Agenda Item
1. READY FOR ACTION: 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.
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 - 2nd
Reading
Original Adopted Date: Pending | Last Reviewed Date: 06/26/2025
CLEAN VERSION
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 complaint 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.
Regulation GAE-R(1), establishes 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, then the employee can request a formal level one
hearing.
If the employee is dissatisfied with the resolution at the level one hearing, then the employee may
request a level two hearing.
Applies Only to Certified Employees
If a certified employee is dissatisfied with the resolution at the level two hearing, then the employee may
request a level three hearing, which is conducted by the DeKalb County Board of Education.
If a certified employee is dissatisfied with the resolution at the level three hearing, then the employee
may appeal to the State Board of Education.