Complaint Policy/Procedure

From the California Department of Education:

"What is a Uniform Complaint Procedures (UCP) complaint?

A Uniform Complaint Procedures (UCP) complaint is a written and signed statement alleging a violation of federal or state laws or regulations, which may include an allegation of unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying...Some complaints may be filed anonymously. A complaint filed on behalf of an individual student may only be filed by that student or that student's duly authorized representative. If the person making the complaint is unable to put the complaint in writing, due to conditions such as a disability or illiteracy, the [Charter School] shall assist the complainant in the filing of the complaint. UCP complaints are filed with [the school director] or their designee."

Online Complaint Form:

• English
• Spanish

You may also mail a complaint and any related documents to:

Download a fillable PDF complaint form here:  English PDF   |   Spanish PDF  

"What is a Williams Complaint?"

Williams Complaint is another type of UPC complaint which includes complaints relative to instructional materials, facility conditions that pose a threat to the health and safety of pupils, teacher vacancies or misassignment. Complaints may be filed anonymously. 

Education Code (EC) Section 35186 created a procedure for the filing of complaints concerning deficiencies related to instructional materials, conditions of facilities that are not maintained in a clean or safe manner or in good repair, and teacher vacancy or mis-assignment. The complaint and response are public documents as provided by statute. Complaints may be filed anonymously if desired.

Use this complaint form for deficiencies related to instructional materials, emergency or urgent facilities conditions that pose a threat to the health and safety of pupils or staff, and teacher vacancy or mis-assignment.

This form may also be used for complaints related to school operations, including grievances against school personnel. 

Online Complaint Form:

• English
• Spanish

Charter School Complaint Notice for suspected violations to Education Code Section 47605(d)(4): "Charter schools are not allowed to discourage a pupil from enrolling or seeking to enroll in the charter school because the pupil exhibits any characteristics such as students with disabilities, academically low-achieving, English learners, neglected or delinquent, homeless, socially economically disadvantaged, foster youth, or based on nationality, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. Charter schools are not allowed to request a pupil's records before enrollment or encourage a child who is enrolled in a charter school to disenroll or transfer to another school. A parent, guardian, or pupil (18 years or older) may file a Charter School Complaint Form to the authorizing entity if they suspect the charter school is in violation of Education Code Section 47605(d)(4)."

How to file a complaint related to enrollment practices:

1. Fill out the form here: Charter School Complaint Notice and Form (PDF)
2. File electronically or in person:
   • Download and email to: kbatchelder@riversideunified.org
   • Download, print and mail to: Riverside Unified School District, Attn: Kristi Batchelder, 4011 14th St, Riverside, CA, 92501

Additional Resources:

• https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/ch/cscomplaint.asp

Title IX (Gender Equity) from the California Department of Education:

Title IX is a federal law that was passed in 1972 to ensure that male and female students and employees in educational settings are treated equally and fairly. It protects against discrimination based on sex (including sexual harassment). In addition, Title IX protects transgender students and students who do not conform to gender stereotypes. State law also prohibits discrimination based on gender (sex), gender expression, gender identity, and sexual orientation. The preamble to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 states that:

“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

Title IX (Gender Equity) Coordinator

Terica Ned-Pelt, Director of Business Operations, is the Title IX Coordinator for REACH Leadership STEAM Academy and can be reached by telephone at 951-275-8820 x838 or by email at tnedpelt@reachroyals.org.

Ways to file a complaint under Title IX (Gender Equity):

• Email the REACH Title IX Coordinator: tnedpelt@reachroyals.org
• Email the REACH Director/CEO: vrentie@reachroyals.org
• Email the REACH Board: board@reachroyals.org
• Through the US Department of Education for Civil Rights:
  • Online - https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html
  • Email - ocr.sanfrancisco@ed.gov or ocr@ed.gov
  • Fax - 415-486-5570
  • Phone Number - 415-486-5555 or 1-800-421-3481
  • Mail to the California Office for Civil Rights:
    • Office for Civil Rights
      U.S. Department of Education
      50 United Nations Plaza
      Mail Box 1200, Room 1545
      San Francisco, CA 94102

Additional Resources

• Civil Rights Complaints Form

• California Department of Education Office of Equal Opportunity

For additional info, go to our Gender Equity/Title IX page