Constructive criticism of the schools is welcomed by the Board whenever it is motivated by a sincere desire to improve the quality of the educational program or to equip the schools to do their tasks more effectively.

 

Members of the Walton County Board of Education have confidence in the professional staff and desire to support their actions in order that they are free from unnecessary, spiteful or negative criticism and complaint. This policy does not supersede any employee’s or citizen’s right to contact Board members directly. However, whenever a complaint is made directly to the Board as a whole or to a Board member as an individual, it will be referred to the administration for study and possible solution.

 

The Board advises the public that the proper channeling of and most effective way to resolve complaints involving instruction, discipline, transportation or learning materials is as follows:

 

Discipline	Curriculum	Transportation
Teacher	Teacher	Appropriate Assistant Principal
Appropriate Assistant Principal	Counselor	Principal
Principal	Appropriate Assistant Principal	Transportation Director
Appropriate Director	Principal	Assistant Superintendent/Facilities
Assistant Superintendent/Facilities	Appropriate Director	Superintendent
Superintendent	Assistant Superintendent/Curriculum	School Board Member
School Board Member	Superintendent	State Department of Education
State Department of Education	School Board Member
	State Department of Education

The Board will consider hearing citizen complaints when they cannot be resolved by the administration. Matters referred to the Board must be in writing, must include address, contact phone numbers, signature of the complainant and should be specific in terms of the action desired.

After reading such complaints, and if more information which might challenge or question the good name or character of an individual is needed, the Board shall consider this in Executive Session. The Board will not consider or act on complaints that have not been explored at the appropriate administrative level or if the appropriate chain of command has not been attempted.