An employee has the right to report any improper governmental activity by the SCCOE or its staff that violates state or federal law, is economically wasteful, or involves serious misconduct, incompetence, or inefficiency. If the employee has reason to believe something illegal or non-compliant is happening, they can report it to a school administrator, the County Superintendent, or the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The employee can also choose to report it to a government or law enforcement agency or refuse to be involved in any illegal activities. (Education Code 44112, 44113; Labor Code 1102.5)
The County Superintendent or designee shall prominently display in lettering larger than size 14 point type a list of employees' rights and responsibilities under the whistleblower laws, including the telephone number of the whistleblower hotline maintained by the Office of the California Attorney General. (Labor Code 1102.8)
No employee shall use or attempt to use their official authority or influence to intimidate, threaten, coerce, or command another employee to interfere with that employee's right to disclose improper governmental activity. (Education Code 44113)
(cf. 4119.24 - Whistleblower Complaints and Protections)
(cf. 4118 - Suspension/Disciplinary Action)
SCCOE staff will make the complaints program website (https://sccoe.ethicspoint.com) and email address (complaintsprogram@sccoe.org) available to employees when employees express concerns regarding possible fraud, waste, and abuse that may represent misconduct by SCCOE staff, Board members, or the County Superintendent.
Complaints filed through the email address may include the name of the complainant or may be filed anonymously. When possible, it is encouraged to include your name when filing a complaint, as anonymous complaints may be more difficult to investigate and therefore may also be more difficult to resolve or sustain the allegations included thereof. Complaints that allege unlawful acts will be referred to the appropriate local law enforcement agency.
An employee who knowingly files a false complaint may be subject to discipline should the investigation of the complaint reveal that the complaint was intentionally false, and that the employee knowingly filed such a complaint.
An employee who has disclosed improper governmental activity and believes that they have faced retaliation because of it, shall file a written complaint per the SCCOE's complaint procedures. After filing a complaint with the SCCOE, they may also file a copy of the complaint with local law enforcement per Education Code 44114.
(cf. 1312.1 - Complaints Concerning SCCOE Employees)
(cf. 1312.3 - Uniform Complaint Procedures)
(cf. 4144 – Complaints (All Personnel)
Civil and Legal Rights