Agenda Item
4. FIRST READ: Amendment to the Bylaws & Policies: Proposed Board Policy GAE: Employee Complaints and Grievances
Summary: Presented by: Mrs. Marissa Key, Executive Director, Division of Legal Services
Request: It is requested that the DeKalb Board of Education accept the proposed version of Board Policy GAE: Complaints and Grievances lay on the table at the July 14, 2025, Board Meeting for stakeholder feedback until July 24, 2025, and be considered for adoption at a future Board Meeting.
Why: This policy is being proposed to create one clearly written policy that includes the complaint process for certified and non-certified employees with a supporting regulation outlining the complaint and grievance procedures.
Details: Board Policy GAE: Complaints and Grievances was presented to and reviewed by the Board Policy Committee. The Policy Review Committee recommended creation of this policy.
Financial impact: No Financial Impact
Contact: Mrs. Marissa Key, Executive Director, Division of Legal Services, 678.676.0105
Effective: Upon Board Approval
Status: Attorney Approval Not Required
Board Policy Manual
DeKalb County School District
Board Policy GAE: Complaints and Grievances Status: DRAFT
Original Adopted Date: Pending | Last Reviewed Date: 06/26/2025
PROPOSED POLICY
The DeKalb County Board of Education is committed to fostering a positive, respectful, and supportive work
environment for all employees. The board recognizes, however, that workplace conflicts and disagreements
occasionally arise. Employees are encouraged to resolve these concerns informally in a spirit of collegiality and at the
lowest organizational level possible.
When informal efforts are not successful or appropriate, this policy establishes a formal employee grievance
procedure. This policy and its associated regulation provide a structured and fair process for employees to voice
concerns and seek resolution in a timely and consistent manner.
Some examples of workplace disagreements which can be resolved through the employee grievance procedure
include interpersonal conflicts between coworkers or between an employee and their supervisor, alleged violations
or misinterpretations of laws, policies, rules or regulations, and any other workplace disputes.
The superintendent, or the superintendent's designee, will create GAE-R, which will establish detailed employee
complaint procedures. Employee complaints and grievances, unless otherwise stated in an employment contract, are
handled according to the following general procedure:
Applies to All Employees
Employees are encouraged to first request an informal resolution conference.
After or instead of an informal resolution conference, an employee can request a level one hearing.
If a complainant is dissatisfied with the resolution at the level one hearing, an employee may request a
level two hearing.
Applies Only to Certified Employees
If a complainant is dissatisfied with the resolution at the level two hearing, a certified employee may
request a level three hearing, which is conducted by the DeKalb County Board of Education.
If a complainant is dissatisfied with the Board's decision at the level three hearing, a certified employee
may appeal to the State Board of Education.