Please feel free to file this under the “you-couldn’t-make-this-stuff-up-if-you-tried” category.
Before writing my last post about Filing a Grievance with Huntsville City Schools, I verified that the form that I had found and linked to, was the correct form to use when submitting a grievance against the board and superintendent. I was concerned about it because, as Redeye pointed out, this was the same form that is used when a parent wishes to file a grievance against a teacher, or other staff member at a school.
I wondered about that when I asked Mrs. McCaulley about the form after the board meeting and she suggested that I pick one up at the schools, but both she and Dr. Robinson had left me with the impression that there was a form to use when a parent had an issue with a board decision.
In fact, I received an email from Dr. Robinson this morning confirming for me that I was indeed using the correct form and that I should submit this form to Dr. Wardynski.
Except now it’s not. (Really. I told you, I couldn’t make this up.)
Moments after posting my last blog, I received a call from Mrs. McCaulley. She informed me that I had indeed filled the form out correctly, but that she had just realized that the board “does not have a policy for when the citizen concern is really against the board.”
She kindly and generously informed me that the 102-7 Policy is really designed for concerns with a teacher, principal, staff member or assistant superintendent, but that when the concern is with the superintendent or the board that the board does not currently have a policy designed to handle those types of grievances.
She assured me that she would look into developing a procedure to handle grievances against the board and superintendent. I believe that she is genuine in her desire to create this, but I have no faith that it will actually happen.
I have asked Dr. Wardynski to respond to the spirit of the request I have made even though there is no policy at the present time that requires him to do so. Shall I hold my breath?
So, once again, the hoop that I was asked to jump through has been pulled away. Do you ever feel like Charlie Brown trying to kick a football that Lucy is holding? Cause I do.
I have always had the desire to slat the shit out of Lucy!
“She kindly and generously informed me that the 102-7 Policy is really designed for concerns with a teacher, principal, staff member or assistant superintendent, but that when the concern is with the superintendent or the board that the board does not currently have a policy designed to handle those types of grievances.”
So if you have a concern or complaint about the board you are tough out of luck? Ain’t that a dip? This is why elections matter. You get what you vote for.
I knew from the start there was no form in place for the citizens to file against the board members. This is the very same form that is place inside schools with the secretary of each school. I am not sorry for each board member for not knowing the facts I am sorry for each citizens for not following-up on their own. I am a parent, teacher, and citizen of Huntsville and not for one second you can sale me sum ~BS~ and think I will not follow up on the crap you just sold me. Most of those board members do not know crap and it’s a crime shame we have people sitting up there every first and third Thursday of the month and they are clueless. Watching them is like going to the ~funny farm~ all of them are full of jokes….
THIS is POLICY 102-7
“It is the policy of Huntsville City Schools to address all concerns brought forth by parents and citizens regarding matters governed by Huntsville City Schools’ policies and procedures and/or the Huntsville City Board of Education. This policy supports the goal of the Board of Education to encourage the best possible relations among students, parents, citizens, teachers, and administrators and to ensure a happy, healthy, and safe learning environment for all students. The Board has confidence in its professional staff and parents and desires to be supportive. Therefore, whenever a concern is made directly to the Board as a whole or to a Board Member as an individual, it will be referred to the appropriate administrative staff for review and resolution. The Board expects that all concerns will be reviewed/resolved in a timely manner at the appropriate level.”
Ok so if they will not honor their OWN policy which has been effective since October 13, 2003 …..then my question is WHY ARE YOU (THE BOARD) EVEN THERE?
I have highlighted certain passages that DIRECTLY effect us all but ARE NOT being adhered to….PURE RHINO SHEET !!
The Board has confidence in its professional staff and parents and desires to be supportive. Therefore, whenever a concern is made directly to the Board as a whole or to a Board Member as an individual, it will be referred to the appropriate administrative staff for review and resolution.
Translation we will investigate and exonerate ourselves and make you look like you are just complaining about nothing.
WHAT REDEYE said !!!
Hi Russell.
Just thought I’d comment on what you’ve described regarding the submission of your form.
First, I disagree with Mrs. McCaulley’s statement:
The 102-7 policy clearly states:
“All concerns”
I submit that your issue is primarily with the Superintendent, who is responsible for creating the budget. Therefore, 102-7 clearly covers your complaint. As you described, you properly filled out the form indicating “Superintendent – Fifth Stage” as this is the level of administration with which you have an issue. Clearly 102-7 covers issues with the “superintendent” since “Superintendent – Fifth Stage” is one of the choices on the Concern/Resolution form.
Mrs. McCaulley’s response is clearly spelled out in 102-7 as follows:
She should be referring the issue (i.e. the questions about the budget) to the Superintendent to review and resolve. “Resolution” would presumably involve an explanation of why the budget cuts were made the way they were, and how this does not violate the laws on the books you’ve previously pointed out. Additionally, she should be referring this to HCS legal counsel to also answer the legal questions you raise. “Resolution” would have to involve some sort of response to the person filing the concern.
I see no justification for inactivity on the Board’s part in what you’ve submitted.
Secondly, regarding grievances against the board members themselves, I suspect the only recourse for such elected officials is to bring legal action against them, or to vote them out.
Good luck. I hope you get some answers.
David
David,
Thanks, I disagree with her statement, too. I’ve written to ask why they just don’t request the superintendent provide the information to me anyway, but I’ve not received a response yet. I agree that legal action and the ballot box are the only true recourse they’ve left parents. I expect we’ll be seeing much of that soon.