Office of Accreditation & Teacher Quality

Professional Administrators Practices and Standards Commission

Complaint Procedure

The commission's executive secretary receives calls and correspondence on a broad spectrum of concerns about administration of South Dakota schools. The commission's priority is to direct these concerns to local resolution, if possible. However, when all avenues have been explored and the issue is still not resolved, a formal complaint may be filed. The respondent is always asked to provide the commission with a written response to the allegations.

Upon receipt of the complaint and the response, the commission holds a conference call meeting in order to take the following options under consideration:

1. Dismiss the complaint,
2. Conduct and onsite investigation, or
3. Move to a hearing.

Former commission members serve as designated officials, handling investigative duties and conducting onsite interviews.

When a hearing is held, opposing parties have the opportunity to present each side of the issue, with or without legal counsel. After the hearing is completed, one of the following actions may be taken:

1. Dismiss for lack of sufficient evidence presented;
2. Issue a private or public reprimand;
3. Offer remedial recommendations to the respondent and/or school board; or
4. Recommend to the Secretary of Education that the certificate be suspended or revoked.

The hearing process can, and does, result in positive outcomes. Problems which are identified and documented can be addressed by the commission in an effort to work toward needed changes and improvements.