Benjamin Franklin Middle School Student/Parent Handbook 2016-2017 | Page 55

Upon receipt of the appeal, the Superintendent may decide the matter on the papers or
hold a conference. The Superintendent will render a written decision to all interested
parties within ten days following receipt of the papers or the conference, if one is held. If
the Board is required to act, the Superintendent must make his/her recommendations
within ten days of receipt of the grievance with copies to all parties.
If any party is dissatisfied with the decision of the Superintendent, he or she may
request a hearing before the Board by filing a written notice of appeal to the Board
Secretary within ten days of the Superintendent’s decision. The notice shall briefly state
the basis of the appeal and copies shall be provided to all parties, the principal and
Superintendent. The Board Secretary shall notify all parties of the hearing date. The
parties may present their positions to the Board orally or in writing and the Board may
call witnesses and experts as it deems necessary to aid in resolving the matter. The Board
shall forward its determination to all parties within thirty days of the hearing. The
Board’s decision shall be subject to review as may be available under Title 18A of the
New Jersey Statutes. Failure to appeal a grievance to the next step within the specified
time limits shall be deemed to be acceptance of the decision at that step.
Despite anything to the contrary herein, in a charge of discrimination, the grievant, at
any time may file a complaint with the County Superintendent, the Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission, the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights or the U.S. Office
for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, or the New Jersey Department of
Education. Addresses are available in the office of the district affirmative action officer.
All timelines may be extended by the Superintendent as reasonably requested and in
accordance with Board policy and regulations.

51