the person filed a grievance or assisted and/or participated in an investigation is prohibited. Persons found to have engaged in retaliation shall be subject to discipline by appropriate measures.

LEVEL THREE: DECISION AND APPEAL TO THE SUPERINTENDENT
The equity coordinators shall notify the complainant and respondent of the decision within five working days of completing the written report. Notification shall be by USPS mail, first class. (Refer to Policy 104.1-E5)

If the grievance is not resolved at Level Two, the complainant may appeal it to Level Three by presenting a written appeal detailing why they believe the decision should be reconsidered to the superintendent within 10 working days after the complainant receives the report from the equity coordinators.

The complainant may request a meeting with the superintendent. The superintendent may also request a meeting with the complainant to discuss the appeal.

Within 30 working days, the superintendent shall affirm, reverse, amend the decision, or direct the equity coordinators to gather additional information. The superintendent shall notify the complainant, respondent, and equity coordinators of the decision within five working days of the decision. Notification shall be by USPS mail, first class.

The decision of the superintendent in no way prejudices a party from seeking redress through state or federal agencies as provided by in law.

LEVEL FOUR: APPEAL TO THE SCHOOL BOARD
If the complainant is not satisfied with the superintendent’s decision, they can file a written appeal with the school board president within five days of the superintendent’s decision detailing why they believe the decision should be reconsidered. It is within the discretion of the school board to determine whether it will hear the appeal.


Adopted: 9/10
Reviewed: 10/11; 9/16; 3/23
Revised: 4/13; 5/14; 7/17; 10/17; 11/18; 6/20; 10/23
Related Policy: 104.1; 104.1-E1-E5
IASB Reference: 102-R(1)

104.1-E1 - Annual Notice of Non-Discrimination

The Linn-Mar Community School District offers career and technical education programs in the following areas of study:

  • Agricultural-Science
  • Business
  • Design, Engineering, and Materials
  • Family & Consumer Sciences

It is the policy of the Linn-Mar Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, genetic information, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, military status, socioeconomic status, pregnancy, or familial status in its educational programs and its employment practices.

There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy, please contact the district’s equity coordinators. (Refer to Policies 104.1-R and 104.1-E3)

Equity Coordinator/Title IX Coordinator/Affirmative Action Coordinator:
Karla Christian, Chief Officer of Human Resources
319-447-3036 / kchristian@Linnmar.k12.ia.us

Equity Coordinators:
Nathan Wear, Associate Superintendent (Secondary Level)
319-447-3028 / nathan.wear@Linnmar.k12.ia.us

Bob Read, Associate Superintendent (Elementary Level)
319-447-3016 / bread@Linnmar.k12.ia.us

Special Education/Student Services Equity Coordinator:
Melissa Frick, Executive Director of Student Services
319-447-3663 / melissa.frick@Linnmar.k12.ia.us

Address: 2999 N 10th Street, Marion, IA 52302
Fax: 319-377-9252


Reviewed: 5/14; 9/16; 3/23
Revised: 7/17; 10/17; 11/18; 6/20; 10/23
Related Policy: 104.1; 104.1-R; 104.1-E2-E6
IASB Reference: 102-EH(1)

104.1-E2 - Continuous Notice of Non-Discrimination

It is the policy of the Linn-Mar Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, genetic information, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, military status, socioeconomic status, pregnancy, or familial status in its educational programs and its employment practices.

There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy, please contact the district’s equity coordinators. (Refer to Policies 104.1-R and 104.1-E3)

Equity Coordinator/Title IX Coordinator/Affirmative Action Coordinator:
Karla Christian, Chief Officer of Human Resources
319-447-3036 / kchristian@Linnmar.k12.ia.us  

Equity Coordinators:
Nathan Wear, Associate Superintendent (Secondary Level)
319-447-3028 / nathan.wear@Linnmar.k12.ia.us

Bob Read, Associate Superintendent (Elementary Level)
319-447-3016 / bread@Linnmar.k12.ia.us

Special Education/Student Services Equity Coordinator:
Melissa Frick, Executive Director of Student Services
319-447-3663 / melissa.frick@Linnmar.k12.ia.us

Address: 2999 N 10th Street, Marion, IA 52302
Fax: 319-377-9252


Adopted: 10/17
Reviewed: 3/23
Revised: 11/18; 6/20; 10/23
Related Policy: 104.1; 104.1-R; 104.1-E1, E3-E6
IASB Reference: 102-EH(2)

104.1-E3 Discrimination Complaint Form

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FORM


Date of Complaint:
Name of Complainant:

Are you filling out this form for yourself or someone else?
(Please identify the individual if you are submitting this form on behalf of someone else):

Who or what entity do you believe discriminated against you (or someone else)?

Date and Place of Alleged Incident:
Names of Witnesses:

Nature of alleged discrimination (Check all that apply):

  Age   Marital Status
  Color   Sex
  Creed   Sexual Orientation
  National Origin   Gender Identity
  Race   Political Party Preference
  Religion   Political Beliefs
  Ancestry   Socioeconomic Status
  Physical Attributes   Familial Status
  Genetic Information   Pregnancy
  Physical/Mental Ability or Disability   Military Status
  Other - Please Specify

In the space below, please describe what happened and why you believe that you or someone else has been discriminated against. Please be as specific as possible and attach additional pages if necessary. 

I agree that all the information on this form is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge.
Complainant's Signature:
Date:

Return this completed form to:

Equity Coordinator/Title IX Coordinator/Affirmative Action Coordinator:
Karla Christian, Chief Officer of Human Resources
319-447-3036 / kchristian@Linnmar.k12.ia.us

Equity Coordinators:
Nathan Wear, Associate Superintendent  (Secondary Level)
319-447-3028 / nathan.wear@Linnmar.k12.ia.us

Bob Read, Associate Superintendent (Elementary Level)
319-447-3016 / bread@Linnmar.k12.ia.us

Special Education/Student Services Equity Coordinator:
Melissa Frick, Executive Director of Student Services
319-447-3663 / melissa.frick@Linnmar.k12.ia.us

Address: 2999 N 10th Street, Marion, IA 52302
Fax: 319-377-9252


Adopted: 10/17
Reviewed: 3/23
Revised: 6/20; 10/23
Related Policy: 103.1; 103.1-R; 103.1-E1-E3; 104.1; 104.1-R; 104.1-E1-E2; E4-E5
IASB Reference: 102-E(4)

104.1-E4 Discrimination Witness Disclosure Form

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FORM


Name of Witness:
Date of Interview:
Date of Initial Complaint:
Name of Complainant (include whether the complainant is a student or employee):
Date and Place of Alleged Incident:

Nature of alleged discrimination (Check all that apply):

  Age   Marital Status
  Color   Sex
  Creed   Sexual Orientation
  National Origin   Gender Identity
  Race   Political Party Preference
  Religion   Political Beliefs
  Ancestry   Socioeconomic Status
  Physical Attributes   Familial Status
  Genetic Information   Pregnancy
  Physical/Mental Ability or Disability   Military Status
  Other - Please Specify

Description of incident witnessed (Attach additional sheet, if needed):

Additional Pertinent Information (Attach additional sheet, if needed):

I agree that all the information on this form is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge.
Witness' Signature:
Date:

Return this completed form to:

Equity Coordinator/Title IX Coordinator/Affirmative Action Coordinator:
Karla Christian, Chief Officer of Human Resources
319-447-3036 / kchristian@Linnmar.k12.ia.us

Equity Coordinators:
Nathan Wear, Associate Superintendent (Secondary Level)
319-447-3028 / nathan.wear@Linnmar.k12.ia.us

Bob Read, Associate Superintendent (Elementary Level)
319-447-3016 / bread@Linnmar.k12.ia.us

Special Education/Student Services Equity Coordinator:
Melissa Frick, Executive Director of Student Services
319-447-3663 / melissa.frick@Linnmar.k12.ia.us

Address: 2999 N 10th Street, Marion, IA 52302
Fax: 319-377-9252       


Adopted: 10/17
Reviewed: 3/23
Revised: 6/20; 10/23
Related Policy: 104.1; 104.1-R; 104.1-E1-E3; E5
IASB Reference: 102-E(5)

104.1-E5 Discrimination Disposition of Complaint Form

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FORM


Today's Date:
Name of Complainant (include whether the complainant is a student or employee):
Date of Initial Complaint:
Date and Place of Alleged Incident:
Name of Respondent (include whether the respondent is a student/employee/volunteer):

Nature of alleged discrimination (Check all that apply):

  Age   Martial Status
  Color   Sex
  Creed   Sexual Orientation
  National Origin   Gender Identity
  Race   Political Party Preference
  Religion   Political Beliefs
  Ancestry   Socioeconomic Status
  Physical Attributes   Familial Status
  Genetic Information   Pregnancy
  Physical/Mental Ability or Disability   Military Status
  Other - Please Specify

Summary of Investigation:

I agree that the information on this form is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge.

Equity Coordinator's Signature:
Date:


Adopted: 10/17
Reviewed: 3/23
Revised: 6/20
Related Policy: 103.1; 103.1-R; 103.1-E1-E3; 104.1; 104.1-R; 104.1-E1-E4
IASB Reference: 102.E6