Page 24 - Code of Conduct - 2020 - 2021

Step 1
1. A student shall report a complaint of harassment within 30 days, orally or in writing, to the building principal, counselor who shall inform the student of his/her rights and of the complaint process. The student may request another adult be present. If the complaint is not first reported to a principal, then the person receiving the complaint shall immediately report it to a principal.
2. The building principal shall immediately inform the Superintendent and begin an impartial, thorough and confidential investigation process. Where the parties voluntarily agree to a conciliation meeting, the principal shall attempt to reach a mutual agreement to remedy the situation. A written record of such a meeting shall be prepared by the principal.
3. Parent/guardian will be notified immediately and asked if they would like to be present.
4. Copies of the written report summarizing the investigation and recommending disposition of
the complaint shall be provided to the complainant, the accused, and the Superintendent.
5. If the investigation results in a substantiated charge of harassment, the district shall take
prompt corrective action to ensure the harassment ceases and will not recur.
Step 2
1. If the complaint cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of both parties in Step 1, the complainant and the accused will each submit a detailed written statement of account to the Assistant Superintendent who will inform both parties of the date of an administrative conference. The notice will be given to both parties at least three school days before the date of the conference. The notice shall include place and time of the conference and the subject of the conference. Students shall have the right to present witnesses and other evidence at the conference and in all steps of the process.
2. Should the Assistant Superintendent be the Complainant or the accused, the Superintendent or his/her designee shall conduct the conference.
3. Administrative Conference Results
a. Should the administrative conference be resolved in favor of the accused, no further
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Complaint Procedure:
4. 5.
action will be necessary except that the charges and resolution may be placed in the accused file, if the accused is a staff member so requests. Otherwise, the charges and the transcript will be sealed and impounded. Release from the impounding may be made only upon action of the Superintendent or his/her designee or a court order.
b. If the conference is resolved against the accused, appropriate disciplinary action will follow. A substantiated charge against a student shall subject the student disciplinary action, consistent with the code of conduct, and may include educational activities, and/or counseling services related to unlawful harassment. It may also include suspension or expulsion in accordance with the Pennsylvania School Code and the Regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Both parties shall receive written notice of the decision rendered within ten school days of the administrative conference.
If it is concluded that the student made false accusations, such student shall be subject to
disciplinary action consistent with the Disciplinary Guidelines.
Exceptionally Prepared for Success
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