Section 275.50  Final Level

a)         If the grievance has not been resolved at the Designated Coordinator Level to the satisfaction of the complainant, the complainant may submit a copy of the Grievance Form and Designated Coordinator's response to the Director for final review.  The complainant shall submit these documents to the Director, together with a short written statement explaining the reasons(s) for dissatisfaction with the Designated Coordinator's written response, within five (5) business days after receipt by the complainant of the Designated Coordinator's response.

b)         The Director shall appoint a 3-member panel to review the grievance at the Final Level.  One member shall be designated as chairman.

c)         The complainant shall be given an opportunity to appear before the panel. The complainant shall have a right to appoint a representative to appear on his/her behalf.  The panel shall review the Designated Coordinator's written response, conduct interviews and seek advice as it deems appropriate.

d)         Upon reaching a majority decision, the panel shall make a recommendation in writing to the Director as to the proper resolution of the grievance.  All recommendations shall include reasons for the recommendations and shall be signed by the members concurring in the majority decision.  A dissenting member of the panel may make a recommendation to the Director in writing and shall also sign such recommendation.

e)         Upon receipt of the recommendation from the panel, the Director shall approve, disapprove or modify the panel recommendations, shall render a decision in writing, shall state the basis for the decision and shall send a copy of the decision to the complainant.  The Director's decision shall be final.  If the Director disapproves or modifies the Panel's recommendations, the Director shall include written reasons for such disapproval or modification.

f)         The Grievance Form, the Designated Coordinator's response, the statement of reason for dissatisfaction, the recommendations of the panel and the decision of the Director shall be maintained in accordance with the State Records Act (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1991, ch. 116, par. 43.3 et seq.) or as otherwise required by law.