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Acero Schools

Parents and Community » Parent and Community Complaints and Concerns Process

Parent and Community Complaints and Concerns Process

Acero Schools encourages community support in creating a safe and secure educational environment. Acero Schools is committed to clear, honest communication and working with families to address concerns in a timely manner. If you have a complaint or concern about an Acero Schools campus you should reach out using the following process(es):

General Concerns, Complaints, or Ideas

The first step in communicating a concern, complaint, or idea with an Acero school is to go directly to the student’s classroom teacher or principal. Those that work directly with students and families on a day-to-day basis are best equipped to handle most inquiries efficiently and effectively. 

If a parent, guardian, or community member is not satisfied with the outcome of actions taken in regard to their complaint or concern, they may request a review by the Acero Schools Chief Education Officer. To request such a review, they should submit a written request within five (5) days of receiving the outcome of an investigation. Requests can be sent via email or mail:

  • [email protected]
  • 18 S. Michigan Ave, 9th Floor
    Chicago, Illinois 60603
    (letter must be postmarked within the five-day period)
 

Appeals regarding student discipline as a result of an investigation should be submitted in the same manner.

If a parent, guardian, or community member does not believe their concern has been appropriately addressed, they should escalate the issue by submitting documentation of steps already taken in the same manner. 

Bullying

Acero Schools strives to provide and protect a safe learning environment for our students. Parents, guardians or community members who witness student bullying or who have information about actual or threatened bullying should immediately report it to the school principal. Information can be provided orally or in writing using any of the following methods:

 
Anonymous reports will be accepted by the School Principal and the Acero Schools network office. No disciplinary action can be taken solely on an anonymous report.

 

If a parent, guardian, or community member is not satisfied with the outcome of an investigation, they may request a review by the Acero Schools Chief Education Officer. To request such a review, they should submit a written request within five (5) days of receiving the outcome of an investigation. Requests can be sent via email or mail:

  • [email protected]
  • 18 S. Michigan Ave, 9th Floor
    Chicago, Illinois 60603
    (letter must be postmarked within the five-day period)
 

Appeals regarding student discipline as a result of an investigation should be submitted in the same manner.

If a parent, guardian or community member does not believe their concern has been appropriately addressed, they should escalate the issue by submitting documentation of steps already taken in the same manner.

Sexual Misconduct

Acero's Title IX Policy defines sexual misconduct as a form of sex- or gender-based discrimination or harassment that includes any conduct that is sex-based or of a sexual nature that is unwelcome or inappropriate and unreasonably interferes with, limits, or denies an individual’s educational or employment access, benefits, or opportunities.
Acero Schools uses six (6) categories to further break down sexual misconduct incidents. Those categories are:
  • grooming
  • inappropriate touching
  • sexual electronic communication
  • sexual bullying
  • sexual exploitation
  • exposure/voyeurism/masturbation
 
Parents, guardians or community members who are aware of any sexual misconduct should report it to a school teacher or administrator immediately. Acero Schools staff are required to report incidences or allegations of sexual misconduct involving Acero students and staff using the following guidelines. Parents, guardians or community members may also use some of these channels to report; they are designated by an asterisk (*).
    • *Call 911 If it's an emergency
    • For instances that involve only students or students and adults who are not affiliated with Acero Schools:
    • For instances that involve students and Acero Schools-affiliated adults:
    • For instances that involve only Acero Schools-affiliated adults
      • Report the complaint to the Title IX Coordinator in writing within 24 hours
      • Any reports made to the Human Resources team should be forwarded directly to the Title IX Coordinator
 
Current contact information for Acero Schools’ Title IX Coordinator is as follows:
Claudia E. Castro, Chief Legal Officer
18 S. Michigan Ave., 9th Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60603
[email protected]
312-637-3900

 

Additionally, at each school location, the School Principal is designated as the Title IX Campus Representative, who will assist Acero Schools’ Title IX Coordinator. The School Principal/Title IX Campus Representative can be contacted at the main office of their respective school.

Abuse and Neglect

Any allegations of abuse or neglect of Acero Schools students should be reported to a teacher or administrator immediately. Acero Schools staff are required to report incidences or allegations of abuse and neglect using the following guidelines. Parents, guardians or community members may also use some of these channels to report; they are designated by an asterisk (*).
  • *If it's an emergency, call 911.
  • *Call Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (CDFS) at 1-800-25-ABUSE (252-2873)
  • *Call Acero Schools network office at (312) 637-3900
  • Call Office of Title IV and Student Protections at (772) 535-4400
 

Board Communications

If a parent, guardian or community member wishes to make a situation known to the Acero Schools Board of Directors, they may contact the board via email or mail:

 

Policies

Title IX, Harassment, and Discrimination Policy

Anti-Bullying Policy