Pike County Schools Employee Handbook

Dr. Michael Duncan, Superintendent

Ross Iddings, Deputy Superintendent

Website: http://www.pike.k12.ga.us

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/#!/PikeGASD

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PikeGASD


Mission and Purpose

Developing Creative Problem-Solvers Ready for College and Career

Freedom lives in Choice and Opportunities.

We want all students to be free to live the life they choose, free from limitations and influence. We believe that true freedom begins in the mind with independent and well-reasoned thought. Our mission is to help each student learn and grow throughout their early lives to attain their intellectual independence, which will enable them to excel in whatever endeavor they choose.

Beliefs:

At Pike County Schools, we believe that:

All students can learn and grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

All students benefit from a rigorous learning environment characterized by the transfer of knowledge and skills to novel experiences over standardized test preparation and rote skill acquisition.

Engaging in meaningful learning promotes student agency, voice, and choice.

Learning must be made visible.

Core Values

We embrace the reality that in the 21st century, student success will depend less on what they know, and more on what they can do. That is, the ability for students to adapt in shifting work environments and excel in fast-paced, diverse communities will be critical to their long-term growth. To create a learning environment to facilitate these goals, we must be relational, take ownership, and seek innovation.

THEORY OF ACTION

Education focused primarily on content acquisition and standardized performance measures does not adequately prepare students to successfully engage in an increasingly complex world.  Developing Creative Problem-Solvers requires an inquiry-based instructional model emphasizing concept-based teaching and learning with a heavy dose of self-directedness, resulting in authentic performances that foster and measure the Portrait of a Graduate competencies.  Only then will students be prepared to tackle the challenges of College, Career, and Citizenship.

Directors/Coordinators:

Debbie Woerner, Finance

Roxane Owen, Transportation

Greg Green, Pupil Services

Mick Rawls, Director of Facilities

Richard Hendrix, Technology

Dr. Jenny Davis, Director of Teaching & Learning

Emily Johnson, Director of Human Resources

James Stanford, Career, Technical, Agricultural Education Director

Principals:

Lindsay Busby, 9th Grade Academy Principal & Zebulon High

Kevin Huffstetler, High School Principal

Mike Maddox, Middle School Principal

Dr. Melissa Smith, Elementary School Principal

April Teal, Primary School Principal and PreK

Tammy Bell, SNP

Table of Contents

Personnel

Certified/Classified Hiring
Criminal Background Check
Professional Personnel Recruitment
Drug Free Workplace
Drug Screening
Employee Tobacco/Vaping Use
Harassment
Personnel Dress Code
Leaves and Absences
FMLA
Profession Work Loads
Professional Lay-Off
Complaints and Grievances
Professional Promotion
Employee Transfer
Classified Overtime Pay
Equal Opportunity Employment
Staff Political Activities
Social Media

Business Management

Pay Schedule
Direct Deposit
Tax Documents and Withholding
Purchasing
Travel
Mileage

Food Service Management  

Transportation

Special Use of School Buses

Fiscal Management

Purchase Orders and Purchasing

Facilities

Chemical Waste and Hazmat Disposal
Energy Use Request
Facilities Change Request

Instruction

Internet Acceptable Use
Electronic Technologies
Grading System
Diversity Celebration Plan
Supplementary Materials
Media Programs
Athletic Field Trips

Students

Protection of Pupil Rights (PPRA)
Teacher Removal Act
Student Records/FERPA
Equal Educational Opportunities
Spills/Infection Control
First Aid/AED
Student Accident Reports
Seclusion or Restraint of Students
Reporting: Sexual Abuse Misconduct

Waste, Fraud, Abuse, and Corruption 

Disclaimer

⚓

Certified/Classified Hiring:

The Pike County Board of Education seeks to employ qualified and effective individuals in positions within the school district as vacancies occur. While the School Board alone is authorized to approve for hire, the district recognizes the need to approve persons who have been selected to fill vacant positions to begin work between the regularly scheduled Board meetings on a provisional status.

Pursuant to this, the human resources department will assign individuals who have been selected through the district’s selection process, a provisional status in accordance with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission rule 505-2-.42 Clearance Certificate, and effective Dec. 15,

    Code: GBD-R, GCD-R

⚓

Criminal Background Check:

A criminal background check will be conducted at or prior to employment on every person who is employed by the Board of Education for the first time to fill either a full-time or part-time certified or classified position with this School District. For this purpose, the applicant shall be fingerprinted as required by state law. Subsequent criminal record checks will be conducted on all personnel in accordance with state laws, state board rules, and rules of the Professional Standards Commission including the Clearance Certificate. Code:  GAK (1)-R (2)

⚓

Professional Personnel Recruitment:

The goal of the Pike County Board of Education is to secure qualified, competent, and committed employees to assure an effective and efficient school system. In accordance with this goal, the system is committed to effective recruitment and selection processes based upon initiative, alertness to qualified candidates who can contribute to the mission of the system. Code: GBC

⚓

Drug Free Work Place:

The Board of Education declares that the manufacture, distribution, sale or possession of controlled substances, marijuana, and other dangerous drugs in an unlawful manner, or being at work under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, marijuana, or other dangerous drugs is a serious threat to public safety and welfare. In accordance with this declaration, the Board of Education prohibits the use of the above referenced drugs and controlled substances and declares to adhere to the drug free work force policy. Code: GAMA (Procedures GBD-R (1) & GCR-R (1) GAMA-R (1)

⚓

Drug Screening of Bus Drivers:

The Pike County Board of Education provides safe and efficient transportation for students transported on school buses. Thus, the Board recognizes that safe transportation

depends on unimpaired judgment, physical dexterity, reflex action, and unimpaired senses of sight and hearing of employees in safety sensitive functions. This Board will not tolerate unauthorized use, abuse, possession or sale of alcohol or controlled substances by its employees. Code: GCRA (1)

⚓

Employee Tobacco Use:

In accordance with the “Georgia Smoke Free Air Act of 2005”, Pike County Schools prohibits smoking/vaping by employees and visitors in any school building or property owned by the district or in any school owned vehicle including school buses or at any on or off campus school sponsored event at any time. Employees shall not use, store or possess tobacco, tobacco-related products, vaping devices, or vaping paraphernalia on their person or in their belongings in such a manner that such products are visible to students. In addition, this prohibition always includes the use of tobacco/vaping products by employees and visitors when supervising students. Code: GAN

⚓

Harassment:

The Pike County Board of Education prohibits any acts of harassment of students or employees by other students or employees based upon race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, or disability always and during all occasions while at school, in the workplace or at any school event or at any school event or activity. Any violation of this policy by a student or employee shall result in prompt and appropriate discipline, including the possible termination of employment or suspension or expulsion of the student. Code: GAEB

⚓

 Personnel Dress Code:

All employees of Pike County schools serve as role models for the students and as representatives of the Pike County School District. Consistent with these roles, all personnel shall dress professionally and appropriately relative to their specific job duties and responsibilities. Code: GBRL-R (1)

⚓

Leaves and Absences:

All employees are required to adhere to the work calendar(s) established by the Board. The employees of the Board may take approved leave only in accordance with the Board policy governing personnel leaves and absences or other leave policies enacted by the Board of Education. Professional Learning Days are “protected” days and not authorized for leave, unless

approved by the Superintendent or designee.  Unless otherwise provided by the Board of

Education, principals, and other supervisors are not authorized to rearrange the work calendars of employees. Each employee of the Board is entitled to sick leave with full pay, computed based on one and one fourth (1 ¼) working days for each completed month (20 school days of service). The leave provided for under this policy is available to employees in accordance with the Board Policy. Code: GBRH/GARH-R (1) Reference: GBRI-R (1)

⚓

Federal Family and Medical Leave Act:

Employees of the Board who have been employed by the Board for at least 12 months and who have worked at least 1250 hours during the 12 month period immediately preceding the

commencement of leave are eligible to take unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave

Act. The Board does intend to enact certain options as the act authorizes.

⚓

Professional Personnel Work Loads:

The minimum workday for which basic state pay is earned is eight hours and the minimum workweek is forty hours or equivalent annual minutes based on the employee work calendar. A schedule designating the beginning and end of each work day for teachers will be set by the Superintendent or the Principal of each school. Circumstances sometimes necessitate a longer workday on campus.  Code: GBRC

⚓

Professional Personnel Lay- Off:

It is the function of the Board of Education is to employ personnel and manage resources within limitations defined by funding sources of the school system. Consequently, it shall be the prerogative of the Board to abolish job positions, to reduce the length of the school year and salary of certificated or non-certificated personnel, and to reduce the number of employees when seeking to cope effectively with program changes or financial exigency.  Code: GBKA

⚓

Complaints and Grievances:

Implementing the provisions of O.C.G.A. 20-2-989.5, certified personnel shall have the right to present and resolve complaints at the lowest organizational level possible. Code: GAE

⚓

Professional Personnel Promotion (Career Ladder):

Vacancies in the school system at the assistant principal level or above will be filled by educational personnel within the system whenever possible given that internal applicants have a history of successful performance in the Pike County School System.  Code: GBJ

⚓

Employee Transfer Procedures:

The Board provides opportunities for employees to voluntarily request transfers to other schools and departments based upon Board approved procedures. This procedure does not limit the Board’s right, through the Superintendent, to assign or reassign any employee.  Code: GBC-R

⚓

Classified Personnel Overtime Pay:

Overtime must be approved in advance by the Director of Finance based on a written request from a supervisor.  Code: GCRD-R (1)

⚓

⚓

Equal Opportunity Employment:

The School District does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin,

age, disability, or sex in its employment practices, student programs and dealings with the public. It is the policy of the Board of Education to comply fully with the requirements of Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and

all accompanying regulations.  Code: GAAA

⚓

Staff Political Activities:

Employees should always differentiate between their activities as individuals and their official positions with Pike County School System. Code: GAHB

⚓

Social Media:

We encourage responsible participation in social networking sites, subject to existing policies, including, but not limited to, those concerning non-discrimination, anti-harassment, anti-bullying, and copyright/fair use. All employees are expected to serve as positive ambassadors for our schools and to remember they are role models to students in this community. We ask that you carefully consider the public forum you are participating in and act in a way that accurately represents both your professional reputation and Pike County School District.

Express your ideas and opinions in a respectful manner. Seek to build trust and responsibility in your relationships. Avoid insulting others, including students, staff, parents, our extended school community, or other school districts. Do not use racial slurs, innuendos, obscenity, or other inappropriate content. Avoid posting, sharing, commenting, or otherwise engaging in rumors or unsupported information.

Represent the District and the students and parents you serve in the best light. Your posts and comments should help build and support the school community. You are responsible for what you post and communications that would be deemed inappropriate or actionable if they occurred inside or outside the classroom do not become acceptable merely because they are made online. Always bear in mind that once posted, you cannot take it back. Code: GAGC (R1)

Business Management

⚓

Payday Schedule:

Payday is the last workday of each month. The annual exception is December to accommodate the holiday schedule. Other exceptions are Thanksgiving and Spring Break month, as necessary. Check the pay date schedule posted at www.pike.k12.ga.us.

⚓

Direct Deposit:

This employee convenience feature deposits your monthly paycheck in the bank of your choice. Depending on your bank, pay will be deposited in your account early on the morning of payday. Contact the Payroll office for details.

⚓

Tax Documents and Withholding:

Annual tax reporting (W-2’s) will be available to you as early as possible in January but always by the end of the month. If you would like to make changes in Federal or State tax withholding anytime during the year, please access your account in iVisions. Remember that you are responsible for the amount of tax withheld from each paycheck. You can view your current withholding status in iVisions portal.

⚓

Purchasing

Purchase order approval by the Superintendent or Finance Director is a prerequisite for all purchases. Obligation made prior to such approval will be your own financial responsibility. Contact your school or department budget control designee for help with purchasing. Reference the Purchasing administrative rule at www.pike.k12.ga.us for complete details.

⚓

Travel:

You can, with prior approval, be reimbursed for travel expense associated with work activities. State of Georgia travel regulations and local administrative rule govern all travel activities and reimbursements. See the rule “Employee Travel Regulations” for details and updates. Necessary travel forms can be found under the Faculty & Staff page on the District website.

⚓

Mileage:

Mileage is reimbursed for the number of miles to your destination according to the most direct, reasonable route as determined by online sources Google Maps or MapQuest from the home or office/school, whichever is closer.

⚓

Food Service Management:

The Pike County School Nutrition Program budget does not allow charging of meals by students or teachers. A progressive charge protocol can be found in Administrative Rule: EEA-R (1) and Code: EE-R (1). Inquiries may be directed to the School Nutrition Program Director.

Transportation

⚓

Special Use of School Buses:

School buses can only be used for school purposes by in-school groups. Field trips must be approved by school principals at least 10 school days before the trip is to be made. The proper field trip submission and approval process must be made via school principal to the Transportation Coordinator. Additionally, all system field trip rules and procedures must be followed. Non-school groups, except 4-H clubs, will not be permitted to use school buses. Who to Contact: Superintendent’s Office and/or Transportation Coordinator Admin Rule reference: IFCB-R (1) IFCB_R (2) Form Reference: Appendix – PC Field Trip Request Form Code: EDDA-R (1)

Fiscal Management

⚓

Purchase Orders and Purchasing:

The prerequisite for all purchasing is approval of a purchase order. Purchasing, with a few exceptions such as emergencies in maintenance or transportation, must follow the purchasing life cycle with all necessary pre-approvals. Obligations to purchases created out of sequence and without approval will be the responsibility of those creating such obligations.

Facilities

⚓

Chemical Waste and Hazardous Material Disposal:

It shall be the responsibility of the Principals and Directors to inventory their facilities and areas for excess chemicals and hazardous materials on a semi-annual basis. All items listed will be added to a master list of items to be disposed of by an organization in good standing with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. All documentation shall be filed by and retained by the Facilities, Technology and Maintenance Director for permanent record keeping and retained by that department. Code: FDBA-R (1)

⚓

facility/Energy Use Request:

A request form shall be completed and e-mailed to the facilities director for each activity in his or her area which will need energy before or past the standard operating hours of 8:00 A.M. and

4:00 P.M. Monday through Friday for all schools. The Administrative Services Office hours are from 8:00 A.M. until 4:30 P.M. Monday through Thursday and 8:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M. on Friday.  Request shall in made no less than 48 hours of the event. Code: FA-R (1)

⚓

Facility Change Request Form: http://www.pike.k12.ga.us

All modifications to Pike School Buildings/Grounds must be submitted to and approved by the Superintendent/Director of Technology and Operations before the start of any project.

Instruction

⚓

Internet Acceptable Use:

It is the belief of the School system that the use of telecommunications, including the internet, in instructional programs is an educational strategy that facilitates communication, innovation, resource sharing, and access to information. Use of the Internet must be in support of education and research and consistent with the educational mission, goals, and objectives of the school system. Code: IFBG

⚓

Electronic Technologies:

Voice mail, email, and Internet usage assigned to an employee’s computer or telephone extensions are solely for the purpose of conducting Pike County School business. All emails will be deleted after 12 months. Sending and forwarding of advertisements, emails for personal gain, chain letters, junk mail, jokes and executable files is prohibited. Refer to Administrative Rule for Data Storage Limitations (e-mail, desktop, and my docs). Code: IFBG-R (1) ECG-R (1)

⚓

Grading System:

The Pike County School System believes that students must be engaged in a rigorous curriculum with multiple and various opportunities to demonstrate progress and mastery. Accordingly, an appropriate system for reporting academic progress and attainment is necessary. Code: IHA-R (2)

⚓

Diversity Celebration Plan:

Principals shall establish and coordinate a cultural diversity plan in each school that will plan and execute learning opportunities for students K-12. There will be a monthly focus for cultural studies, and activities shall correlate with GPS/Common Core Curricula. Code: IDAH-R (1)

⚓

Supplementary Materials Selection and Adoption:

Learning resources and textbooks used by the Pike County School System shall be selected by the Learning Resources Adoption Committee appointed by the Director of Teaching and Learning. The Committee shall consist of central office administration, teachers from appropriate subject areas and grade levels and other appropriate school personnel. The selection process shall be guided by state board regulations and any procedures implemented by the Superintendent. Furthermore, educators should exact great caution when introducing supplementary materials into the classroom that can be divisive, inflammatory, insensitive, or in bad taste. IFAB-R (1)

⚓

Media Programs:

The System-Level Media Committee shall be responsible for developing procedures for the school media centers on:

  1. Selecting media and instructional materials,
  1. B. Handling requests for reconsideration of materials, C. Considering gifts of instructional resources,
  2. Using non-school owned materials, and
  1. Complying with copyright law.

These above procedures are further detailed in the System Media Handbook and reviewed annually for appropriate updates.  Code: IFBC-R (1)

⚓

Athletics Field Trip:

A written or electronic schedule with HOME and AWAY dates, game times and planned bus departure times shall be submitted to the Principal and/or Athletic Director at least one month before the first scheduled date of an away trip. Code: IFCB-R(1) Educational: IFCB-R (2)

Students

⚓

Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA):

A parent/guardian of a student may, upon request, inspect any instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum for the student. The request shall be made in writing to the school principal. The principal shall schedule a conference with the parent within five business days and make the instructional materials available. Parents shall be notified prior to the administration of physical examinations or screenings that the school may administer to students. This notice shall offer the parent the opportunity to opt the student out of any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening that is (1) required as a condition of attendance; (2) administered by

the school and scheduled by the school in advance; and (3) not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of the student, or of other students. A list of non-required information may be found in the code of conduct under PPRA. Code: JR

⚓

Teacher Removal Act:

State code § 20-2-737 supports the authority of principals and teachers in the school system to remove a student from the classroom in cases of disruptive, disorderly, or dangerous conduct pursuant to provisions of state law. Teachers and Principals are required to take corrective measures by filing a report of any student exhibiting behavior that repeatedly or interferes with the teacher’s ability to teach, or student’s ability to learn, whereas such behavior is in violation of the student code of conduct.  Code: JCD

⚓

Student Records / Family Right and Privacy Act (FERPA):

Confidentiality of student records shall be preserved while access is provided to parents; eligible students (those over eighteen years of age or enrolled in post-secondary educational institutions); professional educators with legitimate educational interests; and, those federal or state officials whose access is authorized in connection with an audit, evaluation of federal or state supported education programs; or for the enforcement and compliance with federal legal requirements related to those programs.

⚓

Equal Educational Opportunities:

The School District does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin,

age, disability, or sex in its employment practices, student programs and dealings with the public. It is the policy of the Board of Education to comply fully with the requirements of Title VI, Title IX, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and all accompanying regulations. Any employee, student, applicant for employment, parent or other person who believes he or she has been discriminated against or harassed in violation of this policy must make a complaint in accordance with the procedures provided by the district, which can be found at the Districts website by selecting District, Board of Education, Policies.

⚓

Spills/Infection Control:

Employees should review the procedures for the handling of blood and other bodily fluids, which can be found at  http://www.pike.k12.ga.us.  Code: GANA-R (1)

⚓

First Aid / Automated External Defibrillators:

It is the primary goal for the system to maintain and provide adequate safety to employees, students, and its community. Every building owned by the Board of Education will be equipped with a defibrillator in assisting trained individuals in CPR and emergency situations.

⚓

Student Accident Report:

Student Accident Insurance is a secondary plan that covers parents of students that are not insured or their expenses exceeds the family health insurance. All students participating in sports and /or activity during school time are eligible for the maximum amount on the benefit schedule. The student accident report must be filled out and submitted as a supporting document for all injuries not related to drugs, intoxication, or non-prescribed medication. Supervisors/Sponsors must complete this report concerning all injuries occurring on school property.

⚓

Seclusion or Restraint of Students:

Physical restraint may only be used when a student is harming themselves, others, or imminent danger is present. Staff members who handle discipline, or have historically been called upon to physically restrain students, must be trained in Mindset. Mindset trains educators in de-escalation techniques; when to use restraint, and how to safely restrain students. Parents must be notified in writing utilizing the incident report (Restraint Incident Report Form), within one school day from

the use of the restraint. The Special Education Department Chair, at each school, is responsible to file and maintain all incident reports. A debriefing meeting will take place by the end of the school day with all involved staff (at least one of these persons must be trained in Mindset). At this time, the restraint incident will be discussed and a behavior intervention plan, along with a functional behavior assessment, will be created or modified as needed. The use of seclusion, which is leaving a student unattended or alone in a room, is prohibited.

It is required and it is the duty of teachers, administrators, guidance counselors, visiting teachers, social workers, and school psychologists to report abuse within 24 hours upon reason or cause to believe that any child is being or has been abused.

All reporters listed above are mandated reporters held liable in reporting child abuse.

⚓

Student Reporting: Acts of Sexual Abuse or Sexual Misconduct:

Any student, parent, or friend of a student, who has been the victim of an act of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct by a teacher, administrator, or other school system employee, is urged to make a verbal report of the act to any teacher, counselor, or administrator at his/her school.

Any teacher, counselor or administrator receiving a report of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct of a student by a teacher, administrator or other employee shall make an oral report of the incident immediately by telephone or otherwise to the school principal or principal’s designee, and shall submit a written report of the incident to the school principal or principal’s designee within 24 hours. If the principal is the person accused of the sexual abuse or sexual misconduct, the oral and written reports should be made to the Superintendent or the superintendent’s designee.

Any school principal or principal’s designee receiving a report of sexual abuse as defined in O.C.G.A. 19-7-5 shall make a verbal report immediately, but in no case later than 24 hours from the time there is reasonable cause to believe a child has been abused. The report should be made by telephone and followed by a written report in writing, if requested, to a child welfare agency providing protective services and to the appropriate police authority or district attorney.

Reports of acts of sexual misconduct against a student by a teacher, administrator or other employee not covered by O.C.G.A. 19-7-5 or 20-2-1184 shall be investigated immediately by school or system personnel. If the investigation of the allegation of sexual misconduct indicates a reasonable cause to believe that the report of sexual misconduct is valid, the school principal or principal’s designee shall make an immediate written report to the Superintendent and the Professional Standards Commission Ethics Division. Please reference with Board Policy JCAC.

⚓

Waste, Fraud, Abuse and Corruption

Fraudulent Activities

(1) Purpose: To ensure the reporting of suspicion of fraudulent activity, the District provides employees, clients, and providers with confidential channels for such reporting.

(2) Definitions:  Fraud: A false representation of a matter of fact, whether by words, by conduct, or by concealment of that which should have been disclosed, that is used for the purpose of misappropriating property and/or monetary funds.

Waste: The thoughtless or careless expenditure, consumption, mismanagement and use of resources owned or operated by the District. Waste also includes incurring unnecessary costs because of inefficient practices, systems, or controls.

Abuse: The excessive or improper us of something, or the use of something in a manner contrary to the natural or legal rules for its use; the intentional destruction, diversion, manipulation, misapplication, maltreatment, or misuse of resources owned or operated by the school district. Examples:

  • Forgery or alteration of documents (checks, contracts, purchase orders, invoices,

time sheets, leave records)

  • Misrepresentation of information on documents (employment history, time sheets, leave records, travel reimbursement requests, financial records)
  • Theft, unauthorized removal, or willful destruction of district records, property, or the property of others.
  • Misappropriation of funds, equipment, supplies or any other asset.
  • Authorizing of receiving payments for goods not received or services not performed.
  • Authorizing or receiving payment for hours not worked.
  • Inappropriate use of District-provided electronic devices such as computers, cell phones, or email.

(3) Statement of Administrative Regulations:  The District thoroughly and expeditiously

investigates any reported cases of suspected fraud to determine if disciplinary, financial recovery and/or criminal action should be taken.

(4) Confidentiality: All reports of suspected fraud must be handled under the strictest confidentiality. Only those directly involved in the investigation should be provided information regarding the allegation.  Informants may remain anonymous but should be encouraged to cooperate with investigators and should provide as much detail and evidence of alleged fraudulent acts as possible.

(5) Procedures and Responsibilities:

  • Anyone suspecting fraudulent activity should report their concerns to Jenny

Allison at 770-567-8489.

  • Any employee with the District (temporary staff, full-time staff, and contractors) who receives a report of suspected fraudulent activity must report this information within the next business day.
  • Employees have the responsibility to report suspected fraud. All reports can be made in confidence.
  • The District shall conduct investigations of employees, providers, contractors,

or vendors.

  • If necessary, the person reporting will be contacted for additional information.
  • Periodic communication through meetings should emphasize the responsibilities and channels to report suspected fraud.

District Complaint Procedures for Federal Programs

Federal Programs for Which Complaints can be filed

  1. Title I, Part A: Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies
  2. Title I, Part B, Subpart 3: Even Start Family Literacy
  3. Title I, Part C: Education of Migrant Children
  4. Title I, Part D: Prevention and Intervention Programs for Children and Youth Who Are

Neglected, Delinquent, or At-Risk

  1. Title I, Part F: Comprehensive School Reform
  2. Title I, School Improvement Grant 1003(a)
  3. Title II, Part A: Teacher and Principal Training and Recruiting Fund
  4. Title II, Part D: Enhancing Education through Technology
  5. Title III, Part A: English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and Academic

Achievement

  1. Title IV, Part A, Subpart 1: Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities
  2. Title IV, Part A, Subpart 2: Community Service Grants
  3. Title IV, Part B: 21st Century Community Learning Centers
  4. Title V, Part A: Innovative Programs
  5. Title VI, Part A, Subpart 1, Section 6111: State Assessment Program
  6. Title VI, Part A, Subpart 1, Section 6112: Enhanced Assessment Instruments Competitive

Grant Program

  1. Title VI, Part B, Subpart 2: Rural and Low-Income Schools
  2. Title IX, Part E, Subpart 1, Section 9503: Complaint Process for Participation of Private

School Children

  1. Race to The Top, RT3
  2. SIG 1003(g)
  3. McKinney-Vento/Homeless

Dispute Resolution

  • The complaints process may be initiated at the school or directly to the Federal

Programs Director.

  • Parents, guardians, or unaccompanied youth who initiate a complaint, may do so in writing.
  • Written notice should be complete, as brief as possible, and simply stated.
  • The Federal Programs Director will provide a written response to the dispute within 5 school days.

o The response will include a notice of the right to appeal, to the Superintendent of

School, the decision of the Federal Programs Director.

  • If the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth do not agree with the decision of the

Federal Programs Director, an appeal may be filed with the Superintendent of School.

  • The Superintendent will provide a written response to the appeal within 5 school days.

o The Superintendent’s response will include a notice of the right to appeal his/her

decision to the Local Governance Board.

  • If the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth do not agree with the decision of the

Superintendent, an appeal may be filed with the Local Governance Board.

  • Within thirty working days of receipt of the appeal of the Superintendent’s decision, the Superintendent will present the matter to the Governance Board at its regular meeting or at a special meeting called for that purpose. The Board will review the original complaint, the response of the Federal Programs Director, the response of the Superintendent, and the response of the complainant. In addition, the Board may, but is not required to, hear directly from any individuals with knowledge of any relevant facts relating to the complaint.
  • The Governance Board will either uphold the recommendation of the Superintendent or require the District to take some other action in response to the complaint. A copy of the action of the Board will be furnished to the complainant, either as a part of the

minutes of the Governance Board or as a separate written statement that will include the right to appeal to the Georgia Department of Education.  The Board will be the final reviewing authority within the system.

  • If the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth is dissatisfied with the decision of the Local Governance Board, an appeal may be filed with the Deputy Superintendent of Teacher and Student Support at the Georgia Department of Education, 1854 Twin Towers East, Atlanta, GA 30334.
  • GADOE Complaint procedures/form located here: http://www.gadoe.org/SchoolImprovement/FederalPrograms/Pages/default.aspx

Pike County Schools

Please Print

Complaint Form for Federal Programs

Name of (Complainant):
Mailing Address:
Phone Number (home): Phone Number (work):
Person/department complaint is being filed against:
Date on which violation occurred:
Statement that the District has violated a requirement of a Federal statute or regulation that applies to an applicable program (include citation to the Federal statute or regulation) (attach additional sheets if necessary):

The facts on which the statement is based and the specific requirement allegedly violated

(attach additional sheets if necessary):

List the names and telephone numbers of individuals who can provide additional information.
Please attach/enclose copies of all applicable documents supporting your position.
Signature of Complainant:                                              Date:
Date Received:
Response to Claimant:
Date of Response to Claimant:

⚓

Pike County Schools Disclaimer:

The most current version of this document can be located on the Pike County Website www.pike.k12.ga.us. Board Policies and Administrative Rules posted on the Pike County website will supersede anything that can be found in this Employee Handbook.

Ask Us a Question
Having trouble finding something? Get in touch with our team for a fast answer to your questions and inquiries!
Contact Us
Upcoming Events
  1. Early Release Day

    March 28
  2. No School – Professional Learning Day

    March 29
  3. No School – Spring Break

    April 1 - April 5
  4. Called Board of Education Meeting

    April 16 @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
  5. Regular Board of Education Meeting

    April 16 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Contact Info
Pike County HQ and all seven of our public county schools can be reached by first connecting with our central administration office. Please find our contact information below.
  • 16 Jackson Street, Zebulon, GA, 30295
  • Call: 770-567-8489
  • info@pike.k12.ga.us