Valley Oak Charter Title IX Policy & Grievance Procedures

Purpose
Valley Oak Charter ("VOC") is committed to ensuring an educational environment free from sex-based discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and relevant state laws. This policy applies to all students, employees, and third parties in school programs, activities, and facilities.

Title IX Coordinator
VOC has designated the following Title IX Coordinator to oversee compliance and address Title IX concerns:
Title IX Coordinator: VOC Director
Shawna Garritson
907 El Centro St. Ojai, CA 93023
shawna@valleyoakcharter.org
(805) 640-4421
The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for ensuring prompt, equitable responses to reports of sex-based discrimination and harassment.

Definitions

A. Sexual Harassment (as defined by Title IX)
Sexual harassment includes:

• Quid Pro Quo Harassment: An employee conditioning aid, benefits, or services on participation in unwelcome sexual conduct.

• Hostile Environment: Unwelcome conduct that is so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it denies a person equal access to VOC’s education program.

• Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, or Stalking (as defined in federal law).

Retaliation
No student or staff member may retaliate against a person for reporting, participating in, or refusing to participate in a Title IX investigation.

Reporting Title IX Violations
Anyone can report sex discrimination, including students, parents, employees, and third parties. Reports can be made:

• In person to the Title IX Coordinator

• By email or phone

• Anonymously through an online or written report

Grievance Procedures

Step 1: Initial Response

• The Title IX Coordinator will assess the complaint within 3 school days.

• Supportive measures (e.g., counseling, schedule changes) will be provided as needed,   regardless of whether a formal complaint is filed.

Step 2: Filing a Formal Complaint

• A formal complaint must be submitted in writing by the complainant or the Title IX Coordinator.

• The school will provide written notice to all involved parties, including the respondent.

Step 3: Investigation

• The school will conduct an impartial investigation, including interviews with the complainant, respondent, and witnesses.

• Both parties may submit evidence and have an advisor present during the process.

• The investigation will be completed within 30 school days, unless an extension is necessary.

Step 4: Decision & Resolution

• A neutral decision-maker (not the investigator) will review all evidence and issue a written determination on whether a Title IX violation occurred.

• If a violation is found, appropriate remedies and disciplinary actions will be implemented.

• The parties will have 10 days to appeal the decision.

Appeals Process
Either party may appeal based on:

• Procedural irregularities affecting the outcome

• New evidence that was not previously available

• Conflicts of interest or bias

Training & Compliance

• All VOC Title IX personnel, including the Coordinator, investigators, and decision-makers, will receive annual training on Title IX compliance.

• The policy will be published in the family handbook, school website, and employee policies.

Record Keeping
VOC will maintain records of all Title IX complaints, investigations, and resolutions for seven (7) years in compliance with federal law.

Contact Information for Filing Complaints with External Agencies
Individuals may also file complaints with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR):

Office for Civil Rights – San Francisco Office

U.S. Department of Education

50 Beale Street, Suite 7200

San Francisco, CA 94105

(415) 486-5555

OCR.SanFrancisco@ed.gov