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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 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 Steilacoom Historical School District (SHSD) staff. This is often the fastest way to resolve your concerns.

Issues related to Title IX, Title VII, ADA, Civil Rights
Susanne Beauchaine, Executive Director of Human Resources
511 Chambers Street
Steilacoom, WA 98388
253-983-2220
sbeauchaine@steilacoom.k12.wa.us

Issues related to Section 504
Gudrun Sullivan, Executive Director of Student Services
511 Chambers Street
Steilacoom, WA 98388
253-983-2238
gusullivan@steilacoom.k12.wa.us

Complaint to Steilacoom Historical School District

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 officer. Mail or hand deliver: Steilacoom Historical School District, 511 Chambers Street, Steilacoom, WA 98388

Step 2: SHSD Investigates Your Complaint

Once Steilacoom Historical School District receives your written complaint, the coordinator will give you a copy of the complaint procedure an 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: SHSD Responds to Your Complaint

In its written response, Steilacoom Historical 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 the 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 Steilacoom Historical School District School Board

If you disagree with Steilacoom Historical School District's decision, you may appeal to the Steilacoom Historical School District 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 with 20 calendar days after they received your appeal, unless you agree to 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 on how to file a formal complaint with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).