School Policies & Public Notices

2024-2025 Audit Report - Altus Schools Southern California

Charter schools are not allowed to discourage a pupil from enrolling or seeking to enroll in the charter school because the pupil exhibits any characteristics such as students with disabilities, academically low-achieving, English learners, neglected or delinquent, homeless, socially economically disadvantaged, foster youth, or based on nationality, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. Charter schools are not allowed to request a pupil's records before enrollment or encourage a child who is enrolled in a charter school to disenroll or transfer to another school. A parent, guardian, or pupil (18 years or older) may file a Charter School Complaint Form to the authorizing entity if they suspect the charter school is in violation of California Education Code Section 47605(e)(4)(A) through (E).

Charter School Complaint Notice and Form

“The Education Protection Account (EPA) provides local educational agencies (LEAs) with general-purpose state aid funding pursuant to Proposition 30, The Schools and Local Public Safety Protection Act of 2012, approved by the voters on November 6, 2012. The EPA funding is a component of an LEA’s total revenue limit or charter school general-purpose entitlement.” (Retrieved from the California Department of Education website.)

ASEC EPA FY 26-27 (pdf)

ASEC EPA FY 25-26 (pdf)

ASEC EPA FY 24-25 (pdf)

ASEC EPA FY 23-24 (pdf)

ASEC EPA FY 22-23 (pdf)

ASEC EPA FY 21-22 (pdf)

ASEC EPA FY 20-21 (pdf)

ASEC EPA FY 19-20 (pdf)

ASEC EPA FY 18-19 (pdf)

ASEC EPA FY 17-18 (pdf)

ASEC ESSER III Plan

The Learning Continuity and Attendance Plan (LCP) is a key part of the overall budget package for K-12 that seeks to address funding stability for schools while providing information at the local educational agency (LEA) level for how student learning continuity will be addressed during the COVID-19 crisis in the 2020–21 school year. The provisions for the plan were approved by the Governor and Legislature in June in SB 98 and can be found in EC Section 43509.

ASEC LCP (2020-2021)

ASEC LREBG 22-23 and 23-24

Important information regarding confidential student data

There is ongoing litigation between the California Department of Education and the Concerned Parent Association. A notice issued by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson states, “The lawsuit accuses CDE of widespread, systemic non-compliance by local educational agencies with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504. The CDE denies these allegations and is actively defending the litigation.”

The court has ordered CDE to release student and parent information to provide personally identifiable information (PII) – an act that can only be taken as an exception to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). As a result, we are providing notice of the court order and directions to anyone wishing to object.

Please be advised that CDE will notify parents or students of whom are required to disclose information and those individuals may object directly to the court regarding this disclosure using the PDF links below:

Objection to Disclosure of Student Information and Records (PDF)

Objeción a la Publicación de Información y Registros Estudiantiles (PDF)

You are guaranteed enrollment in school by the federal McKinney-Vento Act and California state law, even if you have uncertain housing, a temporary address, or no permanent physical address.

Notice of Rights for Families Experiencing Homelessness - English

Notice of Rights for Families Experiencing Homelessness - Spanish

Ana Maria Rojas, Student Access and Support Services Administrator, is the designated Liaison for Homeless Students for Altus Schools Coastal. You may contact her by phone at 858-678-4818 or by email arojas@altusschools.net.

California families have important rights related to immigration enforcement at TK–12 schools. The California Attorney General has created a family-friendly guide explaining these rights and what students and families can expect if immigration enforcement actions occur at or near a school.

The guide is available directly from the California Office of the Attorney General in the following languages:

 English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Tagalog.

 

Dangers of Synthetic Drugs 

The illicit use and abuse of synthetic drugs represents an emerging and ongoing public health threat in California. The fentanyl crisis specifically has impacted communities across the state, leading to a sharp increase in fentanyl poisonings and deaths in recent years. This notice aims to address the crisis with a preventative approach ensuring students and families are educated on the deadly consequences of recreational drug use. 

A synthetic drug is a drug with properties and effects similar to a known hallucinogen or narcotic but having a slightly altered chemical structure, especially such a drug created in order to evade existing restrictions against illegal substances. Synthetic drugs include but are not limited to synthetic cannabinoids (“synthetic marijuana,” “Spice,” “K2”), methamphetamines, bath salts, and fentanyl.   

The California Department of Public Health (“CDPH”) has expounded on the extreme danger of drugs laced with fentanyl. Illicit fentanyl can be added to other drugs to make them cheaper, more powerful, and more addictive. Illicit fentanyl has been found in many drugs, including heroin, methamphetamine, counterfeit pills, and cocaine. Fentanyl mixed with any drug increases the likelihood of a fatal overdose. Furthermore, it is nearly impossible to tell if drugs have been laced with fentanyl without additional testing, because fentanyl cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted when used as a lacing agent. Social media platforms may be used as a way to market and sell synthetic drugs, such as fentanyl. 

The U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration has directly connected social media drug sales to overdose deaths. Social media drug trafficking impacts all age groups, but adolescents and young adults are particularly susceptible given their high rates of social media use. 

Additional information regarding fentanyl from the CDPH’s Substance and Addiction Prevention Branch can be found here: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/sapb/Pages/default.aspx  

As an independent study program, Altus Schools East County enrolls students throughout the year.  The school works to accommodate all students who wish to enroll.  In the instance that more students wish to enroll than availability allows, the school will use a public random drawing.

Applications will be accepted during a publicly advertised open application period each year for enrollment in the following school year. Following the open enrollment period each year, applications will be counted to determine whether any grade level has received more applications than availability. In the event that this happens, Altus Schools East County shall hold a public random drawing to determine enrollment for the impacted grade level, with the exception of existing students, who are guaranteed enrollment in the following school year.

Admission preferences in the case of a public random drawing shall be as follows:

1. Students currently attending Altus Schools East County
2. Residents of the Grossmont Union School District
3. Siblings of existing students of Altus Schools East County
4. All other students

At the conclusion of the public random drawing, all students who were not granted admission due to capacity shall be given the option to put their name on a waiting list according to their draw in the lottery. This waiting list shall allow students the option of enrollment if an opening occurs during the current school year at their grade level. In no circumstance shall a waiting list carry over to the following school year.  Public random drawing rules, deadlines, dates and times shall be communicated in the application form and on the Altus Schools East County website.

Proposition 28: Arts and Music in Schools Funding Annual Report

Restraint and Seclusion Data reported to the CDE can be found here.

2026-27 School Safety Plan

The executive summary of the School Accountability Report Card is intended to provide parents and community members with a quick snapshot of information related to individual public schools.

Hard copies of the school’s SARC report are available upon request.

2024-2025 SARC

2023-2024 SARC

2022-2023 SARC

2021-2022 SARC

2020-2021 SARC

Click here to view the School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA).

ASSC Board Policy #5160

ASSC Board Policy #3120

1740 Access to Public Records Policy 

Approved: October 21, 2020 / Amended: March 1, 2023; February 28, 2024; June 24, 2025; June 24, 2026 

The Board of Directors of Altus Schools Southern California, a California nonprofit public benefit corporation operating Altus Schools Coastal, Altus Schools East County, Altus Schools Mirus, Altus Schools North County, Altus Schools Riverside County, and Altus Schools South Bay hereafter collectively referred to as “Charter School” or “School”, hereby adopts this Access to Public Records Policy.  Charter School adopts this policy regarding public records requests pursuant to the Public Records Act (Government Code Section 6250) to ensure compliance. This policy may be updated from time to time as required, to be in compliance with state law, regulation, or administrative directive. 

Requests for public records shall be made to the office of the Chief of Staff and Compliance Officer (“COSCO”). The COSCO or designee may then determine the most appropriate employee of the Charter School to assist in assembling any public records for production.  

Any person may request a copy of any public record open to the public and not exempt from disclosure. Public access shall not be given to records listed as exempt from public disclosure in the California Public Records Act or other applicable statutes. While a request need not be in writing, if the request is verbal, the requestor will be asked to reduce the request to writing so there is a written record of the records being requested. If the requestor chooses not to reduce the request to writing, the COSCO or designee shall reduce the request to writing and confirm the request with the requestor. The request for public records must clearly identify the records requested, along with the name and mailing address of the requestor.  

Provisions of the California Public Records Act (Government Code Section 6250 et seq.) shall not be construed so as to delay access for purposes of inspecting or receiving copies of records open to the public. Any notification denying a request for public records shall state the name and title of each person responsible for the denial. 

Charter School may charge for copies of public records or other materials requested by individuals or groups. The charge, based on the direct cost of duplication, has been set by the Board of Directors at .10 cents per page. The direct cost of duplication includes the pro rata expense of the copying equipment used and the pro rata expense in terms of staff time required to produce the copy. It does not include the cost of locating, retrieving, or inspecting records.  

Requests to waive associated fees related to the direct cost of duplication shall be submitted to the COSCO’s Office. 

In response to a request for public records sent or received on an employee’s personal devices or accounts, Charter School shall disclose all public records that can be located with reasonable effort and that are otherwise subject to disclosure under the California Public Records Act. Charter School’s search for such public records shall be reasonably calculated to locate responsive documents. To fulfill such a request for public records, employees of the Charter School may be asked to search for and disclose all responsive disclosable public records maintained on the employee’s personal devices or accounts.  

Within ten (10) days of receiving any request for a copy of records, the COSCO or designee shall determine whether the request seeks copies of disclosable public records in the possession of the Charter School, shall promptly inform the person making the request of the Charter School’s intent to comply with the request, and shall indicate the date that the disclosable public records shall be made available.  

In unusual circumstances, the COSCO may extend the 10-day time period for an additional 14 days by providing written notice to the requestor and setting forth the reasons for the extension and the date on which a determination is expected to be made. Unusual circumstances include, but only to the extent reasonably necessary to properly process the request, the following:  

1. The need to search for and collect the requested records from field facilities or other locations that are separate from the office processing the request; 

2. The need to search for, collect, and appropriately examine a voluminous amount of separate and distinct records that are demanded in a single request; 

3. The need for consultation, which shall be conducted with all practicable speed, with another agency having a substantial interest in the determination of the request, or among two or more components of the Charter School having substantial subject matter interest therein; 

4. The need to compile data, to write programming language or a computer program, or to construct a computer report to extract data.  

If an inspection is requested, any person shall have reasonable access, during normal business hours, to the public records of the Charter School within the requirements of state law. However, if records are not readily available, or if portions of the records to be inspected must be redacted to protect exempt material, then Charter School must be given a reasonable period of time to perform these functions prior to inspection. Such records shall be examined in the presence of the staff member regularly responsible for their maintenance.  

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Elizabeth Orona has been designated as the Public Records Act Coordinator for Altus Schools.  You may contact her at any time by calling 858-678-2020 or by email at eorona@altusschools.net.

ASSC Board Policy #3192

Discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying are all disruptive behaviors, which interfere with students’ ability to learn, negatively affect student engagement, diminish school safety, and contribute to a hostile school environment. As such, Altus Schools prohibits any acts of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying altogether. 

ASSC Board Policy #3177

Additional resources and support are available on the Student & Family Resources page and on the Mental Health & Wellness Hub. 

Notice of Student Non-Discrimination

Altus Schools is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in education. Altus Schools shall promote programs which ensure that discriminatory practices are eliminated in all school activities and will take steps to assure that the lack of English will not be a barrier to admission and participation in school programs.

No student may discriminate, injure, intimidate, interfere with, oppress, or threaten any student or anyone from the School because of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, physical and mental disability, gender or sexual orientation. Any student who engages in such activities may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion and the police may be contacted to take further action.

Any employee who permits or engages in discrimination may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.

Any student or parent who feels that discrimination has occurred should immediately contact a teacher or the Administrator of Instructional Services at (858) 678-2020 for resolution. If not resolved, contact: the Chief of Staff & Compliance Officer, 111 Fletcher Parkway El Cajon, CA 92020, 858-678-2042.

Student Sexual Harassment Policy

Altus Schools is committed to making the schools free from sexual harassment.  This means that Altus Schools prohibits harassment made by someone from or in the educational setting.  Sexual harassment can be such actions as: unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature made by someone from or in the educational setting.

Altus Schools prohibits conduct that has the purpose or effect of having a negative impact on the student’s academic performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment.

Altus Schools further prohibits sexual harassment in which a student’s grades, benefits, services, honors, program or activities are dependent on submission to such conduct.

Students should report any sexual harassment to their teacher or school principal.  Students who violate this policy shall be disciplined appropriately.  This includes suspension or possible expulsion.  Employees who violate this policy shall disciplined according to personnel procedures.

Altus Schools believes that it can resolve harassment issues at the school site. if not, please contact your Learning Lead or Administrator of Instructional Services at (858) 678-2020 for resolution. 

To File a Discrimination or Sexual Harassment Complaint

1. Filing a complaint: Obtain a copy of the Uniform Complaint form and procedure from the school.  Remedies available outside of Altus Schools l are listed in this procedure.
2. Investigation: Altus Schools will immediately undertake an effective, thorough, and objective investigation of the harassment allegations and provide a written report within 60 days of when the complaint is filed.
3. Action: If Altus Schools determines that its policies prohibiting sexual harassment have been violated, disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion, will be taken.

The person filing the complaint may also pursue action in civil court.

Complaints will be kept confidential.

Altus Schools prohibits retaliation against any participant in the complaint process.  Each complaint shall be investigated promptly and in a way that respects the privacy of all parties concerned.

If you have an unresolved discrimination or sexual harassment complaint, contact:

504 Coordinator

Administrator of Special Education

10170 Huennekens Street, San Diego, CA 92121

619-393-2270

Title II, Title IX

Chief of Staff & Compliance Officer

10170 Huennekens Street, San Diego, CA 92121

858-678-4811

Title 5 Coordinator

Chief Business Officer & CFO

10170 Huennekens Street, San Diego, CA 92121

858-678-2048

Civil Rights Coordinator

Chief Business Officer & CFO

10170 Huennekens Street, San Diego, CA 92121

858-678-2048

ASSC Board Policy #3190

ASSC Board Policy #3180

ASSC Board Policy #1710

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects individuals from discrimination based on sex in any educational program or activity operated by recipients of federal financial assistance.

Altus Schools is committed to providing an environment free from discrimination based on sex and provides a number of resources and services to assist students, faculty, and staff in addressing issues involving sex discrimination.

Elizabeth Orona has been designated as the Title IX Coordinator for Altus Schools.  You may contact her at any time by calling (858) 678-4811 or email at eorona@altusschools.net.

 

1500 Uniform Complaint Policy and Procedures

Last Amended: June 24, 2026

The Board of Directors of Altus Schools Southern California, a California nonprofit public benefit corporation operating Altus Schools Coastal, Altus Schools East County, Altus Schools Mirus, Altus Schools North County, Altus Schools Riverside County, and Altus Schools South Bay, hereafter collectively referred to as “Charter School” or “School”, hereby adopts this policy is to comply with applicable federal and state laws and regulations. The Charter School is the local agency primarily responsible for compliance with federal and state laws and regulations governing educational programs. Pursuant to this policy, persons responsible for compliance and/or conducting investigations shall be knowledgeable about the laws and programs, which they are assigned to investigate.

Scope

This complaint procedure is adopted to provide a uniform system of complaint processing (“UCP”) for the following types of complaints:

(1)    Complaints alleging unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying against any protected group, on the basis of the actual or perceived characteristics of age, ancestry, color, mental disability, physical disability, ethnic group identification, immigration status, citizenship, gender expression, gender identity, gender, genetic information, nationality, national origin, race or ethnicity, religion, medical condition, marital status, sex, or sexual orientation, or on the basis of a person’s association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics in any Charter School program or activity. Unlawful discrimination includes, but is not limited to, noncompliance with Education Code section 243(a).

(2)    Complaints alleging a violation of state or federal law or regulation governing the following programs:

• Accommodations for Pregnant, Parenting or Lactating Students;
• Adult Education;
• Career Technical and Technical Education;
• Career Technical and Technical Training;
• Child Care and Development Programs;
• Consolidated Categorical Aid;
• Education or graduation of Students in Foster Care, Students who are Homeless, former Juvenile Court Students now enrolled in a public schools, Migratory Children and Children of Military Families;
  • Every Student Succeeds Act;
  • Migrant Education Programs;
  • Regional Occupational Centers and Programs, and
  • School Safety Plans.

(3)    Complaints alleging that a student enrolled in a public school was required to pay a pupil fee for participation in an educational activity as those terms are defined below.

1. “Educational activity” means an activity offered by the charter school that constitutes an integral fundamental part of elementary and secondary education, including, but not limited to, curricular and extracurricular activities.
2. “Pupil fee” means a fee, deposit or other charge imposed on students, or a student’s parents/guardians, in violation of Education Code section 49011and Section 5 of Article IX of the California Constitution, which require educational activities to be provided free of charge to all students without regard to their families’ ability or willingness to pay fees or request special waivers, Pupil fees include:

1.   A fee charged to a student as a condition for registering for school or classes, or as a condition for participation in a class or an extracurricular activity, regardless of whether the class or activity is elective or compulsory, or is for credit.
2.  A security deposit, or other payment, that a student is required to make to obtain a lock, locker, book, class apparatus, musical instrument, uniform or other materials or equipment.
3. A purchase that a student is required to make to obtain materials, supplies, equipment or uniforms associated with an educational activity.

3. A pupil fees complaint and complaints regarding local control and accountability plans (“LCAP”) only, may be filed anonymously (without an identifying signature), if the complaint provides evidence or information leading to evidence to support an allegation of noncompliance with Education Code sections 52060 – 52077, including an allegation of a violation of Education Code sections 47605.5 or 47607.3, as referenced in Education Code Section 52075, regarding local control and accountability plans.
4. If the Charter School finds merit in a pupil fees complaint, or the California Department of Education (“CDE”) finds merit in an appeal, Charter School shall provide a remedy to all affected students, parents/guardians that, where applicable, includes reasonable efforts by the Charter School to ensure full reimbursement to all affected students, parents/guardians, subject to procedures established through regulations adopted by the state board.
5. Nothing in this Policy shall be interpreted to prohibit solicitation of voluntary donations of funds or property, voluntary participation in fundraising activities, or, Charter School, and other entities from providing student prizes or other recognition for voluntarily participating in fundraising activities.

(4)    Complaints alleging noncompliance with the requirements governing the Local Control Funding Formula (“LCFF”) or LCAP under Education Code sections 47606.5 and 47607.3, as applicable are subject to the UCP.

(5)   If the Charter School adopts a School Plan for Student Achievement in addition to its LCAP, complaints of noncompliance with the requirements of the School Plan for Student Achievement under Education Code sections 64000, 64001, 65000, and 65001 shall also fall under this Policy.

Complaints alleging noncompliance regarding child nutrition programs established pursuant to Education Code sections 49490-49590 no longer fall under the UCP. Instead, they are governed by Title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (“C.F.R sections 210.19(a)(4), 215.1(a), 220.13(c), 225.11(b), 226.6(n), and 250.15(d) and Title 5, California Code of Regulations (“C.C.R.”) sections 15580 - 15584.

Complaints alleging noncompliance regarding special education programs established pursuant to Education Code sections 56000-56865 and 59000-59300 no longer fall under the UCP. Instead, they are governed by the procedures set forth in 5 C.C.R. sections 3200-3205 and 34 C.F.R. sections 300.151-300.153.

The Charter School acknowledges and respects every individual’s rights to privacy. Unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying complaints shall be investigated in a manner that protects (to the greatest extent practical and as permitted by law) the confidentiality of the parties, including but not limited to the identity of the complainant, and maintains the integrity of the process. Charter School cannot assure anonymity or confidentiality of the complainant’s identity. Charter School may find it necessary to disclose information regarding the complaint/complainant to the extent required by law or necessary to carry out the investigation or proceedings, as determined by the Chief of Staff & Compliance Officer or designee on a case-by-case basis.  Charter School shall take reasonable steps to protect complainants from retaliation. Charter School shall ensure that complainants are protected from retaliation.

Compliance Officers

The Board of Directors designates the Chief of Staff & Compliance Officer (“COSCO”) to be the Compliance Officer to receive and investigate complaints and to ensure the Charter School’s compliance with law:

Elizabeth Orona
Chief of Staff & Compliance Officer

10170 Huennekens Street
San Diego, CA 92121
(858) 678-4811

The COSCO or designee shall ensure that the compliance officer(s) designated to investigate complaints are knowledgeable about the laws and programs for which they are responsible. The compliance officer may have access to legal counsel as determined by the COSCO or designee.

Should a complaint be filed against the COSCO, the compliance officer for that case shall be the Chairperson of the Charter School Board of Directors.

Notifications

The COSCO or designee shall make available copies of this Policy free of charge.  The annual notice of this Policy may be available on the Charter School’s website.  The Charter School shall annually provide written notification of the Charter School’s uniform complaint procedures to employees, students, parents/guardians, advisory committees, private school officials or representatives, and other interested parties as applicable.

The annual notice shall be in English.  When necessary, under Education Code section 48985, if fifteen (15) percent or more of the students enrolled in the Charter School speak a single primary language other than English, this annual notice will also be provided to the parent/guardian of any such students in their primary language

The annual notice shall include the following:

1. A list of the types of complaints that fall under the scope of the UCP and the state and federal provisions that govern complaints regarding child nutrition programs and special education programs.
2. A statement clearly identifying any California State preschool programs that School is operating as exempt from licensing pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 1596.792(o) and corresponding Title 5 health and safety regulations, and any California State preschool programs that School is operating pursuant to Title 22 licensing requirements.
3. A statement that School is primarily responsible for compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.
4. A statement that a student enrolled in a public school shall not be required to pay a pupil fee for participation in an educational activity.
5. A statement identifying the title of the compliance officer, and the identity(ies) of the person(s) currently occupying that position, if known.
6. A statement that if a UCP complaint is filed directly with the CDE and the CDE determines that it merits direct intervention, the CDE shall complete an investigation and provide a written decision to the complainant within sixty (60) calendar days of receipt of the complaint, unless the parties have agreed to extend the timeline or the CDE documents exceptional circumstances and informs the complainant.
7. A statement that the complainant has a right to appeal the Charter School’s decision to the CDE by filing a written appeal within thirty (30) calendar days of the Charter School’s decision, except if the Charter School has used its UCP to address a complaint that is not subject to the UCP requirements. 
8. A statement that a complainant who appeals Charter School’s decision on a UCP complaint to the CDE shall receive a written appeal decision within sixty (60) calendar days of the CDE’s receipt of the appeal, unless extended by written agreement with the complainant or the CDE documents exceptional circumstances and informs the complainant.
9. A statement that if Charter finds merit in a UCP complaint, or the CDE finds merit in an appeal, Charter shall take corrective actions consistent with the requirements of existing law that will provide a remedy to the affected student and/or parent/guardian as applicable.
10. A statement advising the complainant of any civil law remedies that may be available under state or federal discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying laws, if applicable, and of the appeal pursuant to Education Code §section 262.3.
11. A statement that copies of Charter’s UCP shall be available free of charge.

Procedures

The following procedures shall be used to address all complaints, which allege that the Charter School has violated federal or state laws or regulations enumerated in the section “Scope”, above.  The compliance officer shall maintain a record of each complaint and subsequent related actions for at least three (3) calendar years.

All parties named shall be notified when a complaint is filed, when a complaint meeting or hearing is scheduled, and when a decision or ruling is made.

Step 1: Filing of Complaint

Any individual, including a person’s duly authorized representative or an interested third party, public agency or organization may file a written complaint of alleged noncompliance of unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying pursuant to this Policy.  A complaint of unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying may be filed by an individual who alleges that individual has personally suffered unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying or by one who believes any specific class of individuals has been subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying, or by a duly authorized representative who alleges that an individual student has been subjected to discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying. An investigation of alleged unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying shall be initiated by filing a complaint no later than six (6) months from the date the alleged discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying occurred, or the complainant first obtained knowledge of the facts of the alleged discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying unless the time for filing is extended by the COSCO or designee, upon written request by the complainant setting forth the reasons for the extension. Such extension by the COSCO or designee shall be made in writing. The period for filing may be extended by the COSCO or designee for good cause for a period not to exceed ninety (90) calendar days following the expiration of the six-month time period. The COSCO shall respond immediately upon a receipt of a request for extension.

All other complaints under this Policy shall be filed not later than one (1) year from the date the alleged violation occurred.  For complaints relating to the LCAP, the date of the alleged violation is the date on which the Board of Directors approved the LCAP or the annual update was adopted by the Charter School. 

The complaint shall be presented to the compliance officer who shall maintain a log of complaints received, providing each with a code number and notification of date received.

Complaints filed pursuant to this Policy must be in writing and signed. A signature may be handwritten, typed (including in an email) or electronically generated. Only complaints regarding pupil fees or LCAP compliance may be filed anonymously as set forth in this Policy.  If a complainant is unable to put a complaint in writing due to conditions such as a disability or illiteracy, the Charter School staff shall assist the complainant in the filing of the complaint.

Step 2: Mediation

Within three (3) business days of receiving the complaint, the compliance officer may informally discuss with the complainant the possibility engaging in mediation with a neutral third-party. If the complainant agrees to mediation, the compliance officer shall make arrangements for this process.

Before initiating the mediation of an unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying complaint, the compliance officer shall ensure that all parties agree that the mediator must maintain confidentiality.

If the mediation process does not resolve the complaint to the satisfaction of the complainant, the compliance officer shall proceed with the investigation of the complaint.

The use of mediation shall not extend the Charter School’s timelines for investigating and resolving the complaint unless the complainant agrees in writing to such an extension of time.

Step 3: Investigation of Complaint

The compliance officer is encouraged to hold an investigative meeting within five (5) business days of receiving the complaint or an unsuccessful attempt to mediate the complaint. This meeting shall provide an opportunity for the complainant and/or the complainant’s representative to repeat the complaint orally.

The complainant and/or the complainant’s representative shall have an opportunity to present the complaint and evidence or information leading to evidence to support the allegations in the complaint.

A complainant’s refusal to provide the compliance officer with documents or other evidence related to the allegations in the complaint, or complainant’s failure or refusal to cooperate in the investigation or the complainant’s engagement in any other obstruction of the investigation, may result in the dismissal of the complaint because of a lack of evidence to support the allegation.

The Charter School’s refusal to provide the compliance officer with access to records and/or other information related to the allegation in the complaint, or its failure or refusal to cooperate in the investigation or its engagement in any other obstruction of the investigation, may result in a finding, based on evidence collected, that a violation has occurred and may result in the imposition of a remedy in favor of the complainant.

Final Written Decision

The Charter School shall issue an investigation report (the “Decision) based on the evidence.   The Charter School’s decision shall be in writing and sent to the complainant within sixty (60) calendar days of the Charter School’s receipt unless the timeframe is extended with the written agreement of the complainant.  The Charter School’s decision shall be written in English and in the language of the complainant whenever feasible or as required by law.

The Decision shall include:

1. The findings of fact based on evidence gathered.
2. The conclusion providing a clear determination for each allegation as to whether the Charter School is in compliance with the relevant law.
3. Corrective actions, if the Charter School finds merit in the complaint and any are warranted or required by law.
4. Notice of the complainant’s right to appeal the Charter School’s decision within thirty (30) calendar days to the CDE, except when the Charter School has used its UCP to address complaints that are not subject to the UCP requirements
5. Procedures to be followed for initiating such an appeal.

If an employee is disciplined as a result of the complaint, the Decision shall simply state that effective action was taken and that the employee was informed of the Charter School’s expectations. The Decision shall not give any further information as to the nature of the disciplinary action except as required by applicable law.

Appeals to the California Department of Education

If dissatisfied with the Decision, the complainant may appeal in writing to the CDE within thirty (30) days of receiving the Decision. The appeal shall be accompanied by a copy of the complaint filed with the Charter School and a copy of the Decision. When appealing to the CDE, the complainant must specify and explain the basis for the appeal, including at least one of the following:

1. Charter School failed to follow its complaint procedures.
2. Relative to all allegations of the complaint, the Charter School’s Decision lacks material findings of fact necessary to reach a conclusion of law.
3. The material findings of fact in Charter School’s Decision are not supported by substantial evidence.
4. The legal conclusion in the Charter School’s Decision is inconsistent with the law.
5. In a case in which Charter School’s Decision found noncompliance, the corrective actions fail to provide a proper remedy.

Upon notification by the CDE, that the complainant has appealed the Decision, the COSCO or designee shall forward the following documents to the CDE within ten (10) calendar days of the date of notification:

1. A copy of the original complaint.
2. A copy of the Decision.
3. A copy of the investigation file, including but not limited to all notes, interviews, and documents submitted by the parties or gathered by the investigator.
4. A report of any action taken to resolve the complaint.
5. A copy of the Charter School’s complaint procedures.
6. Other relevant information requested by the CDE.

If the CDE determines the appeal raises issues not contained in the local complaint, the CDE will refer those new issues back to the Charter School for resolution as a new complaint. If the CDE notifies the Charter School that its Decision failed to address an allegation raised by the complaint and subject to the UCP process, the Charter School will investigate and address such allegation(s) in accordance with the UCP requirements and provide the CDE and the appellant with an amended Decision addressing such allegation(s) within twenty (20) calendar days of the CDE’s notification. The amended Decision will inform the appellant of the right to separately appeal the amended Decision with respect to the complaint allegation(s) not addressed in the original Decision.

Within thirty (30) calendar days of the date of the CDE’s appeal Decision pursuant to 5 C.C.R. section 4633(f)(2) or (3), either party may request reconsideration by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction (“SSPI”) or the SSPI’s designee. The request for reconsideration shall specify and explain the reason(s) for contesting the findings of fact, conclusion of law, or corrective actions in the CDE’s appeal Decision. The SSPI will not consider any information not previously submitted to the CDE by a party during the appeal unless such information was unknown to the party at the time of the appeal and, with due diligence, could not have become known to the party. Pending the SSPI’s response to a request for reconsideration, the CDE appeal Decisions remains in effect and enforceable, unless stayed by a court.

The CDE may directly intervene in the complaint without waiting for action by the Charter School when one of the conditions listed in C.C.R. section 4650 exists, including but not limited to cases in which through no fault of the complainant, Charter School has not taken action within sixty (60) calendar days of the date of the complaint was filed with the Charter School.

If Charter School fails to issue an investigation report within the required sixty (60) calendar day timeline, a party to a written complaint of prohibited discrimination may appeal directly to the SSPI. The complaint must provide evidence supporting the basis for direct filing and explain why immediate action is necessary.

Civil Law Remedies

Complainants alleging a violation of Education Code section 220, 243, 244, 51500, 51501, or 60044, may seek civil remedies after sixty (60) calendar days have elapsed from the filing of an appeal with the CDE before pursuing civil law remedies. The waiting period does not apply to injunctive relief and is applicable only if the Charter School has appropriately, and in a timely manner, apprised the complainant of their right to file a complaint.

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Last Name: ______________________________ First Name/MI:____________________________

Student Name (if applicable): _______________________Grade: _______ Date of Birth:_________

Street Address/Apt. #: _______________________________________________________________

City: ____________________________________State: _______________ Zip Code: ____________

Home Phone: ________________ Cell Phone: __________________ Work Phone: ______________

School/Office of Alleged Violation: _____________________________________________________

For allegation(s) of noncompliance, please check the program or activity referred to in your complaint, if applicable:

__ Adult Education __ Career Technical and Technical Education/Career Technical and Technical Training __ Child Care and Development __ Consolidated Categorical Aid Programs

__ Education of Students in Foster Care, Students who are Homeless, former Juvenile Court Students now enrolled in a Public School, Migratory Children and Children of Military Families __ Every Student Succeeds Act __ Local Control Funding Formula/ Local Control and Accountability Plan __ Migrant Education Programs

__ Regional Occupational Centers and Programs __ School Plans for School Achievement __ School Safety Plan __ Pupil Fees __   Pregnant, Parenting or Lactating Students

For allegation(s) of unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying, please check the basis of the unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying described in your complaint, if applicable:

__   Age __   Ancestry __   Color __ Disability (Mental or Physical) __   Ethnic Group Identification __ Gender / Gender Expression / Gender Identity

__   Genetic Information __   Immigration Status/Citizenship __ Marital Status __ Medical Condition __   Nationality / National Origin __ Race or Ethnicity __ Religion

__ Sex (Actual or Perceived)                __ Sexual Orientation (Actual or Perceived) __ Based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics

Please give facts about the complaint. Provide details such as the names of those involved, dates, whether witnesses were present, etc., that may be helpful to the complaint investigator.

Have you discussed your complaint or brought your complaint to any Altus Schools East County personnel? If you have, to whom did you take the complaint, and what was the result?

Please provide copies of any written documents that may be relevant or supportive of your complaint.

__   Yes

__ No

I have attached supporting documents:              

Signature:

___________________________________________________________ Date: _____________

Mail complaint and any relevant documents to the Chief of Staff & Compliance Officer:

 

Elizabeth Orona
Chief of Staff & Compliance Officer

10170 Huennekens Street
San Diego, CA 92121
(858) 678-4811