The Board recognizes that situations may arise which are of concern and interest to parents or other public members. The Board also recognizes that suggestions for school improvement can add value to the school organization and its goals. Accordingly, the Board considers it essential to have open channels of communication where concerns and suggestions are shared with personnel and officers in a timely fashion.
As required by law, the Board follows the requirements for reviewing the complaint of any individual or group of a claimed violation of Chapter 71, Section 89. It is the policy of the Board of Trustees of the Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School to solicit written concerns from parents two weeks prior to the scheduled Board meetings.
(1) A parent, guardian or other individuals or groups who believe that a charter school has violated or is violating any provision of M.G.L. c. 71, § 89, or 603 CMR 1.00 may file a complaint with the charter school’s Board of Trustees.
(2) The Board of Trustees shall respond no later than 30 days from receipt of the complaint in writing to the complaining party.
(3) The Board of Trustees shall, pursuant to a complaint received under 603 CMR 1.10, or on its own initiative, conduct reviews to ensure compliance with M.G.L. c. 71, § 89, and 603 CMR 1.00. The charter school and the specific individuals involved shall cooperate to the fullest extent with such review.
(4) A complaining party who believes the complaint has not been adequately addressed by the charter school Board of Trustees may submit the complaint in writing to the Commissioner of Education, who shall investigate such complaint and make a written response.
(5) In the event the charter school is found in non-compliance with M.G.L. c. 71, § 89, or 603 CMR 1.00, as a result of a complaint or upon investigation, the Commissioner or Board of Education may take such action as it deems appropriate, including but not limited to suspension or revocation of the charter under 603 CMR 1.13, or referral of the matter to the District Attorney or the Office of the Attorney General for appropriate legal action.
(6) A parent, guardian or other individuals or groups who believe that a charter school has violated or is violating any state or federal law or regulation regarding special education may file a complaint directly with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
