Complaint Procedures

34 C.F.R. Part ..., Subpart F
in effectEffective: 2024-07-01

34 C.F.R. § 299.10 Ombudsman.

To help ensure equity for eligible private school children, teachers, and other educational personnel, an SEA must direct the ombudsman designated under section 1117 of the ESEA and § 200.68 to monitor and enforce the requirements in §§ 299.5 through 299.9.

34 C.F.R. § 299.11 What complaint procedures shall an SEA adopt?

(a) General. An SEA shall adopt written procedures, consistent with State law, for— (1) Receiving and resolving any complaint from an organization or individual that the SEA or an agency or consortium of agencies is violating a Federal statute or regulation that applies to an applicable program listed in paragraph (b) of this section; (2) Reviewing an appeal from a decision of an agency or consortium of agencies with respect to a complaint; and (3) Conducting an independent on-site investigation of a complaint if the SEA determines that an on-site investigation is necessary. (b) Applicable programs. This subpart is applicable to the following programs: (1) Part A of title I (Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies). (2) Part C of title I (Education of Migratory Children). (3) Part D of title I (Prevention and Intervention Programs for Children and Youth Who Are Neglected, Delinquent, or At Risk). (4) Part A of title II (Supporting Effective Instruction). (5) Part A, subpart 1 of title III (English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and Academic Achievement), except for section 3112. (6) Part A of title IV (Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants). (7) Part B of title IV (21st Century Community Learning Centers). (8) Part B, subpart 2 of title V (Rural and Low-Income School Program). (9) Subtitle B of title VII of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program.

34 C.F.R. § 299.12 What items are included in the complaint procedures?

An SEA shall include the following in its complaint procedures: (a)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, a reasonable time limit after the SEA receives a complaint for resolving the complaint in writing, including a provision for carrying out an independent on-site investigation, if necessary. (2) In matters involving violations of section 1117 or 8501 of the ESEA (participation of private school children), an SEA must resolve, in writing, a complaint within 45 days after receiving the complaint. (b) An extension of the time limit under paragraph (a)(1) of this section only if exceptional circumstances exist with respect to a particular complaint. (c)(1) The right for the complainant to request the Secretary to review the final decision of the SEA, at the Secretary's discretion. (2) In matters involving violations of section 1117 or 8501 of the ESEA (participation of private school children), the Secretary will follow the procedures in section 8503(b) of the ESEA. (d) A requirement for LEAs to disseminate, free of charge, adequate information about the complaint procedures to parents of students, and appropriate private school officials or representatives.

34 C.F.R. § 299.13 How does an organization or individual file a complaint?

An organization or individual may file a written signed complaint with an SEA. The complaint must be in writing and signed by the complainant, and include— (a) A statement that the SEA or an agency or consortium of agencies has violated a requirement of a Federal statute or regulation that applies to an applicable program; and (b) The facts on which the statement is based and the specific requirement allegedly violated.

Starting a business? Corpus forms LLCs in all 50 states and DC.