- K
- School-Community Relations
Boulder Valley School District
Effective: November 7, 2019, October 24, 2023, August 12, 2025, November 18, 2025
COMPLAINTS ABOUT CURRICULUM, ACTIVITIES OR MATERIALS
Associated Policy: KEC - Complaints About Curriculum, Activies or Materials
The following procedures shall apply in handling complaints under Policy KEC:
A. Curriculum/Instructional Activities or Materials
If the complaint is not resolved satisfactorily or in a timely manner by the school or the complaint pertains to District Core Instructional Materials or District Supplemental Materials, the Complainant may request review of the curriculum or instructional activity or material by submitting a written request consistent with this Policy. The Request shall be submitted within a reasonable period of time, generally not more than 30 days after the item or activity is identified, used, or delivered.
Within 15 working days of receiving the request, the Superintendent shall designate a District leader who shall determine whether, at their discretion, they will appoint a review committee to support the complaint process. If no committee is appointed, then the District leader shall perform the activities assigned to the committee in Section C.
The District leader will make a decision and issue a written response within a reasonable time after the date the request is received, but generally not longer than 30 working days or 45 working days if a Committee is appointed. The Superintendent’s designee’s decision shall identify the process followed, the information received, and one of the following determinations:
- The curriculum, instructional material, instructional strategy, or educational activity is compatible with the District’s policies and expectations, and should not be restricted.
- The curriculum, instructional material, instructional strategy, or educational activity is not compatible with the District’s policies and expectations, and should be discontinued.
- The curriculum, instructional material, instructional strategy, or educational activity should be limited to specified conditions.
To the extent permitted by law and Board policy, copies of the response will be provided to all parties involved.
Further review may be provided in accordance with Section D, below.
B. Library Resources
The parent/guardian of a student who is enrolled in a school may request that the school withdraw a library resource from school use. The parent/guardian who objects to the library resource must provide a written complaint that includes the library resource of concern, certification that the individual reviewed the entire item, the individuals’ objections to the item, and recommended action.
Upon receiving a complete formal complaint regarding a library resource, the Superintendent shall refer the matter to the committee review process and appoint a District leader to decide upon the complaint.
Upon completion of the committee review process as described in Section C, the District leader will make a decision and issue a written response within a reasonable time after the date the request is received, but generally not longer than 45 working days. The District leader’s decision shall identify the process followed, the information received, and one of the following determinations:
- The library resource is compatible with the District’s policies and expectations, and should not be restricted.
- The library resource is not compatible with the District’s policies and expectations, and should be discontinued.
- The library resource should be limited to specified conditions.
To the extent permitted by law and Board policy, copies of the response will be provided to all parties involved.
C. Committee Review
A committee reviewing curriculum, materials, activities, or library resource challenges shall consist of School and District staff knowledgeable about the issues raised in the complaint (e.g., teacher, principal, teacher librarian, media specialist, curriculum director) and a parent/community member, if appropriate and available. The Committee will receive appropriate training on School District policy and procedure.
The Committee may establish time requirements and other procedures in connection with the hearing as necessary. Generally, the Committee will schedule a hearing with the requesting party within a reasonable period of time, usually within 15 working days of receiving the request, at which time the requesting party may appear and make statements and produce evidence relating to the complaint. The Committee may also request presentations from the supervisor, other parties involved, and/or experts in the area, and it may accept statements from interested persons. The hearing is not open to the public.
Within ten (10) working days of the hearing, unless additional time is needed, the Committee shall deliver recommended findings and a proposed decision in writing to the Superintendent’s designee.
Further review may be provided in accordance with Section D, below.
D. Additional Review
Superintendent
If the Complainant is dissatisfied with the District level decision, they may appeal to the Superintendent. Such appeal shall be in writing and shall include a statement of the original complaint, the decisions reached in the prior step, and a statement of the reasons for the appeal. This appeal must be submitted within ten (10) working days after receipt of the District level decision.
Within a reasonable period of time, usually within 15 working days of receiving the appeal, the Superintendent or designee shall review the prior decisions and any records from prior hearings and, at their discretion, may permit the Complainant to present further evidence or argument. Within a reasonable period of time, usually within ten working days after completion of this process, the Superintendent or designee shall render a written decision and provide a copy to all parties. This decision shall be final unless the Board of Education accepts the matter for review.
Board of Education
If the Complainant is dissatisfied with the decision of the Superintendent, they may appeal to the Board of Education. Such appeal shall be in writing and directed to the Secretary of the Board and the Superintendent and shall include at least all prior decisions, a statement of the complaint, and reasons for the appeal. An appeal must be submitted within ten (10) working days after the Superintendent’s decision.
The Board shall have the discretion to accept or reject the matter for review. If it rejects the matter, the Superintendent's decision shall be final. If it accepts the matter, the Board shall schedule a meeting to convene within 30 calendar days of receiving the petition for appeal. At such meeting, the Board may hear argument from the parties, review the prior decisions and evidence, and make such inquiry as it deems necessary. The Board will render a written decision within ten working days, unless additional time is needed. The Board’s decision will
be final.