RULE NUMBER: 3.31.

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: To update the procedures to be used by employees and supervisors to report and resolve allegations of harassment as prohibited by Policy 3.19, or allegations of other violation, misapplication, or misinterpretation of School Board Policies or Administrative Directives, so that employees may secure, at the lowest administrative level possible, an equitable solution to employee grievances.

SUMMARY: This revision updates details of the four levels of review for resolution of grievances other than harassment and discrimination; sets forth a separate procedure for resolving grievances based on harassment or discrimination, for which up to sixty days are allowed for initial reporting of incidents; defines a grievance as a complaint with written allegations; explains that if a grievance is filed under the procedure of a collective bargaining agreement, the employee may not pursue the same grievance under this Policy; and sets forth procedures for investigating and resolving allegations against the direct reports of the Board (the Superintendent, District Auditor, and Chief Counsel).

SPECIFIC RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: §§ 230.23(22); 230.23005(11); 231.001, Fla. Stat.

LAWS IMPLEMENTED: §§ 228.2001; 230.22(1); 231.001, Fla. Stat.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COST (IF ONE HAS BEEN PREPARED): None. Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or to provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative, must do so in writing within 21 days of the publication of this Notice.

TEXT OF PROPOSED RULE: Is available from the District's web site at www.SchoolBoardPolicies.com/revisions.htm.

CONTACT PERSON: Marcia Andrews, 3300 Forest Hill Blvd. A-128, West Palm Beach, FL 33406.

PERSON ORIGINATING THE PROPOSED RULE REVISION: Dr. MaryAnn DuPont, by request of the DOE.

SUPERVISOR OR PERSON WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Dr. Art Johnson.

DATE PROPOSED RULE WAS APPROVED BY THE SCHOOL BOARD: September 9, 2002.

PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT NOTICE WAS PUBLISHED: September 2, 2002, in the Palm Beach Post.

HEARING INFORMATION: Adoption of the proposed Policy is expected to be considered at the Board's Special Meeting on Policies on October 14, 2002 in the Board Chambers at 3300 Forest Hill Blvd., West Palm Beach, Fla. The meeting is open to the public.