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Non-Discrimination | Title IX

The Avonworth School District is an equal rights and opportunity school district. The school district does not discriminate based on race, color, age, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, or handicap/disability. The district shall make reasonable accommodations for identified physical and mental impairments that constitute disabilities, consistent with the requirements of federal and state laws and regulations.

  • The Avonworth Board of School Directors shall provide to all students, without discrimination, course offerings, counseling, assistance, employment, career information and assessments, athletics, and extracurricular activities.

  • The district shall make reasonable accommodations for identified physical and mental impairments that constitute disabilities, consistent with the requirements of federal and state law.

  • The Avonworth Board of School Directors directs that complaints of discrimination shall be investigated promptly and corrective action be taken when allegations are substantiated.

  • Confidentiality of all parties shall be maintained, consistent with the district’s legal and investigative obligations.

  • No reprisals or retaliation shall occur as a result of good faith charges of discrimination.

  • In order to maintain a program of non-discrimination practices that is in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, the Avonworth Board of School Directors designates the Director of Student Services as the district’s Compliance Officer.

  • The Compliance Officer shall publish and disseminate this policy and complaint procedure at least annually to students, parents/guardians, employees, and the public.

Additional information about civil rights, school district policies, and grievance procedures can be obtained by contacting the compliance officers listed below between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM Monday-Friday. This notice is available from the compliance officers in large print, audiotape, and Braille.

Title IX:
Dr. Jillian Bichsel
412-369-8738  ext. 1501

Section 504 and ADA:
Dr. Justin Karam
412-369-8738  ext. 1901

Address:
Avonworth School District
258 Josephs Lane
Pittsburgh, PA 15237

Compliance Officer Responsibilities

Student Areas

Monitor the implementation of non-discrimination procedures in the following student areas:

  • Curriculum and Materials– review of curriculum guides, textbooks & supplemental materials for discriminatory bias

  • Training- Provision of training for students and staff to identify and alleviate problems of discrimination

  • Student Access- Review of programs, activities and practices to ensure that all students have equal access and are not separated except where permissible by law/regulation

Employee Areas

Monitor the implementation of non-discrimination procedures in the following employee areas:

  • Development of position qualifications, job descriptions, and essential job functions

  • Recruitment materials and practices

  • Procedures for screening, interviewing, and hiring

  • Promotions

  • Disciplinary actions, up to and including termination

Complaint Procedures

District Action:

If the investigation results in finding that the complaint is factual and constitutes a violation of this policy, the district shall take prompt corrective action to ensure that such conduct ceases and will not recur.

Disciplinary actions shall be consistent with the Student Code of Conduct, Avonworth Board of School Directors’ policies and district procedures, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and state and federal laws.

 

Appeal Procedure:

If the complainant is not satisfied with a finding of no violation of the policy or with the corrective action recommended in the investigation report, he/she may submit a written appeal to the Compliance Officer within 15 days.

The Compliance Officer shall review the investigation and investigation report and may also conduct a reasonable investigation.

The Compliance Officer shall prepare a written response to the appeal within 15 days. Copies of the response shall be provided to the complainant, the accused, and the building principal who conducted the original investigation.

Notices & Disclosures