NYOS Grievance Procedures
Employees who have a complaint about their terms or conditions of work are encouraged to resolve their concerns informally with their co-workers and/or supervisors at the lowest level possible. If the employee is not satisfied with the outcome of the informal resolution, then the employee may file a formal complaint according to the procedures below.
Excluding a complaint against the Superintendent, each complaint must initially be brought at the lowest level of review, at the Campus Principal Review level. If the complaint is against the principal, then the complaint may be initially brought at the Chief Level.
9.1. Campus Principal Review of Complaint- Level 1
Where an employee has a complaint or concern regarding their terms or conditions of work, the individual shall first bring their complaint or concern in writing to the appropriate campus principal or to the employee’s direct supervisor if the employee does not work on a school campus. The complaint must be brought within 15 business days of the date that the complainant knew or should have known of the alleged harm. The complaint must be specific, and where possible suggest a resolution. The principal/supervisor must consider the complaint, attempt to remedy the complaint in the best interest of the affected parties, and document the outcome. The principal/supervisor must respond to the complainant and issue a final decision in writing within 10 business days of the principal’s/supervisor’s receipt of the complaint.
If the complaint is against the principal/supervisor, the complainant may submit the Level 1 Grievance to the appropriate Chief of Schools or Chief of Operations.
9.2. Superintendent Review of Complaint- Level 2
If the complainant is not satisfied with the final decision of the campus-level response, then the individual may file a written appeal to the Superintendent. This written appeal shall be filed with the Superintendent’s office within 10 business days of the individual’s receipt of the final decision from the campus principal/supervisor. The complaint shall include a copy
of the prior written complaint, along with a copy of the final decision of the campus principal/ supervisor. A copy of the appeal shall also be delivered to the campus principal/supervisor.
The appeal must be specific, and where possible suggest a resolution. The complaint shall not include any new issues or complaints unrelated to the original complaint.
The Superintendent, or the Superintendent’s designee, shall respond to the complaint and issue a final decision in writing within 15 business days of receipt of the written appeal.
9.3. Board of Directors Review of Complaint- Level 3
If the complainant is not satisfied with the Superintendent’s final decision, then the individual may appeal their complaint in writing to the Board of Directors within 10 business days of receiving the Superintendent’s final decision. The complaint shall be directed to the President of the Board and shall include a copy of the written complaint to the Superintendent along with a copy of the Superintendent’s final decision. A copy of this appeal shall also be delivered to the Superintendent.
The President of the Board, at the next regular meeting of the Board, shall provide a copy of the complaint record to all board members. The Board’s decision shall be decided on a review of the record developed at the Superintendent’s level. Any action of the Board of Directors regarding the complaint shall be taken in compliance with the Texas Open Meeting Act.
9.4. Definition of “Business Day”
For purposes of this grievance policy, “business day” means any calendar day that the school’s central administrative office is open without regard to whether students are attending school.