Complaints Related to Federal Programs

A citizen complaint is a written statement that alleges a violation of a federal rule, law or regulation or state regulation that applies to a federal program. Things to check before you file a citizen complaint:

1. This citizen complaint process is for Washington state's K-12 school system.
   • If you live outside of Washington state, check with your state's department of education or Local Educational Agency (LEA) and ask for their complaint process.
2. The complaint must address the violation of at least one of the federal programs in the list below.
3. This process is not for complaints related to discrimination and professional practices.
4. Complaints that allege discrimination please go to Equity and Civil Rights. 

The following federal programs are part of the citizen complaint process:

Title Programs

• Title I, A Programs and services for struggling learners
• Title I, C Migrant Education
• Title I, D Institutional Education
• Title I, G Advanced Placement
• Title II, A Teacher & Principal Quality
• Title III Limited English Proficient & Immigrant Students - Language Instruction
• Title IV, B 21st Century Community Learning Centers
• Title V Rural Education Achievement Program
• Title VI Indian, Native Hawaiian, Alaska Native Education

File a Citizen Complaint Against a School District, Educational Service District (ESD) or Other School Service Provider (Subgrantee)

This printable handouts below outline the 5-step process through which a citizen can file a complaint against a school district or other school service provider.
English | Russian | Spanish | Vietnamese

File a Citizen Complaint Against OSPI

This printable handouts below outline the 4-step process through which a citizen can file a complaint against OSPI.
English | Russian | Spanish | Vietnamese