Board discusses standardizing non‑UCP complaint procedures in charter MOUs; staff to return with final language

Board members discussed proposed language to add to Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with charter schools requiring a clear non‑UCP complaint procedure and annual dissemination to parents. The measure aims to ensure families know how to file non‑Uniform Complaint Procedures (non‑UCP) grievances — topics that fall outside the state’s formal UCP categories but still require local response and tracking.

What was proposed: Staff circulated draft MOU language asking charter schools to adopt and maintain a parent‑facing complaint procedure for non‑UCP matters (for example, volunteer policies, program questions or local concerns that do not fall under formal UCP categories), post the procedure on their websites and disseminate it annually or at enrollment.

Why it matters: Several trustees cited a recent public comment example in which parents said they were unaware of an existing complaint pathway; trustees said standardized notification would reduce confusion and help surface patterns of problems that warrant oversight. Legal counsel explained UCP is a separate, statutorily required process for specified complaint categories; the MOU language would cover other complaints that parents reasonably raise to schools.

Next steps: Staff confirmed they will finalize the MOU language (staff used the phrase “non‑UCP complaints”) and bring it to the board for a formal vote at a future meeting. Board members signaled support for requiring charters to provide a clear complaint pathway and post it on websites and handbooks.