Ellensburg School District

Ellensburg School District complies with all federal and state rules and regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected class as defined by law.

The Ellensburg School District will provide equal educational opportunity and treatment for all students in all aspects of the academic and activities program without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation (including gender expression or identity), marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, participation in the Boy Scouts of America or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. District programs will be free from sexual harassment.

See complete text of Policy 3210 — Nondiscrimination and Procedure 3210 — Nondiscrimination.

Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the District's Title IX/RCW 28A.640 and Section 504/ADA coordinators.

Civil Rights Coordinator

Alexis Haberman

Director of Human Resources
1300 East Third Avenue
Ellensburg, WA 98926
(509) 925-8007

alexis.haberman@esd401.org

Title IX, Section 504, and ADA Coordinator

Rhonda Schmidt

Director of Student Services
1300 East Third Avenue
Ellensburg, WA 98926
(509) 925-8011

rhonda.schmidt@esd401.org

Non-Discrimination Complaint Procedures

Discrimination is the unfair or unequal treatment of a person or a group because they are part of a defined group, known as a protected class. Discrimination can occur when a person is treated differently, or denied access to programs, services or activities because they are part of a protected class. Discrimination can also occur when a school or school district fails to accommodate a student or employee’s disability. Harassment (based on protected class) and sexual harassment can be forms of discrimination when it creates a hostile environment.

A protected class is a group of people who share common characteristics and are protected from discrimination and harassment by federal and state laws. Protected classes defined by Washington State Law include:
- Disability or the Use of a Trained Dog Guide or Service Animal
- Sexual Orientation
- Gender Expression or Identity
- Sex
- Honorably Discharged Veteran or Military Status
- Race\Color
- Creed\Religion
- National Origin
You should report your concerns to your child’s teacher or principal immediately! This will allow the school to respond to the situation as soon as possible.

If you cannot meet with the teacher or principal, you can always contact your school district’s main office. Each school district will have someone who is responsible for responding to complaints about discrimination. Sometimes this person is called the Title IX Coordinator or for issues related to disability, the Section 504 Coordinator.
If you cannot resolve your concern, you may wish to file a complaint with the school district. Anyone can file a complaint with the school district. You can file a formal complaint by writing a letter to your Superintendent that describes what happened and why you think it is discrimination. It is helpful to include what you want the district to do. Your letter must be signed.

The employee designated by the district to receive complaints will investigate your allegations and provide the Superintendent with a written report of the complaint, and the results of the investigation. You and the district may also agree to resolve your complaint in lieu of an investigation.

The Superintendent will send you a written letter within thirty (30) calendar days which will either deny your allegations or describe the reasonable actions the district will take. The letter will include how to file an appeal with your school board if you do not agree with the Superintendent’s decision. Corrective measures must occur no later than thirty (30) calendar days of the Superintendent’s letter.
Your next step is to appeal to the school board. You can file an appeal by writing a letter to your school board. The letter must include the part of the Superintendent’s written decision that you would like to appeal and what you want the district to do. Your letter must be filed with the Secretary of your school board by the tenth (10^th) calendar day after you received the Superintendent’s response letter. The school board will schedule a hearing within twenty (20) calendar days after they receive your appeal letter. You may also all agree on a different date.
You will explain why you disagree with the Superintendent's decision. You may bring witnesses or other information that is related to your appeal.The school board will send you a copy of their decision within ten (10) calendar days after the hearing. The decision will include how to appeal to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction if you disagree.
You may appeal the school board’s decision to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). You can file an appeal by writing a letter to the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The letter must include the part of the school board’s decision that you would like to appeal and what you want the district to do.

Your signed letter must be received by OSPI by the twentieth (20^th) calendar day of receiving the school board’s decision. It can be hand-delivered or mailed to:
OSPI Administrative Resource Services
P.O. Box 47200
Olympia, WA 98504-7200
Phone: (360) 725-6133

OSPI will schedule a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge through the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH). During this process you will be provided information about the hearing.

At the hearing you will explain why you disagree with the school board’s decision. You may bring witnesses or other information that is related to your appeal. After the hearing, you will receive a copy of the judge’s decision.