According to the Michigan Department of Education, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 et seq, provides that certain persons can receive copies or make inspections of most public records of public bodies upon written request. The person must sufficiently describe the records he or she seeks. The public body may charge a fee to cover the cost of complying with a person’s FOIA request.

For more information, please view the following documents:

• Freedom of Information Act Policies and Forms

• FOIA Procedures and Guidelines

The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of the Protected Classes of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and transgender identity), disability, age (except as authorized by law), religion, military status, ancestry, or genetic information in its education programs or activities. In addition, the Board does not discriminate in its education programs or activities on the basis of sexual orientation or transgender identity.

The Board also does not discriminate in its employment policies and practices as they relate to students and does not tolerate harassment of any kind.

Equal educational opportunities are available to all students, without regard to race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or transgender identity), disability, age (unless age is a factor necessary to normal operation or the achievement of any legitimate objective of the program/activity), religion, ancestry, sexual orientation or transgender identity, place of residence within the boundaries of the District, or social or economic background, to learn through the curriculum offered in this District. Educational programs shall be designed to meet the varying needs of all students.

Discriminatory harassment of students by the School District elected officials, employees, vendors, contractors, or others doing business with the School District, students, parent(s)/guardian(s), invitees, volunteers or guest will not be tolerated. Similarly, student-on-student discriminatory harassment is prohibited, equally, and will not be tolerated.

Discriminatory harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or other verbal or physical conduct relating to an individuals’ sex, race, color national origin, age, religion, height, weight, marital status or handicap/disability.

If a person believes that s/he has been discriminated against or denied equal

opportunity or access to the Districts programs, activities or services the person may utilize the following complaint procedures as a means of reaching, a prompt and equitable resolution of the matter.

The following person (s) is/are designated as the District’s Title IX and Civil Rights Coordinator:

Superintendent, Merrill Community Schools

431 W. Alice Street, Merrill, MI 48637
Phone: 989-643-7261
Fax: 989-643-5570

The individual may also, at any time, contact:

U.S. Department of Education
Office for Civil Rights, Cleveland Office
600 Superior Avenue East, Suite 750
Cleveland, Ohio 44114-2611
Phone: (216)522-4970;   Fax: (216)522-2573
Email: ocr.cleveland@ed.gov
Web: http://sss.ed.gov/ocr

A person may discuss the matter, informally and on an oral basis with the District’s Title IX coordinator, who will investigate the complaint and respond in writing to the complainant. If the informal procedures, do not resolve the matter to the complaint’s satisfaction or s/he skips the informal process, s/he may initiate formal procedures.

A person may initiate a formal investigation by filling a written complaint (form 2260 F)with the District’s Title IX/Civil Rights Coordinator.

The complaint must contain the name and address of the individual or representative filing the complaint, be signed by the complainant or someone authorized to sign for the complainant, and describe the alleged discriminatory actin in sufficient details to inform the Coordinator of the nature and date of the alleged violation, and propose a resolution. The complaint must be filed within thirty (30) calendar days of the circumstances or event giving rise to the complaint, unless the time for filing is extended by the Coordinator for good cause. The Title IX/Civil Rights Coordinator will conduct an impartial investigation of the complaint.

• Title IX Civil Rights Complaint Form