Ellensburg School District

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on:

• Race

• Color

• National origin

• Sex

• Disability

• Age

• Reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity

This applies to any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Communication Accessibility

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language) should contact the agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits.

Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at:
📞 (800) 877-8339

Program information may also be made available in languages other than English.

How to File a Complaint of Discrimination

To file a program complaint of discrimination:

1. Complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (AD-3027)

   • Online at: USDA

   • Available at any USDA office

2. Or, write a letter to USDA with all the information requested in the form

To request a copy of the complaint form, call:
📞 (866) 632-9992

Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

• 📬 Mail:
  U.S. Department of Agriculture
  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
  1400 Independence Avenue, SW
  Washington, D.C. 20250-9410

• 📠 Fax: (202) 690-7442

• 📧 Email: program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Students and staff are protected against sexual harassment by anyone in any school program or activity, including:

• On the school campus

• On the school bus

• Off-campus during a school-sponsored activity

What Is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment is unwelcome behavior or communication that is sexual in nature when:

• A student or employee is led to believe that he or she must submit to unwelcome sexual conduct or communications in order to gain something in return, such as:

  • A grade

  • A promotion

  • A place on a sports team

  • Any educational or employment decision
    OR

• The conduct substantially interferes with a student's educational performance, or creates an intimidating or hostile educational or employment environment.

Examples of Sexual Harassment Include:

• Pressuring a person for sexual favors

• Unwelcome touching of a sexual nature

• Writing graffiti of a sexual nature

• Distributing sexually explicit texts, e-mails, or pictures

• Making sexual jokes, rumors, or suggestive remarks

• Physical violence, including rape and sexual assault

How to Report Sexual Harassment

You can report sexual harassment to any school staff member or to the district’s Title IX Officer (see contact listed above).

You also have the right to file a formal complaint.

For a copy of Ellensburg School District’s sexual harassment policy and procedure, contact your school or the district office, or view:

• Policy 3205

• Procedure 3205P

All students are entitled to an educational environment that is safe and free of discrimination, regardless of their gender expression or gender identity. Harassing or treating students differently because of their gender is not allowed.

All students have the right to:

• Use and be addressed by their requested name and pronouns, with or without a legal name change

• Change their gender designation and have their gender accurately reflected in school records, including but not limited to:

  • School identification cards

  • Classroom seating charts

  • Athletic rosters

  • Yearbook entries

  • Diplomas

  • Directory information

• Identify with, express, and be recognized by staff and student information systems as a gender other than male or female

• Access and use the restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity

• Participate in sports, physical education courses, field trips, and overnight trips in accordance with their gender identity

• Keep health and education information confidential and private, including information about their:

  • Legal name

  • Sex assigned at birth

  • Transgender, cisgender, or nonbinary status

• Wear clothing that reflects their gender identity and not have a dress code applied differently based on their gender or perceived gender

For a copy of Ellensburg School District’s gender-inclusive schools policy and procedure, contact your school or district office, or view:

• Policy 3211

• Procedure 3211P

If you believe that you or your child has experienced unlawful discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or sexual harassment at school, you have the right to file a complaint.

Before filing, we encourage you to speak directly with your child’s principal or one of the district coordinators listed above:

• Section 504 Coordinator

• Title IX Officer

• Civil Rights Coordinator

• Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator

This is often the fastest and most effective way to resolve concerns.

Filing a Complaint with the School District

Step 1: Write Out Your Complaint

• Complaints must be filed within one year of the incident or conduct.

• Complaints must be in writing.

• Be sure to:

  • Describe what happened

  • Explain why you believe it was discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or sexual harassment

  • Describe what action you believe the district should take to resolve the issue

• Submit your written complaint by mail, fax, email, or in person to the district’s Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator.

Step 2: District Investigates Your Complaint

• Once received, the coordinator will:

  • Provide you with a copy of the complaint procedure

  • Ensure a prompt and thorough investigation

• The superintendent or designee will respond in writing within 30 calendar days, unless a different timeline is agreed upon.

• If more time is needed due to exceptional circumstances, the district will:

  • Notify you in writing

  • Provide a new timeline and the reason for the delay

Step 3: District Responds to Your Complaint

The district’s written response will include:

• A summary of the investigation

• A determination of whether the district violated civil rights laws

• Notification of your right to appeal

• Any corrective actions to be taken
  Corrective measures will be implemented within 30 calendar days of the response—unless a different timeline is agreed upon.

Appealing the District’s Decision

If you disagree with the outcome, you may appeal to the school district’s Board of Directors.

• Submit a written notice of appeal to the Secretary of the School Board

• Must be filed within 10 calendar days of receiving the district’s decision

• The school board will schedule a hearing within 20 calendar days (unless another timeline is agreed upon)

• A written decision will be provided within 30 calendar days of receiving your appeal

The board’s written decision will include information on how to file a complaint with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

Filing a Complaint with OSPI

You may file a complaint with OSPI if:

1. You have completed the district’s complaint and appeal process, or

2. The district did not follow the correct process

You must file your complaint within 20 calendar days of receiving the district’s appeal decision.

Submit to OSPI’s Equity and Civil Rights Office:
📧 Email: equity@k12.wa.us
📠 Fax: 360-664-2967
📬 Mail or Hand Deliver:
Equity and Civil Rights Office
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
PO Box 47200, 600 Washington St. S.E., Olympia, WA 98504-7200

For more information, visit the OSPI Equity and Civil Rights webpage
📞 Phone: 360-725-6162
📞 TTY: 360-664-3631

Other Discrimination Complaint Options

U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights

📞 206-607-1600
📠 TDD: 1-800-877-8339
📧 OCR.Seattle@ed.gov
🔗 OSPI Equity and Civil Rights webpage

Washington State Human Rights Commission

📞 1-800-233-3247
📠 TTY: 1-800-300-7525
🔗 WA Human Rights Commission Website

It is unlawful for a person to carry onto, or to possess on:

• Public or private elementary or secondary school premises

• School-provided transportation

• Areas or facilities being used exclusively by public or private schools

Any firearm or dangerous weapon
(RCW 9.41.280, RCW 69.50.435, RCW 28A.210.310(2))

For more information, and to view the complete policy and procedures regarding weapons on school premises, please refer to:
📄 Board Policy 4210

Parents can request information regarding the professional qualifications of their student’s classroom teachers and paraeducators.

Information can be obtained by contacting the Director of Human Resources at Ellensburg School District.

📞 Phone: 509-925-8000

Pursuant to RCW 42.17, parents and other members of the public have the right to inspect and copy public records retained by the District, including records pertaining to employee discipline, unless those records are exempt from public disclosure under state law.

To request records, please follow the process outlined on our Records Request Page.

Annual Notice to Parents and Guardians

The Ellensburg School District may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent unless you notify the District in writing that you do not want this information released. This is done in accordance with District Procedure 3231P.

What Is Directory Information?

“Directory information” is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released. It allows the District to include your child’s information in school-related publications such as:

• A playbill, showing a student’s role in a drama production

• The annual yearbook

• Honor roll or other recognition lists

• Graduation programs

• Sports rosters and activity sheets

This information may also be shared with outside organizations without written consent. These may include:

• Class ring manufacturers

• Yearbook publishing companies

In addition, two federal laws require school districts to provide military recruiters, upon request, with the following directory information (unless you opt out):

• Student names

• Addresses

• Telephone numbers

How to Opt Out

If you do not want the District to disclose directory information from your child’s education records without prior written consent, you must notify the District in writing:

• By September 10th of each school year, or

• Within ten days of your student’s enrollment

Ellensburg School District Directory Information Includes:

• Student’s name

• Photograph

• Video

• Address

• Telephone number

• Date and place of birth

• Dates of attendance

• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports

• Weight and height of members of athletic teams

• Diplomas and awards received

• Most recent previous school attended

• Other information that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed

📌 Note: The actual residential addresses of students participating in the Washington State Address Confidentiality Program will not be released.