Board of Directors

ESSER III Safe Return to In-Person Instruction

Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) (EDC 47606.5(h)

• OCASA Elementary ESSER III Plan

El Dorado Charter SELPA Local Plan

• El Dorado Charter SELPA Local
• Plan  SELPA Governance

Suicide Prevention Policy

• OCASA Suicide Prevention Policy

OCASA School Food Authority Wellness Policy

• OCASA SFA Wellness Policy

All stakeholders are able to participate in the development, review, update, and implementation of the School Wellness Policy. Please contact the school office for more details.)

Title IX - Education Code Section 221.61 Statement

• Title IX Non-Discrimination Policy

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”) is a federal law that was passed to ensure that students and staff, regardless of their sex, are treated equally and fairly. Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, which includes sexual harassment. Specifically, Title IX provides that:

No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

Title IX Policy Clarifications: Q&A

Who is the Title IX Coordinator for Orange County Academy of Sciences and Arts (“OCASA”)?

Kapil Mathur
28202 Cabot Road, Suite 300
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
kcmathur@ocasa.org
(949) 269-3290

Where can I get more information on the rights of a pupil and the public and the responsibilities of the public school under Title IX?

• California Department of Education Office of Equal Opportunity
  
• United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights
  

In addition, California law, like Title IX, prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex and affords individuals certain rights. You can access those rights here: Rights Afforded Under Education Code Section 221.8. Specifically, you have the right to:

1. Fair and equitable treatment and you shall not be discriminated against based on your sex.
   
2. Be provided with an equitable opportunity to participate in all Academic extracurricular activities, including athletics.
   
3. Inquire of the athletic director of your school as to the athletic opportunities offered by the school.
   
4. Apply for athletic scholarships.
   
5. Receive equitable treatment and benefits in the provision of all of the following: (i) equipment and supplies; (ii) scheduling of games and practices; (iii) transportation and daily allowances; (iv) access to tutoring; (v) coaching; (vi) locker rooms; (vii) practice and competitive facilities; (viii) medical and training facilities and services; and (ix) publicity.
   
6. Have access to a gender equity coordinator to answer questions regarding gender equity laws.
   
7. Contact the State Department of Education and the California Interscholastic Federation to access information on gender equity laws.
   
8. File a confidential discrimination complaint with the United States Office of Civil Rights or the State Department of Education if you believe you have been discriminated against or if you believe you have received unequal treatment on the basis of your sex.
   
9. Pursue civil remedies if you have been discriminated against.
   
10. Be protected against retaliation if you file a discrimination complaint.

How may I file a discrimination complaint?

You may file a complaint with the Title IX Coordinator:

Kapil Mathur
28202 Cabot Road, Suite 300
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
kcmathur@ocasa.org
(949) 269-3290

A complaint may be filed anonymously if it provides evidence or information leading to evidence to support an allegation of noncompliance.

Otherwise, a discrimination complaint may be filed with the Office for Civil Rights:

San Francisco Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
50 United Nations Plaza
Mail Box 1200, Room 1545
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 486-5555
Email: ocr.sanfrancisco@ed.gov

United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights Complaint Form

Is there a statute of limitations for filing an alleged incident of harassment or discrimination?

Any parent, guardian, individual, organization has the right to file a written complaint of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying on the basis of a protected characteristic within six months from the date the alleged incident occurred or the complainant first obtained knowledge of the facts of the alleged incident.

Consistent with OCASA’s Uniform Complaint Procedures policy, the timeline for filing a complaint of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying is extended by the Title IX Coordinator or designee, upon written request by the complainant setting forth the reasons for the extension. Such extension by the Title IX Coordinator or designee shall be made in writing. The period for filing may be extended by the Title IX Coordinator or designee for good cause for a period not to exceed 90 days following the expiration of the six-month time period. The Title IX Coordinator shall respond appropriately upon a receipt of a request for extension.

For complaints subject to Title IX Grievance Procedures, the Title IX Coordinator will follow applicable law regarding the statute of limitations and endeavors to complete such investigations within 90 days per OCASA’s Title IX Policy.

How are discrimination complaints investigated?

Title IX complaints may either be investigated under OCASA’s Title IX Policy or other OCASA policies. Upon receipt of a Title IX formal complaint, the Title IX Coordinator will determine whether the allegations fall within the definition of “sexual harassment” under Title IX. If they do, OCASA will investigate the complaint through its Title IX Policy. If the allegations do not fit under the definition of sexual harassment under Title IX, OCASA will investigate the complaint through another appropriate grievance procedure (e.g., Uniform Complaint Procedures).

During the investigative process, OCASA shall contact the complainant and other applicable parties to request documents and information. OCASA will provide an opportunity for the complainant to present evidence or information to support the complainant’s allegations.

For UCP investigations: Complaints will be investigated and a written decision will be issued within 60 calendar days of the UCP Compliance Officer’s receipt of the complaint.

For Title IX investigations per Grievance Procedures: Complaints will be investigated and OCASA will endeavor to issue a written decision within 90 calendar days of the Title IX Coordinator’s receipt of the complaint.

For additional federal guidance on how complaints may be further pursued, please see the following link: United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights