Complaints & Grievances

  • The Atlanta Board of Education Policy GAE: Complaints and Grievances provides guidance on the definitions and exclusions related to complaints and grievances.

    • Complaint: A claim made by a school system employee who believes their employment relationship has been negatively affected by an alleged violation, misinterpretation, or misapplication of statutes, policies, rules, regulations, or written agreements that the school system must follow.

    • Grievance: A formal complaint regarding a specific policy violation that can be resolved at the lowest possible administrative level through the process outlined in Board policy. You can file a grievance if you believe the district has wronged or treated you unfairly.

    We understand that filing a complaint or grievance can be a challenging process. We are here to support you and advocate for your rights. If you have any questions about our complaints and grievance processes, please don't hesitate to contact our office by emailing OffEmpRelations@apsk12.org or calling 404-802-2345.

      Grievance/ Appeal Levels

      • The Process to File a Complaint or Grievance

         

        Time Bound Requirement

        Step 1: Present the grievance in writing to the immediate supervisor within 10 days of the alleged act or most recent incident.

         

        Grievance/Appeal Steps

        Step 2.1: Level One/Administrator

        • Must hear the case and respond within 5 days.

        Step 2.2: Level Two/Central Office Administrator

        • If dissatisfied with the level one outcome, file an appeal within 10 days.
        • The Central Office Administrator has 10 days to hear the case and respond.

        Step 2.3: Level Three/Board of Education (BOE)

        • If dissatisfied with the level two outcome, file an appeal within 10 days.
        • The BOE, through the Office of Employee Relations, has 25 days to hear the case and respond.

         

        Final Decision

        Step 3: The final decision is provided in writing within 5 days of the hearing.

        • Total time from first written grievance to final decision: not more than 60 days.
        • If dissatisfied with the investigation outcome, file a level three appeal within 10 working days.
        • If referred to the Office of Internal Compliance, the time limit is stayed until resolution.

         

          •  

      Process

      Process

      Requirements

      • Important Items to Note

        Special Conditions

        • If the last day falls on a closed day, the period continues until the next open day.
        • Total time from first written grievance to final decision: not more than 60 days.
        • If referred to the Office of Internal Compliance, the time limit is stayed until resolution.
        • Dissatisfied with investigation outcome? File a level three appeal within 10 working days.

        Requirements for Grievances

        • Must be in writing.
        • Clearly state intent to access policy GAE.
        • Specify the statute, policy, rule, regulation, or agreement violated.
        • Set forth facts showing how it was violated.
        • Show how the employment relationship was affected.
        • State the relief desired.
        • Provide the complainant's mailing address.

        Additional Notes

        • General Unfair Treatment:
          • Appeal to level two only.
        • Non-Compliance:
          • Grievances and appeals must be filed within time limits to be considered.
          • Administrators failing to respond within the time frame may face disciplinary action.
          • Unprocessed grievances should be appealed to the next level.
        • Hearing Notices:
          • Written notice 24 hours prior to the hearing.
        • Hearing Rights:
          • Opportunity to be heard, present evidence, and examine witnesses.
          • Level one: Only the complainant and administrator are present.
          • Levels two and three: The complainant may have an assistant.
          • Level three: The Board may have an attorney present.
        • Recording and Evidence:
          • Administrator records proceedings and preserves evidence.
          • Additional evidence must be submitted 5 days prior to the hearing.
          • Board hears complaints de novo at each level.
        • Decision Notification:
          • Written decision within 5 days of hearing.
        • Costs:
          • Each party bears their own costs, except for record preservation.
        • No Reprisal:
          • Complainants are protected from reprisal.
          • Alleged reprisals are investigated and referred if necessary.
        • Exclusions:
          • Separate procedures for performance ratings, development plans, adverse actions, discrimination, retaliation, whistleblower protections, and local school law matters.