Minnesota's Educational Complaint Procedures

The Best Practice is ALWAYS to contact the person with whom you have a complaint.

If you are not satisfied go to their supervisor.

If not satisfied go to the superintendent.

Then...

Minnesota's Special Education Complaint Procedure

What is a complaint?

A complaint is an allegation that laws and regulations are not being fully implemented by a public school.

What steps should I take before filing a complaint?

1. Contact your child's teacher, building principal, director of special education, or superintendent. Let him or her know of your concern.

2. You may wish to contact a parent advocacy group to discuss your concerns.

3. Reasonable efforts should be made to resolve the problem at the local level before filing a complaint.

What should I include in the complaint letter?

1. Describe the problem.

2. Include the efforts made to resolve the problem between you and the local school district.

3. Include copies of documents such as IEPs, notices, etc. which relate to the problem.

Where do I file my complaint?

Complaints based on special education (a student on an IEP, or who should be on an IEP) should be sent to:

Darren Kermes
Department of Children, Families & Learning
1500 W Highway 36
Roseville, MN 55113

Complaints based on discrimination, for any protected class should be sent to:

Adele Ciriacy
Department of Children, Families & Learning
1500 W Highway 36
Roseville, MN 55113

Many complaint areas would probably best be investigated by the
Department of Human Rights.                                                            They can be accessed at 651-296-5663.

Discrimination based on disability is handled by the

Office of Civil Rights
111 Canal Street
Chicago, IL 60606

What are the possible outcomes?

1. It may be found that the school district is following the special education regulations and rules.

2. The problem(s) may be resolved during the investigation of the complaint and an agreement reached.

3. In cases where the school district is not following the required special education regulations or rules, the district will need to correct the problem within specific timelines.

4. The state, in exceptional circumstances, may initiate further investigations or auditing if the complaint raises complex questions.

Appeals can be made

Either party may appeal the state education agency's final decision to the United States Assistant Secretary of Education.