Sec.10a-22k-13. Complaints and inquiries

(a) No school shall have any policy nor shall act in any manner which discourages or prohibits the filing of inquiries or complaints regarding the school's operation with the commissioner.

(b) The school shall clearly display in a location visible to students and the public:

(1) The statement that the school does not have any policy nor acts in any manner which discourages or prohibits the filing of inquiries or complaints regarding the school's operation with the commissioner; and

(2) the school's procedures for resolving complaints regarding the school's operation, including the filing of inquiries or complaints with the commissioner.

(c) Any complaint regarding the school's operation shall be submitted in writing to the commissioner. Upon receipt of such written complaint the commissioner or his designee shall inform in writing both the school and the complainant regarding said receipt and shall give both parties twenty days to resolve the complaint.

If the complaint is resolved within the twenty-day period, both parties shall inform the commissioner or his designee. If the complaint is not resolved within the twenty-day period, the complainant shall inform the commissioner or his designee.

In unresolved cases, the commissioner or his designee shall attempt to mediate the complaint which includes the evaluation of the complaint, the determination whether there is any violation of existing statutes or regulations which may be cause for revocation or emergency action as provided under Section 10a-22k-9 or administrative penalties as provided under Section 10a-22k-12, and the submission of a written proposed resolution of the complaint to both parties. If either party does not accept the proposed resolution of the complaint, the commissioner or his designee shall inform both parties concerning their right to pursue a resolution of the complaint in Connecticut Superior Court or through other legal means. The evaluation procedures in unresolved cases shall include, but not to be limited to the following: (1) interview with the complainant unless waived by the complainant, (2) review of all pertinent documents, and (3) visit to the school against which the written complaint has been filed.

(Effective August 24, 1987; Transferred and AmendedJuly 25, 1997)