Voluntown Elementary School

Non Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Policy and Procedures

The Voluntown Public Schools, as a matter of policy, provides educational opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, physical handicap, or age. In addition, the Voluntown Board of Education does not permit or condone discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, physical handicap, or age in employment matters or assignment in programs or services provided.  The Title IX compliance officer for the Voluntown Public Schools has the responsibility to monitor compliance with this policy.

Voluntown Compliance Officer is:

Title VI (Civil Rights Act of 1964) & Title IX (Equal Opportunity) – Adra Hetes, Teacher, Voluntown Board of Education, 195 Main Street, PO Box 129, Voluntown, CT 06384     Telephone: 860-376-2325   Email: ahetes@voluntownct.org    

Grievance Procedure:

Any student, parent/guardian, employee or employment applicant who feels that he/she has been discriminated against on the basis of race, color, age, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or handicap may discuss and/or file a grievance with the appropriate compliance officer (Title VI, Title IX, ADA, and Section 504) of the Voluntown Public Schools. Reporting should take place, in writing, within forty (40) calendar days of the alleged discrimination.

A student or parent/guardian of a student who has a question or concerns may choose to seek the help of the building administrator or another adult with whom they trust, such as a teacher, counselor, nurse, psychologist. If satisfaction cannot be achieved through this discussion, the adult sought by the student should assist the student in reporting the incident, in writing, to the appropriate compliance officer. The goal is to resolve the problem at the lowest possible administrative level with an equitable solution. 

The compliance officer will commence an effective, thorough, objective and complete investigation of the complaint within ten (10) working days after receipt of the complaint. The compliance officer will consult with all individuals reasonably believed to have relevant information, including the complainant and the alleged violator, any witnesses to the conduct, and victims of similar conduct that the investigator reasonably believes may exist. The investigation shall be free of stereotypical assumptions about either party. The investigation shall be carried on discreetly, maintaining confidentiality insofar as possible while still conducting an effective and thorough investigation. Throughout the entire investigation process, due process rights will be upheld. No reprisals will be taken or permitted for truthfully asserting a complaint. The compliance officer shall make a written report summarizing the results of the investigation and proposed disposition of the matter, and shall provide copies to the complainant, the alleged violator, and, as appropriate, to all others directly concerned within fifteen (15) working days after receiving the complaint. 

If the complainant is not satisfied with the decision of the compliance officer, an appeal in writing may be made to the Voluntown Board of Education within ten (10) days of receipt of the decision.  The Voluntown Board of Education, within thirty (30) working days, will investigate the complaint and may conduct a hearing to gather additional information. The Voluntown Board of Education will give a written response within ten (10) working days following completion of the hearing or within thirty (30) working days after receiving the appeal if a hearing is not held.