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The TEA complaints process allows parents and the public to report any suspected violations of laws by Texas public school systems or staff to the agency. If you have a concern with your school or school system, or if you have identified an issue that may constitute a violation of the Texas Education Code, TEA encourages you first to contact your campus or school system to try to reach a resolution. ÌýIf you are unable to reach a resolution informally, TEA can help you contact your school system or investigate matters that you believe may violate state or federal laws.

Ways to File a Complaint

School and Local Level

If you haveÌýa concern, talking to your child’s teacher or school administrator is the best place to start. If informal discussions at the school-level are unsuccessful, every school system in Texas is required to have aÌýLocal Grievance Process for listening and responding to concerns.

Every district's process might be a little different. To find your district's local grievance policy, ask an administrator how to access the relevant policies, which might be on the district's board policy website.Ìý If you choose to file a local grievance, acting quickly is important to meet your school district's reporting deadlines.Ìý You may be required to report your concern withinÌý10–15 daysÌýof becoming aware of the issue.

State Level

WhenÌýconcerns cannot be resolved with the school system, or fall within TEA's investigative authority, the agency has several processes in place to support you with your complaint.Ìý

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

A process where TEA connects you with your school district's superintendent, in writing, and formally asks the district to engage with you to attempt to reach an agreement that addresses your concern.Ìý

General Education Complaints Process

Enables any person, group of individuals, or organization to file a complaint with TEA regarding a violation of school law.Ìý

Special Education Dispute Resolution Process

Helps parents and schools resolve disputes arising under federal and state special education law.Ìý

Appeal to the Commissioner of Education

Designed for parents, students, or educators that have completed their school system's grievance process and wish to appeal the school board's final decision.

Reporting Fraud, Waste or Abuse in Texas

If you have a concern involving state and federal resources concerning Texas public schools and Education Services Centers (ESCs), you may file a report with the State Auditor's Office (SAO).

The State Auditor's Office (SAO) investigates allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse related to funds from the General Appropriations Act.Ìý This includes, but is not limited to, expenditures by state agencies, colleges and universities or use of state grant money.ÌýÌý

To file a report, you can call the SAO Hotline at 1-800-TX-AUDIT (892-8348) or visit the State Auditor's Office Website atÌý.Ìý

Reports may also be mailed to:
State Auditor's Office
Atten: Investigations and Audit Support
P.O. Box 12067
Austin, TX 78711-2067

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Complaints Handled by Other Agencies

TEA only handles complaints related to violation of school law or the agency itself. Other agencies can address matters related to the following:Ìý

• Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) -
• Discrimination complaints (including Section 504 violations)Ìý-
• Hazardous conditions or health standards in school facilities –
• Public school employee employment claims (wage and salary disputes) –
• Equal employment opportunity -
• Criminal allegations - Appropriate law enforcement entities and school officials
• Open government ethics -
• School board member elections -
• Interscholastic sports and programs in schools -
• Private school accreditation - and
• Post-secondary public institutions, colleges, and universities -
• Home schooling -
• Childcare facilities -
• Driver Training-