Special Concerns Complaint Process

  • File a Complaint for Discrimination or Sexual Harassment

    Some types of concerns dictate a certain response according to district policy/procedure, state law, and/or federal law.

    If you believe that you or your student have experienced unlawful discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or sexual harassment at school, you have the right to file a complaint.

    Before filing a complaint, you can report your concerns to your school’s principal or designated Kent School District (KSD) staff. This is often the fastest way to resolve your concerns.

    Complaint to Kent School District

    In most cases, complaints must be filed within one year from the date of the incident or conduct that is the subject of the complaint.

    Step 1: Write Out Your Complaint

    A complaint must be in writing. Be sure to describe the conduct or incident, explain why you believe discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or sexual harassment has taken place, and describe what actions you believe the district should take to resolve the problem.

    Send your written complaint by mail, email, or hand-deliver to the superintendent or civil rights compliance coordinator.

    Step 2: KSD Investigates Your Complaint

    Once Kent School District receives your written complaint, the coordinator will give you a copy of the complaint procedure and make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The superintendent or designee will respond to you in writing within 30 calendar days—unless you agree on a different time period.

    If your complaint involves exceptional circumstances that demand a lengthier investigation, the district will notify you in writing to explain why staff need a time extension and the new date for their written response.

    Step 3: KSD Responds to Your Complaint

    In its written response, Kent School District will include:

    • A summary of the results of the investigation.
    • A determination of whether or not the district failed to comply with civil rights laws.
    • Notification that you can appeal this determination.
    • Any measures necessary to bring the district into compliance with civil rights laws.

    Corrective measures will be put into effect within 30 calendar days after this written response—unless you agree to a different time period.

    Appeal to the Kent School Board

    If you disagree with Kent School District’s decision, you may appeal to the Kent School Board of Directors.

    • You must file a notice of appeal in writing to the secretary of the school board within 10 calendar days after you received the school district’s response to your complaint.
    • The school board will schedule a hearing within 20 calendar days after they received your appeal unless you agree on a different timeline.
    • The school board will send you a written decision within 30 calendar days after the district received your notice of appeal. The school board’s decision will include information about how to file a formal complaint with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).
Last Modified on January 12, 2022