Santa Monica - Malibu Unified School District
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Guide to Addressing Complaints

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) Board of Education is devoted to providing the best possible education for all of our students. In particular, the SMMUSD:

  • is dedicated to providing safe, secure, thriving school environments that promote respect for individuals, principles of fairness, and a sense of belonging;
  • is committed to equal opportunity in education for all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics;
  • views the “Williams Settlement” (which grew out of a lawsuit to ensure access to textbooks and instructional materials, well-maintained school facilities, and students being taught by qualified teachers) and related state legislation as consistent with our mission to provide a quality education to all students;
  • is committed to the best possible educational practices and materials to enable all of our students to succeed.
The SMMUSD places great emphasis on hiring well-qualified professional staff and places trust in its employees to advance the District’s educational mission. When a concern arises about a particular situation, it is desirable whenever possible to address the concern by approaching the responsible individual, discussing the concern, and trying to find a remedy without requiring formal administrative review. If that does not work, the Board of Education has adopted formal complaint procedures to address student, parent, and community concerns. Every effort will be made to resolve complaints in a manner that advances the educational mission of the SMMUSD.

Due to differences in regulations, there are different forms for different types of complaints. All of the forms are available in the district/school offices and at www.smmusd.org through the link to “Complaints” or “Forms.” All completed forms may be mailed, faxed or delivered by hand to the school or the district office.
  • If the complaint is directed toward a District employee, and if that complaint regards alleged unlawful discrimination, the individual should file a Uniform Complaint Form. Before filing such a complaint, individuals are encouraged to speak to the employee and/or the immediate supervisor. If the concern is still not resolved, then it should be addressed in writing to the SMMUSD Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.

  • If the complaint is directed toward a District employee and does not involve potential unlawful discrimination, the person should file a Complaint Against an Employee Form. Before filing such a complaint, individuals are encouraged to speak to the employee and/or the immediate supervisor (the principal is the supervisor in all schools). If the concern is still not resolved, then the written complaint should be given to the immediate supervisor of the employee.

  • If the complaint concerns inadequate textbooks or instructional materials, a teacher vacancy or an improperly credentialed teacher, conditions of the facility, or lack of support in helping a student to pass the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE), then the person should complete a Williams Complaint Procedure Form. The form should be addressed to the SMMUSD Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.

  • If the complaint concerns instructional materials to which a parent or community member objects, then the parent may file a Citizen's Request for Reconsideration of Instructional Materials Form. The form should be addressed to the SMMUSD Superintendent.

  • To file a complaint regarding a district employee or other person suspected of child abuse or neglect, parents/guardians may file a report by telephone, in person, or in writing with the police or sheriff’s department, or by calling the Los Angeles County Child Protection Hot Line at 800-540-4000. If a parent/guardian makes a complaint about an employee to any other employee, the employee receiving the information shall notify the parent/guardian of procedures for filing a complaint with the appropriate agency. The employee also is obligated to file a report himself/herself using the procedures described above.