Teacher Contract - Coventry Public Schools

ARTICLE 8
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
PURPOSE: It is the declared objective of the parties to encourage the prompt and
informal resolution of teacher and Alliance grievances as they arise, and to provide recourse to
orderly procedures for the satisfactory adjustment of grievances.
DEFINITION: A grievance shall mean a complaint by a teacher that (1) he/she alleges
that he/she has been treated unfairly or inequitably; (2) he/she alleges there has been a violation,
misinterpretation, or misapplication of the provisions of this Agreement or of established policy
or practice; (3) he/she alleges that his/her health, safety or liability is jeopardized by a condition
that is possible for the administration to correct.
8-1. Level 1. School
A teacher and (if the teacher so desires) an Alliance representative shall first discuss the
problem with the school official serving as the teacher’s immediate administrative supervisor
(i.e., principal).
8-2. Level 2
If the matter is not satisfactorily adjusted within two (2) school days after the last
discussion, the teacher, with the assistance of an Alliance representative, (if the teacher so
desires,) shall submit the grievance in writing within three (3) school days to such teacher’s
administrative supervisor (principal) for satisfactory adjustment. Such grievance, in writing,
must be filed within fifteen (15) school days following the act or circumstances giving rise to the
grievance and shall set forth the specific basis of the grievance. Such immediate supervisor may
request a meeting with the teacher and an Alliance representative (if the teacher so desires) prior
to making his/her decision, but in any event must render his/her decision in writing, with copies
to the teacher and to the Alliance, within three (3) school days of the written submission to
him/her by the teacher.
8.3 Level 3. Superintendent
Failing satisfactory settlement within such time limit, the aggrieved may with the
assistance of the Alliance representative (if the teacher so desires) within three (3) school days
after receipt of the written decision by his/her supervisor, appeal in writing to the Superintendent,
and such writing shall set forth specifically the basis of the grievance. The Superintendent or
his/her representative (and the teacher’s principal or immediate supervisor, if the Superintendent
so desires) shall meet with the teacher and an Alliance representative within three (3) school
days of the receipt by him/her of such appeal. The Superintendent will give his/her decision in
writing to the teacher and the Alliance representative within three (3) school days of the meeting.
8-4. Level 4. School Committee
33