Non-discrimination Disclosure
The Polson School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, marital status, veteran or military status, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal in employment, educational programs or activities. The Polson School District additionally complies with the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act.
Handling Complaints
Informal procedures can resolve many complaints. Informal procedures solve complaints without formal paperwork and are not subject to filing a form 1700F. The District will consider complaints that are resolved using informal procedures to be as serious as complaints handled under formal procedures. Informal procedures have the following advantages to the affected parties and the District:
- Processes are less frightening. Less litigious and less costly
- Confidentiality is easier to protect for all parties
- Publicity is less and peer pressure may be less
- Process can be educational for perpetrators
- Process is less adversarial – less “your word against theirs”
- Sanctions used can be more creative and effective
Note: Informal procedures are only possible if the parties voluntarily agree.
Formal procedures may be initiated at any time during informal procedures, or initiated without taking any informal procedures. The following are formal procedures:
- File a formal complaint using the Uniform Grievance Procedure- Policy 1700
- File a formal complaint using collective bargaining agreement grievance procedure.
- File a formal complaint with the Montana Human Rights Bureau (either under state or federal law with the EEOC).
- File a formal complaint with the US Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights in Seattle
Important Contact Information
Polson School District #23
111 4th ave E
Polson, MT 59860
Cherry Valley School 504 Coordinator
Jon Gustafson, Principal
Phone 406.883.6333 ext 502•Fax 406.883.6332
Linderman School 504 Coordinator
Kristin Wilson, Principal
Phone 406.883.6229 ext 401•Fax 406.883.6365
Polson Middle School 504 Coordinator
Bonnie Perry, Principal
Phone 406.883.6335 ext 301•Fax 406.883.6334
Polson High School 504 Coordinator
Andrew Fors, Principal
Phone 406.883.6351 ext 203•Fax 406.883.6330
Polson School District IDEA Coordinator
Tim Berg, Director of Special Services
Phone 406.883.6351 ext 259•Fax 406.883.6330
Polson School District Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator
Tom DiGiallonardo, Director of Human Resources and Communication
Phone 406.883.6355 ext 603•Fax 406.883.6345
Polson School District Title IX Coordinator
Tom DiGiallonardo, Director of Human Resources and Communication
Phone 406.883.6355 ext 603•Fax 406.883.6345
Polson School District American’s with Disabilities Act Title II Coordinator
Mike Cutler, Superintendent
Phone 406.883.6355 ext 600•Fax 406.883.6345
Polson School District Equal Employment Opportunity Title VII Coordinator
Tom DiGiallonardo, Director of Human Resources and Communication
Phone 406.883.6355 ext 603•Fax 406.883.6345
Polson School District HIPAA Privacy Officer
Mike Cutler, Superintendent
Phone 406.883.6355 ext 600•Fax 406.883.6345
Office of Public Instruction, PO Box 20251, Helena, MT 59620-2501, Phone 406.444.3161
Montana Human Rights Bureau, PO Box 20251, Helena, MT 59624, Phone 406.444.4344, Toll-free 800.542.0807
US Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, Seattle Office, 915 Second Ave., Rm 3310, 10-9010, Seattle, WA 98174-1099, Phone 206.220.7880, Fax 206.220.7887, TDD 206.220.7907, email OCR.Seattle@ed.gov
Family Policy Compliance Office, US Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-5920