Procedures for Resolving a School Concern

  • road map to address school concern: classroom, principal, district office, superintendent's office, formal complaintLawrence Public Schools uses these procedures to address school concerns in the most direct, effective, and timely manner. 

     
       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 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 schools (Grades K-5) or the director of secondary schools (Grades 6-12). Leave a detailed message with contact information.
     
       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 administrative 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 principal offices. You should expect contact from the district compliance coordinator within ten days of filing a complaint.
     
    Investigation Steps
    1. Review written/verbal complaint.
    2. Interview complainant and witnesses.
    3. Determine the appropriate course of action.
    4. Issue disciplinary measures as necessary.
    5. Communicate with the complainant, while protecting student/staff confidentiality. 
     
    Other Resources

    If you are experiencing an emergency, dial 9-1-1. (From a school district landline, dial 9, then 9-1-1.)
     
    The Kansas Legislature appropriated funds in 1999 to assist the State Department of Education, in cooperation with the Kansas Highway Patrol, in establishing a school safety hotline. 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 any impending school violence. As you are aware, students usually have knowledge of potential school violence before it occurs. Communication is the best prevention method! This hotline gives students the opportunity to anonymously report any potential violence. The Kansas School Safety Hotline is 1-877-626-8203.
     
    Report safety concerns via the Safety Tip Lines on all district and school websites. 

    If you have a non-emergency criminal concern, please contact local law enforcement, 785/832-7509.