Section 375.50  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 Commissioner for final review.  The complainant shall submit these documents to the Commissioner, together with a short written statement explaining the reason(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 Commissioner shall appoint a 3-member panel to review the grievance at the Final Level.  One member so appointed shall be designated chairman.

c)         The complainant shall be afforded an opportunity to appear before the panel.  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 and may conduct interviews and seek advice as it deems appropriate.

d)         Upon reaching a concurrence, the panel shall make recommendations in writing to the Commissioner as to the proper resolution of the grievance.  All recommendations shall include reasons for such recommendations and shall bear the signature of the concurring panel members.  A dissenting member of the panel may make a recommendation to the Commissioner in writing and shall also sign such recommendation.

e)         Upon receipt of recommendations from the panel, the Commissioner shall approve, disapprove or modify the panel recommendations, shall render a decision thereon in writing, shall state the basis therefore, and shall cause a copy of the decision to be served on the parties.  The Commissioner's decision shall be final.  If the Commissioner disapproves or modifies the panel recommendations, the Commissioner shall include written reasons for such disapproval or modification.

f)         The Grievance Form, the Designated Coordinator's response, the statement of reasons for dissatisfaction, the recommendations of the panel and the decision of the Commissioner shall be maintained in accordance with the State Records Act [5 ILCS 160], or as otherwise required by law.