Ensuring a safe, equitable, and compliant educational environment is paramount at Douglas County School District, and this extends to every school, including Pioneer Elementary. This notice addresses two critical areas: the district’s commitment to non-discrimination and important information regarding the destruction of special education records. Understanding these policies helps parents and guardians of Pioneer Elementary students stay informed and engaged with their children’s education.
Douglas County School District is dedicated to providing a learning environment free from unlawful discrimination. In accordance with numerous federal and state laws, including Titles VI & VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, the district prohibits discrimination based on disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, religion, ancestry, or need for special education services. This commitment ensures that every student at Pioneer Elementary, and across the district, receives equal opportunities and respect.
Discrimination is also prohibited against employees and applicants based on age, genetic information, and conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, as mandated by law. For anyone wishing to file a complaint regarding discrimination, Douglas County School District has established clear procedures for students, parents, employees, and members of the public.
The designated Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator for Douglas County School District is Aaron Henderson. For complaints specifically related to sexual harassment under Title IX, Mr. Henderson can be contacted at 620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, or via email at [email protected]. He can also be reached by phone at 303-387-0127.
For issues concerning violations of Title VI (race, national origin), Title IX (sex, gender), or Section 504/ADA (disability), complaints can be directly filed with the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education in Denver. Employment-related complaints under Title VII and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) can be directed to the Federal Office of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, both located in Denver.
In addition to upholding non-discrimination policies, Douglas County School District also adheres to regulations regarding the retention and destruction of special education records. Parents and guardians of students at Pioneer Elementary who have received special education services should be aware of the district’s record destruction policy.
State and federal laws require the district to maintain special education records for five years after services end for a student. Services conclude when a student is no longer eligible, graduates, completes their program at age 21, or moves out of the district.
This serves as a formal notice that Douglas County School District intends to destroy special education records for students who exited special education services as of June 30, 2016. This destruction will occur in accordance with state law unless a parent/guardian or eligible adult student informs the district otherwise.
After five years, these records are considered less useful for the district’s administrative purposes. However, they may still hold value for parents, guardians, or former students when applying for social security benefits, rehabilitation services, college entrance, and other opportunities.
If parents or eligible adult students wish to obtain a copy of these records before destruction, they must request them through the Douglas County School District Transcripts and Records Requests portal available at Douglas County School District Transcripts and Records Requests.
Understanding these notices is crucial for the Pioneer Elementary community. Douglas County School District is committed to transparency and ensuring all families have access to important information regarding their children’s education and rights. For any further questions or clarifications, parents are encouraged to contact the school administration or the district offices directly.
