Specifications include, but are not limited to: This Request for Information (RFI) is issued by the Agency of Education (AOE) to compile an updated list of Independent Reviewers of Harassment Determinations. An Independent Reviewer is a neutral person who reviews a school's final determination as to whether harassment occurred and/or the adequacy of a school's response to correct the problem, pursuant to 16 V.S.A. 570a(b). The AOE intends to evaluate the submissions by respondents to prepare an updated list of Independent Reviewers of Harassment Determinations. The State envisions that the results of this RFI will support the following high-level goals: 1) There will be enough qualified Independent Reviewers to conduct timely and thorough reviews of final determinations of harassment. 2) The Independent Reviewers will ensure the objectivity and thoroughness of the harassment investigation and determination process. 3) Schools will receive feedback via a report on whether the Independent Reviewer upholds the LEA’s decision and the Independent Reviewer’s evidence to support their findings. 4) The Independent Reviewer is an advocate for the effectiveness of the harassment complaint process and not for either the school or the individuals involved.
