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Article 4.7. Miscellaneous Administrative Authority of California Education Code >> Division 3. >> Title 2. >> Part 21. >> Chapter 2. >> Article 4.7.
The governing board of each school district may convene
hearings, make findings, and adopt and issue policy statements
setting forth the responsibilities of the pupils of that school
district regarding academic performance, attendance, in-school
behavior, and any other aspects of school life which the school
district governing board may deem relevant to this task.
The governing board of any school district may market or
license any noneducational mainframe electronic data-processing
software developed by the school district to any person or any public
or private corporation or agency. Proceeds from the marketing or
licensing of noneducational mainframe electronic data-processing
software under this section shall be used exclusively for educational
purposes.
(a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the
following:
(1) State and federal laws require all schools participating in meal programs to provide nutritious food and beverages to pupils.
(2) State and federal laws restrict the sale of food and beverages in competition with meal programs to enhance the nutritional goals for pupils, and to protect the fiscal and nutritional integrity of the school food service programs.
(3) Parents, pupils, and community members should have the opportunity to ensure, through the review of food and beverage contracts, that food and beverages sold on school campuses provide nutritious sustenance to pupils, promote good health, help pupils learn, provide energy, and model fit living for life.
(b) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings:
(1) "Nonnutritious beverages" means any beverage that is not any of the following:
(A) Drinking water.
(B) Milk, including, but not limited to, chocolate milk, soy milk, rice milk, and other similar dairy or nondairy milk.
(C) An electrolyte replacement beverage that contains 42 grams or less of added sweetener per 20 ounce serving.
(D) A 100 percent fruit juice, or fruit-based drink that is composed of 50 percent or more fruit juice and that has no added sweeteners.
(2) "Added sweetener" means an additive that enhances the sweetness of the beverage, including, but not limited to, added sugar, but does not include the natural sugar or sugars that are contained within any fruit juice that is a component of the beverage.
(3) "Nonnutritious food" means food that is not sold as part of the school breakfast or lunch program as a full meal, and that meets any of the following standards:
(A) More than 35 percent of its total calories are from fat.
(B) More than 10 percent of its total calories are from saturated fat.
(C) More than 35 percent of its total weight is composed of sugar. This subparagraph does not apply to the sale of fruits or vegetables.
(c) The governing board of a school district shall not do any of the following:
(1) Enter into or renew a contract, or permit a school within the district to enter into or renew a contract, that grants exclusive or nonexclusive advertising or grants the right to the exclusive or nonexclusive sale of carbonated beverages or nonnutritious beverages or nonnutritious food within the district to a person, business, or corporation, unless the governing board of the school district does all of the following:
(A) Adopts a policy after a public hearing of the governing board of the school district to ensure that the school district has internal controls in place to protect the integrity of the public funds and to ensure that funds raised benefit public education, and that the contracts are entered into on a competitive basis pursuant to procedures contained in Section 20111 of the Public Contract Code or through the issuance of a Request for Proposal.
(B) Provides to parents, guardians, pupils, and members of the public the opportunity to comment on the contract by holding a public hearing on the contract during a regularly scheduled board meeting. The governing board of the school district shall clearly, and in a manner recognizable to the general public, identify in the agenda the contract to be discussed at the meeting.
(2) Enter into a contract that prohibits a school district employee from disparaging the goods or services of the party contracting with the governing board of the school district.
(3) Enter into a contract or permit a school within the district to enter into a contract for electronic products or services that requires the dissemination of advertising to pupils, unless the governing board of the school district does all of the following:
(A) Enters into the contract at a noticed public hearing of the governing board of the school district.
(B) Makes a finding that the electronic product or service in question is or would be an integral component of the education of pupils.
(C) Makes a finding that the school district cannot afford to provide the electronic product or service unless it contracts to permit dissemination of advertising to pupils.
(D) Provides written notice to the parents or guardians of pupils that the advertising will be used in the classroom or other learning centers. This notice shall be part of the school district's normal ongoing communication to parents or guardians.
(E) Offers the parents the opportunity to request in writing that the pupil not be exposed to the program that contains the advertising. A request shall be honored for the school year in which it is submitted, or longer if specified, but may be withdrawn by the parents or guardians at any time.
(d) A governing board of the school district may meet the public hearing requirement set forth in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) for those contracts that grant the right to the exclusive or nonexclusive sale of carbonated beverages or nonnutritious beverages or nonnutritious food within the district, by an annual public hearing to review and discuss existing and potential contracts for the sale of food and beverages on campuses, including food and beverages sold as full meals, through competitive sales, as fundraisers, and through vending machines.
(1) The public hearing shall include, but not be limited to, a discussion of all of the following:
(A) The nutritional value of food and beverages sold within the district.
(B) The availability of fresh fruit, vegetables, and grains in school meals and snacks, including, but not limited to, locally grown and organic produce.
(C) The amount of fat, sugar, and additives in the food and beverages discussed.
(D) Barriers to pupil participation in school breakfast and lunch programs.
(2) A school district that holds an annual public hearing consistent with this subdivision is not released from the public hearing requirements set forth in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) for those contracts not discussed at the annual public hearing.
(e) The governing board of the school district shall make accessible to the public a contract entered into pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) and may not include in that contract a confidentiality clause that would prevent a school or school district from making any part of the contract public.
(f) The governing board of a school district may sell advertising, products, or services on a nonexclusive basis.
(g) The governing board of a school district may post public signs indicating the school district's appreciation for the support of a person or business for the school district's education program.
(h) Contracts entered into before January 1, 2004, may remain in effect, but shall not be renewed if they are in conflict with this section.
(1) State and federal laws require all schools participating in meal programs to provide nutritious food and beverages to pupils.
(2) State and federal laws restrict the sale of food and beverages in competition with meal programs to enhance the nutritional goals for pupils, and to protect the fiscal and nutritional integrity of the school food service programs.
(3) Parents, pupils, and community members should have the opportunity to ensure, through the review of food and beverage contracts, that food and beverages sold on school campuses provide nutritious sustenance to pupils, promote good health, help pupils learn, provide energy, and model fit living for life.
(b) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings:
(1) "Nonnutritious beverages" means any beverage that is not any of the following:
(A) Drinking water.
(B) Milk, including, but not limited to, chocolate milk, soy milk, rice milk, and other similar dairy or nondairy milk.
(C) An electrolyte replacement beverage that contains 42 grams or less of added sweetener per 20 ounce serving.
(D) A 100 percent fruit juice, or fruit-based drink that is composed of 50 percent or more fruit juice and that has no added sweeteners.
(2) "Added sweetener" means an additive that enhances the sweetness of the beverage, including, but not limited to, added sugar, but does not include the natural sugar or sugars that are contained within any fruit juice that is a component of the beverage.
(3) "Nonnutritious food" means food that is not sold as part of the school breakfast or lunch program as a full meal, and that meets any of the following standards:
(A) More than 35 percent of its total calories are from fat.
(B) More than 10 percent of its total calories are from saturated fat.
(C) More than 35 percent of its total weight is composed of sugar. This subparagraph does not apply to the sale of fruits or vegetables.
(c) The governing board of a school district shall not do any of the following:
(1) Enter into or renew a contract, or permit a school within the district to enter into or renew a contract, that grants exclusive or nonexclusive advertising or grants the right to the exclusive or nonexclusive sale of carbonated beverages or nonnutritious beverages or nonnutritious food within the district to a person, business, or corporation, unless the governing board of the school district does all of the following:
(A) Adopts a policy after a public hearing of the governing board of the school district to ensure that the school district has internal controls in place to protect the integrity of the public funds and to ensure that funds raised benefit public education, and that the contracts are entered into on a competitive basis pursuant to procedures contained in Section 20111 of the Public Contract Code or through the issuance of a Request for Proposal.
(B) Provides to parents, guardians, pupils, and members of the public the opportunity to comment on the contract by holding a public hearing on the contract during a regularly scheduled board meeting. The governing board of the school district shall clearly, and in a manner recognizable to the general public, identify in the agenda the contract to be discussed at the meeting.
(2) Enter into a contract that prohibits a school district employee from disparaging the goods or services of the party contracting with the governing board of the school district.
(3) Enter into a contract or permit a school within the district to enter into a contract for electronic products or services that requires the dissemination of advertising to pupils, unless the governing board of the school district does all of the following:
(A) Enters into the contract at a noticed public hearing of the governing board of the school district.
(B) Makes a finding that the electronic product or service in question is or would be an integral component of the education of pupils.
(C) Makes a finding that the school district cannot afford to provide the electronic product or service unless it contracts to permit dissemination of advertising to pupils.
(D) Provides written notice to the parents or guardians of pupils that the advertising will be used in the classroom or other learning centers. This notice shall be part of the school district's normal ongoing communication to parents or guardians.
(E) Offers the parents the opportunity to request in writing that the pupil not be exposed to the program that contains the advertising. A request shall be honored for the school year in which it is submitted, or longer if specified, but may be withdrawn by the parents or guardians at any time.
(d) A governing board of the school district may meet the public hearing requirement set forth in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) for those contracts that grant the right to the exclusive or nonexclusive sale of carbonated beverages or nonnutritious beverages or nonnutritious food within the district, by an annual public hearing to review and discuss existing and potential contracts for the sale of food and beverages on campuses, including food and beverages sold as full meals, through competitive sales, as fundraisers, and through vending machines.
(1) The public hearing shall include, but not be limited to, a discussion of all of the following:
(A) The nutritional value of food and beverages sold within the district.
(B) The availability of fresh fruit, vegetables, and grains in school meals and snacks, including, but not limited to, locally grown and organic produce.
(C) The amount of fat, sugar, and additives in the food and beverages discussed.
(D) Barriers to pupil participation in school breakfast and lunch programs.
(2) A school district that holds an annual public hearing consistent with this subdivision is not released from the public hearing requirements set forth in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) for those contracts not discussed at the annual public hearing.
(e) The governing board of the school district shall make accessible to the public a contract entered into pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) and may not include in that contract a confidentiality clause that would prevent a school or school district from making any part of the contract public.
(f) The governing board of a school district may sell advertising, products, or services on a nonexclusive basis.
(g) The governing board of a school district may post public signs indicating the school district's appreciation for the support of a person or business for the school district's education program.
(h) Contracts entered into before January 1, 2004, may remain in effect, but shall not be renewed if they are in conflict with this section.
(a) The Legislature finds and declares each of the
following:
(1) The children of this state have the right to an effective public school education. Both students and staff of the primary, elementary, junior and senior high school campuses have the constitutional right to be safe and secure in their persons at school. However, children in many of our public schools are forced to focus on the threat of violence and the messages of violence contained in many aspects of our society, particularly reflected in gang regalia that disrupts the learning environment.
(2) "Gang-related apparel" is hazardous to the health and safety of the school environment.
(3) Instructing teachers and administrators on the subtleties of identifying constantly changing gang regalia and gang affiliation takes an increasing amount of time away from educating our children.
(4) Weapons, including firearms and knives, have become common place upon even our elementary school campuses. Students often conceal weapons by wearing clothing, such as jumpsuits and overcoats, and by carrying large bags.
(5) The adoption of a schoolwide uniform policy is a reasonable way to provide some protection for students. A required uniform may protect students from being associated with any particular gang. Moreover, by requiring schoolwide uniforms teachers and administrators may not need to occupy as much of their time learning the subtleties of gang regalia.
(6) To control the environment in public schools to facilitate and maintain an effective learning environment and to keep the focus of the classroom on learning and not personal safety, schools need the authorization to implement uniform clothing requirements for our public school children.
(7) Many educators believe that school dress significantly influences pupil behavior. This influence is evident on school dressup days and color days. Schools that have adopted school uniforms experience a "coming together feeling," greater school pride, and better behavior in and out of the classroom.
(b) The governing board of any school district may adopt or rescind a reasonable dress code policy that requires pupils to wear a schoolwide uniform or prohibits pupils from wearing "gang-related apparel" if the governing board of the school district approves a plan that may be initiated by an individual school's principal, staff, and parents and determines that the policy is necessary for the health and safety of the school environment. Individual schools may include the reasonable dress code policy as part of its school safety plan, pursuant to Section 32281.
(c) Adoption and enforcement of a reasonable dress code policy pursuant to subdivision (b) is not a violation of Section 48950. For purposes of this section, Section 48950 shall apply to elementary, high school, and unified school districts. If a schoolwide uniform is required, the specific uniform selected shall be determined by the principal, staff, and parents of the individual school.
(d) A dress code policy that requires pupils to wear a schoolwide uniform shall not be implemented with less than six months' notice to parents and the availability of resources to assist economically disadvantaged pupils.
(e) The governing board shall provide a method whereby parents may choose not to have their children comply with an adopted school uniform policy.
(f) If a governing board chooses to adopt a policy pursuant to this section, the policy shall include a provision that no pupil shall be penalized academically or otherwise discriminated against nor denied attendance to school if the pupil's parents chose not to have the pupil comply with the school uniform policy. The governing board shall continue to have responsibility for the appropriate education of those pupils.
(g) A policy adopted pursuant to this section shall not preclude pupils that participate in a nationally recognized youth organization from wearing organization uniforms on days that the organization has a scheduled meeting.
(1) The children of this state have the right to an effective public school education. Both students and staff of the primary, elementary, junior and senior high school campuses have the constitutional right to be safe and secure in their persons at school. However, children in many of our public schools are forced to focus on the threat of violence and the messages of violence contained in many aspects of our society, particularly reflected in gang regalia that disrupts the learning environment.
(2) "Gang-related apparel" is hazardous to the health and safety of the school environment.
(3) Instructing teachers and administrators on the subtleties of identifying constantly changing gang regalia and gang affiliation takes an increasing amount of time away from educating our children.
(4) Weapons, including firearms and knives, have become common place upon even our elementary school campuses. Students often conceal weapons by wearing clothing, such as jumpsuits and overcoats, and by carrying large bags.
(5) The adoption of a schoolwide uniform policy is a reasonable way to provide some protection for students. A required uniform may protect students from being associated with any particular gang. Moreover, by requiring schoolwide uniforms teachers and administrators may not need to occupy as much of their time learning the subtleties of gang regalia.
(6) To control the environment in public schools to facilitate and maintain an effective learning environment and to keep the focus of the classroom on learning and not personal safety, schools need the authorization to implement uniform clothing requirements for our public school children.
(7) Many educators believe that school dress significantly influences pupil behavior. This influence is evident on school dressup days and color days. Schools that have adopted school uniforms experience a "coming together feeling," greater school pride, and better behavior in and out of the classroom.
(b) The governing board of any school district may adopt or rescind a reasonable dress code policy that requires pupils to wear a schoolwide uniform or prohibits pupils from wearing "gang-related apparel" if the governing board of the school district approves a plan that may be initiated by an individual school's principal, staff, and parents and determines that the policy is necessary for the health and safety of the school environment. Individual schools may include the reasonable dress code policy as part of its school safety plan, pursuant to Section 32281.
(c) Adoption and enforcement of a reasonable dress code policy pursuant to subdivision (b) is not a violation of Section 48950. For purposes of this section, Section 48950 shall apply to elementary, high school, and unified school districts. If a schoolwide uniform is required, the specific uniform selected shall be determined by the principal, staff, and parents of the individual school.
(d) A dress code policy that requires pupils to wear a schoolwide uniform shall not be implemented with less than six months' notice to parents and the availability of resources to assist economically disadvantaged pupils.
(e) The governing board shall provide a method whereby parents may choose not to have their children comply with an adopted school uniform policy.
(f) If a governing board chooses to adopt a policy pursuant to this section, the policy shall include a provision that no pupil shall be penalized academically or otherwise discriminated against nor denied attendance to school if the pupil's parents chose not to have the pupil comply with the school uniform policy. The governing board shall continue to have responsibility for the appropriate education of those pupils.
(g) A policy adopted pursuant to this section shall not preclude pupils that participate in a nationally recognized youth organization from wearing organization uniforms on days that the organization has a scheduled meeting.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person shall
have the right to wear a dress uniform issued to him or her by a
branch of the United States Armed Forces while participating in the
graduation ceremony for his or her high school if that person meets
both of the following requirements:
(a) He or she has fulfilled all of the requirements of this code for receiving a diploma of graduation from high school, and is otherwise eligible to participate in the graduation ceremony.
(b) He or she has completed basic training for, and is an active member of, a branch of the United States Armed Forces.
(a) He or she has fulfilled all of the requirements of this code for receiving a diploma of graduation from high school, and is otherwise eligible to participate in the graduation ceremony.
(b) He or she has completed basic training for, and is an active member of, a branch of the United States Armed Forces.
(a) (1) Each schoolsite shall allow for outdoor use during
the schoolday, articles of sun-protective clothing, including, but
not limited to, hats.
(2) Each schoolsite may set a policy related to the type of sun-protective clothing, including, but not limited to, hats, that pupils will be allowed to use outdoors pursuant to paragraph (1). Specific clothing and hats determined by the school district or schoolsite to be gang-related or inappropriate apparel may be prohibited by the dress code policy.
(b) (1) Each schoolsite shall allow pupils the use of sunscreen during the schoolday without a physician's note or prescription.
(2) Each schoolsite may set a policy related to the use of sunscreen by pupils during the schoolday.
(3) For purposes of this subdivision, sunscreen is not an over-the-counter medication.
(4) Nothing in this subdivision requires school personnel to assist pupils in applying sunscreen.
(2) Each schoolsite may set a policy related to the type of sun-protective clothing, including, but not limited to, hats, that pupils will be allowed to use outdoors pursuant to paragraph (1). Specific clothing and hats determined by the school district or schoolsite to be gang-related or inappropriate apparel may be prohibited by the dress code policy.
(b) (1) Each schoolsite shall allow pupils the use of sunscreen during the schoolday without a physician's note or prescription.
(2) Each schoolsite may set a policy related to the use of sunscreen by pupils during the schoolday.
(3) For purposes of this subdivision, sunscreen is not an over-the-counter medication.
(4) Nothing in this subdivision requires school personnel to assist pupils in applying sunscreen.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the
governing board of a high school district may enter into a contract
with the governing board of any of its feeder elementary school
districts to provide instruction at the schools of the high school
district to all or a portion of the pupils enrolled in the sixth
grade at the contracting elementary school district.
(b) For the purpose of computing allowances and apportionments pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 41600) and Article 2 (commencing with Section 42230) of Chapter 7 of Part 24, the contracting elementary school shall continue to report average daily attendance for those sixth grade pupils. Upon receipt of any funds allocated to the elementary school district based upon the average daily attendance reported for those sixth grade pupils, the contracting elementary school district shall transfer those moneys to the contracting high school district.
(b) For the purpose of computing allowances and apportionments pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 41600) and Article 2 (commencing with Section 42230) of Chapter 7 of Part 24, the contracting elementary school shall continue to report average daily attendance for those sixth grade pupils. Upon receipt of any funds allocated to the elementary school district based upon the average daily attendance reported for those sixth grade pupils, the contracting elementary school district shall transfer those moneys to the contracting high school district.
A school district may require proof of registration pursuant
to Article 8.2 (commencing with Section 12620) of Chapter 6 of
Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, as a condition to
agreement to enroll that student.
(a) A school district shall use the uniform complaint
process it has adopted as required by Chapter 5.1 (commencing with
Section 4600) of Division 1 of Title 5 of the California Code of
Regulations, with modifications, as necessary, to help identify and
resolve any deficiencies related to instructional materials,
emergency or urgent facilities conditions that pose a threat to the
health and safety of pupils or staff, and teacher vacancy or
misassignment.
(1) A complaint may be filed anonymously. A complainant who identifies himself or herself is entitled to a response if he or she indicates that a response is requested. A complaint form shall include a space to mark to indicate whether a response is requested. If Section 48985 is otherwise applicable, the response, if requested, and report shall be written in English and the primary language in which the complaint was filed. All complaints and responses are public records.
(2) The complaint form shall specify the location for filing a complaint. A complainant may add as much text to explain the complaint as he or she wishes.
(3) A complaint shall be filed with the principal of the school or his or her designee. A complaint about problems beyond the authority of the school principal shall be forwarded in a timely manner but not to exceed 10 working days to the appropriate school district official for resolution.
(b) The principal or the designee of the district superintendent, as applicable, shall make all reasonable efforts to investigate any problem within his or her authority. The principal or designee of the district superintendent shall remedy a valid complaint within a reasonable time period but not to exceed 30 working days from the date the complaint was received. The principal or designee of the district superintendent shall report to the complainant the resolution of the complaint within 45 working days of the initial filing. If the principal makes this report, the principal shall also report the same information in the same timeframe to the designee of the district superintendent.
(c) A complainant not satisfied with the resolution of the principal or the designee of the district superintendent has the right to describe the complaint to the governing board of the school district at a regularly scheduled hearing of the governing board of the school district. As to complaints involving a condition of a facility that poses an emergency or urgent threat, as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 17592.72, a complainant who is not satisfied with the resolution proffered by the principal or the designee of the district superintendent has the right to file an appeal to the Superintendent, who shall provide a written report to the state board describing the basis for the complaint and, as appropriate, a proposed remedy for the issue described in the complaint.
(d) A school district shall report summarized data on the nature and resolution of all complaints on a quarterly basis to the county superintendent of schools and the governing board of the school district. The summaries shall be publicly reported on a quarterly basis at a regularly scheduled meeting of the governing board of the school district. The report shall include the number of complaints by general subject area with the number of resolved and unresolved complaints. The complaints and written responses shall be available as public records.
(e) The procedure required pursuant to this section is intended to address all of the following:
(1) A complaint related to instructional materials as follows:
(A) A pupil, including an English learner, does not have standards-aligned textbooks or instructional materials or state-adopted or district-adopted textbooks or other required instructional material to use in class.
(B) A pupil does not have access to instructional materials to use at home or after school.
(C) Textbooks or instructional materials are in poor or unusable condition, have missing pages, or are unreadable due to damage.
(2) A complaint related to teacher vacancy or misassignment as follows:
(A) A semester begins and a teacher vacancy exists.
(B) A teacher who lacks credentials or training to teach English learners is assigned to teach a class with more than 20 percent of English learner pupils in the class. This subparagraph does not relieve a school district from complying with state or federal law regarding teachers of English learners.
(C) A teacher is assigned to teach a class for which the teacher lacks subject matter competency.
(3) A complaint related to the condition of facilities that pose an emergency or urgent threat to the health or safety of pupils or staff as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 17592.72 and any other emergency conditions the school district determines appropriate and the requirements established pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 35292.5.
(f) In order to identify appropriate subjects of complaint, a notice shall be posted in each classroom in each school in the school district notifying parents, guardians, pupils, and teachers of the following:
(1) There should be sufficient textbooks and instructional materials. For there to be sufficient textbooks and instructional materials each pupil, including English learners, must have a textbook or instructional materials, or both, to use in class and to take home.
(2) School facilities must be clean, safe, and maintained in good repair.
(3) There should be no teacher vacancies or misassignments as defined in paragraphs (2) and (3) of subdivision (h).
(4) The location at which to obtain a form to file a complaint in case of a shortage. Posting a notice downloadable from the Internet Web site of the department shall satisfy this requirement.
(g) A local educational agency shall establish local policies and procedures, post notices, and implement this section.
(h) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(1) "Good repair" has the same meaning as specified in subdivision (d) of Section 17002.
(2) "Misassignment" means the placement of a certificated employee in a teaching or services position for which the employee does not hold a legally recognized certificate or credential or the placement of a certificated employee in a teaching or services position that the employee is not otherwise authorized by statute to hold.
(3) "Teacher vacancy" means a position to which a single designated certificated employee has not been assigned at the beginning of the year for an entire year or, if the position is for a one-semester course, a position to which a single designated certificated employee has not been assigned at the beginning of a semester for an entire semester.
(1) A complaint may be filed anonymously. A complainant who identifies himself or herself is entitled to a response if he or she indicates that a response is requested. A complaint form shall include a space to mark to indicate whether a response is requested. If Section 48985 is otherwise applicable, the response, if requested, and report shall be written in English and the primary language in which the complaint was filed. All complaints and responses are public records.
(2) The complaint form shall specify the location for filing a complaint. A complainant may add as much text to explain the complaint as he or she wishes.
(3) A complaint shall be filed with the principal of the school or his or her designee. A complaint about problems beyond the authority of the school principal shall be forwarded in a timely manner but not to exceed 10 working days to the appropriate school district official for resolution.
(b) The principal or the designee of the district superintendent, as applicable, shall make all reasonable efforts to investigate any problem within his or her authority. The principal or designee of the district superintendent shall remedy a valid complaint within a reasonable time period but not to exceed 30 working days from the date the complaint was received. The principal or designee of the district superintendent shall report to the complainant the resolution of the complaint within 45 working days of the initial filing. If the principal makes this report, the principal shall also report the same information in the same timeframe to the designee of the district superintendent.
(c) A complainant not satisfied with the resolution of the principal or the designee of the district superintendent has the right to describe the complaint to the governing board of the school district at a regularly scheduled hearing of the governing board of the school district. As to complaints involving a condition of a facility that poses an emergency or urgent threat, as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 17592.72, a complainant who is not satisfied with the resolution proffered by the principal or the designee of the district superintendent has the right to file an appeal to the Superintendent, who shall provide a written report to the state board describing the basis for the complaint and, as appropriate, a proposed remedy for the issue described in the complaint.
(d) A school district shall report summarized data on the nature and resolution of all complaints on a quarterly basis to the county superintendent of schools and the governing board of the school district. The summaries shall be publicly reported on a quarterly basis at a regularly scheduled meeting of the governing board of the school district. The report shall include the number of complaints by general subject area with the number of resolved and unresolved complaints. The complaints and written responses shall be available as public records.
(e) The procedure required pursuant to this section is intended to address all of the following:
(1) A complaint related to instructional materials as follows:
(A) A pupil, including an English learner, does not have standards-aligned textbooks or instructional materials or state-adopted or district-adopted textbooks or other required instructional material to use in class.
(B) A pupil does not have access to instructional materials to use at home or after school.
(C) Textbooks or instructional materials are in poor or unusable condition, have missing pages, or are unreadable due to damage.
(2) A complaint related to teacher vacancy or misassignment as follows:
(A) A semester begins and a teacher vacancy exists.
(B) A teacher who lacks credentials or training to teach English learners is assigned to teach a class with more than 20 percent of English learner pupils in the class. This subparagraph does not relieve a school district from complying with state or federal law regarding teachers of English learners.
(C) A teacher is assigned to teach a class for which the teacher lacks subject matter competency.
(3) A complaint related to the condition of facilities that pose an emergency or urgent threat to the health or safety of pupils or staff as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 17592.72 and any other emergency conditions the school district determines appropriate and the requirements established pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 35292.5.
(f) In order to identify appropriate subjects of complaint, a notice shall be posted in each classroom in each school in the school district notifying parents, guardians, pupils, and teachers of the following:
(1) There should be sufficient textbooks and instructional materials. For there to be sufficient textbooks and instructional materials each pupil, including English learners, must have a textbook or instructional materials, or both, to use in class and to take home.
(2) School facilities must be clean, safe, and maintained in good repair.
(3) There should be no teacher vacancies or misassignments as defined in paragraphs (2) and (3) of subdivision (h).
(4) The location at which to obtain a form to file a complaint in case of a shortage. Posting a notice downloadable from the Internet Web site of the department shall satisfy this requirement.
(g) A local educational agency shall establish local policies and procedures, post notices, and implement this section.
(h) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(1) "Good repair" has the same meaning as specified in subdivision (d) of Section 17002.
(2) "Misassignment" means the placement of a certificated employee in a teaching or services position for which the employee does not hold a legally recognized certificate or credential or the placement of a certificated employee in a teaching or services position that the employee is not otherwise authorized by statute to hold.
(3) "Teacher vacancy" means a position to which a single designated certificated employee has not been assigned at the beginning of the year for an entire year or, if the position is for a one-semester course, a position to which a single designated certificated employee has not been assigned at the beginning of a semester for an entire semester.
