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Complaint Form & Procedures

First page of the PDF file: ResolvingaSchoolConcern2024

How to Resolve a School Concern

Lawrence Public Schools find that the quickest and most effective way to resolve a school concern is by addressing it at the most direct level. The following are procedures for addressing school concerns:

  1. First, talk to a teacher, counselor, or another trusted adult at school for assistance.
  2. If the concern is not resolved at the classroom level, please visit with the school principal. 
  3. If the issue persists, please contact the district office, 785/832-5000, and ask to speak to the director of elementary or secondary schools.
  4. If after following steps 1-3 your concern has not been resolved to your satisfaction, please contact the district office, 785/832-5000, and ask to speak to the Superintendent's Office. The executive assistant to the superintendent may ask you to share some basic information about your concern prior to scheduling an appointment with the superintendent.
  5. A Complaint Form may be filed to trigger a formal investigation of any unresolved school concerns. This form may be submitted to Human Resources online, in person, by mail (USD 497 Human Resources 110 McDonald Drive Lawrence, KS 66044), or by email. Paper copies of the form are available in the Superintendent's Office, Human Resources, or school offices. You should expect contact from the district compliance coordinator within ten days of filing a Complaint Form.

Formal Complaints Trigger These Investigation Steps 

  • Review written/verbal complaint.
  • Interview complainant and witnesses.
  • Determine the appropriate course of action.
  • Issue disciplinary measures as necessary.
  • Communicate with the complainant, while protecting student/staff confidentiality. 

Other Resources for Reporting Concerns

  • Our schools rely on students and families reporting any safety concerns to an adult at school for immediate investigation.
  • In the event of an emergency, dial 911. (From a school district phone, dial 9, then 911.)
  • The Kansas School Safety Hotline is 1-877-626-8203. This hotline is a toll-free number available 24 hours per day/365 days per year to give students, parents, and community members the opportunity to report, including anonymously, any impending school violence. 
  • If you have a non-emergency criminal concern, please contact local law enforcement at 785/832-7509.