Gifted and Talented Appeals Process:

Any parent has the right to appeal the decisions of the district regarding Gifted Education Programming.  The appeal process is as follows:
   1. Parent/Guardian will first contact the building principal

2. Building principal will schedule an Appeals Committee meeting, consisting of the District Gifted and Talented Program Coordinator, Gifted Education Teacher and/or the Gifted and Talented Content Coordinator, one regular classroom teacher, one guidance counselor and an administrator.

3. The meeting will be set within 10 working days of initial contact by the parent/guardian.

4. The Appeals Committee will review the identification and/or screening process for the student and make an informed decision regarding placement. 

5. The Building Principal will verbally contact the parent to communicate the decision. 

6. A letter confirming the telephone call and the decision will be sent to the parent/guardian and a copy will be placed in the student’s file. Notes documenting the procedure will be entered into Genesis.

7. If the individual wishes to appeal the decision of the Appeals Committee, the matter will be directed to the Director of Curriculum & Instruction who will make a final determination in consultation with the Superintendent of Schools.

8. An individual who believes that the district has not complied with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:35-34 et seq. may file a complaint with the Board of Education.  This Policy is linked to the HTSD homepage.  The Board shall issue a decision, in writing, to affirm, reject, or modify the district’s action in the matter.  

9. If not satisfied, the individual may file a petition of appeal of the Board’s written decision to the Commissioner of Education through the Office of Controversies and Disputes in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:6-9 and the procedures set forth in State Board of Education regulations.