Complaint Procedures

Individuals, agencies, organizations, students, and interested third parties have the right to file a complaint regarding a public education agency’s alleged violation of federal and state law including allegations of unlawful discrimination in specified programs and activities that receive state or federal funding. Such complaints include allegations that the local educational agency has failed to implement a student’s individual education program (IEP). Complaints must be filed in writing with the appropriate compliance officer identified below. Complaints alleging discrimination must be filed not later than six months from the date the alleged discrimination occurred or the date the complainant first obtained knowledge of the facts of the alleged discrimination, unless the time for filing is extended by the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

In accordance with adopted procedures, complaints will be investigated and a written decision sent to the complainant within sixty (60) days. If the complainant is not satisfied with the local educational agency’s decision, the complainant may file within fifteen (15) days of receipt of the decision a written appeal with the California Department of Education in Sacramento, California. A copy of the local educational agency’s policy and complaint procedures may be obtained through the superintendent’s office.

Complainants also may pursue available civil law remedies, including, but not limited to, injunctions, restraining orders, or other orders in federal or state courts. Further information about such remedies may be available through public or private interest attorneys, the Sonoma County Lawyer Referral Service, Legal Aide Society, a mediator, or dispute resolution service.