Equal Opportunity - Nondiscrimination

Equal Opportunity & Nondiscrimination

The Rockwood Area School District is committed to providing equal opportunity in all programs, services, and employment practices. The District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, ancestry, pregnancy, marital or familial status, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

This commitment applies to all aspects of the District’s educational programs and activities, admissions, access to courses and programs, counseling, athletics, extracurricular activities, and employment decisions including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, and termination.

Applicable Laws

  • Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
  • Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) & ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA)
  • Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) & Age Discrimination Act of 1975
  • Equal Pay Act of 1963
  • Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA)

Non-Discrimination Contacts

For general inquiries regarding nondiscrimination, contact:
Mark Bower, Superintendent
Rockwood Area School District
439 Somerset Ave., Rockwood, PA 15557

How to Report a Concern

You may report discrimination or harassment in any of the following ways:

  • Email or call the appropriate coordinator listed above
  • Submit a written complaint to your school office or the District Office
  • Report to a principal, supervisor, coach, or counselor (who will forward to the appropriate coordinator)

Reports may be made in person, by mail, by telephone, or by email at any time, including during non-business hours, using the contact information listed above.

Grievance Procedure Overview

  1. Submission: Submit your concern or complaint to the appropriate coordinator as soon as possible after the alleged incident.
  2. Acknowledgment: The District will acknowledge receipt and outline next steps.
  3. Review/Investigation: A prompt, equitable, and impartial review will be conducted, which may include interviews and document review.
  4. Outcome: The District will provide a written determination and, where appropriate, implement remedies and corrective actions.
  5. Appeal: Parties may appeal consistent with District policy.

Full procedures are available upon request and are governed by applicable District policies (e.g., Title IX, 504/ADA, Harassment/Discrimination).

Reasonable Accommodations

The District provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities for participation in programs, services, activities, and employment processes. Applicants or individuals needing accommodations should contact the Section 504/ADA Coordinator as far in advance as possible.

External Agencies

Individuals may also file a complaint with external agencies, including the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR), the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC).

Language Access

This notice can be provided in alternative formats or languages upon request. Please contact the District Office or the applicable coordinator for assistance.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)