504 Notice & Nondiscrimination

WHAT IS SECTION 504?

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, commonly called “Section 504,” is a federal law that protects students from discrimination based on disability. Section 504 assures that students with disabilities have educational opportunities and benefits equal to those provided to students without disabilities. To be eligible, a student must have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity.

If you believe your child has a disability, you can contact and ask your child's principal, counselor, social worker, or teacher to arrange for an evaluation of the student. Through the Section 504-compliant evaluation process, staff will work with you to determine if the student has a disability and, if so, what services the student needs.

SECTION 504 NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION

Students, parents, employees, and others doing business with or performing services for Moses Lake School District are hereby notified that this school district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment in, its programs and activities.

Any person having inquiries concerning the school district’s compliance with the regulations implementing Section 504 is directed to contact the compliance officer (below), who has been designated by the school district to coordinate the district’s efforts to comply with the regulations implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Samantha Burgess, SECTION 504 Compliance Officer

[email protected]

1620 S. Pioneer Way

Moses Lake, WA 98837

509.766.2670

Non-Discrimination Notice for Students

Moses Lake School District complies with all federal and state rules and regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation (including gender expression or identity), the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. District programs will be free from sexual harassment. This holds true for all students who are interested in participating in educational programs and/or extracurricular school activities. Board Policy 3210 and associated procedures outline the steps taken to secure an equitable solution to a justifiable complaint.

Non-Discrimination Notice for Staff

Moses Lake School District is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Employer. The Moses Lake School District #161 does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boys Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the Title IX Compliance Officer.

Non-Discrimination Grievance Procedures

Students, and/or parents, staff, or other individuals acting on behalf of students of the district are eligible to participate in the complaint procedure. The complaint procedure is designed to assure that the resolution of real or alleged violations will be directed toward a just solution that is satisfactory to the complainant, the administration, and the school board.

Board Policy 3210 and associated procedures outline the steps taken to secure an equitable solution to a justifiable complaint. If you have questions or need assistance with the process, please contact the District Compliance Officer, Michelle Musso at 509.793.7725.

Title IX/RCW 28A.640 Compliance Officer Title IX, Affirmative Action, and Equal Opportunity officer

Michelle Musso, HR Director

[email protected]

1620 S. Pioneer Way

Moses Lake, WA 98837

509.793.7725

Section 504/ADA Coordinator

Samantha Burgess, Director of Special Education

[email protected]

1620 S. Pioneer Way

Moses Lake, WA 98837

509.766.2670

Civil Rights Compliance Officer

Michelle Musso, HR Director

[email protected]

1620 S. Pioneer Way

Moses Lake, WA 98837

509.793.7725

MLSD Section 504 Manual

MLSD Section 504 manual