Educators’ Access to Student and Parent Complaints
Q: I am a public school educator. When a parent and/or student makes a complaint (verbal or written), am I entitled to a copy of either the administration’s notes (if it was verbal) or the written complaint?
A: The local school district administration should have procedures in place with respect to complaints by parents and students against teachers (see http://alpineschooldistrict.net/district/). If the complaint was made pursuant to the Uniform Complaint Process (which relates primarily to deficiencies related to instructional materials, emergency facilities conditions, and teacher vacancy and misassignment — see attached complaint form), then the complaint and any response thereto is a public record. Educ. Code Section 35186. Finally, if a complaint is made through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, then a copy of the complaint is sent to the teacher against whom the complaint is made (see attached complaint form).