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Private School Complaint Procedures

According to Title I, Part A and Title VIII of the ESSA, a private school has the right to file a complaint with the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) if the Local Educational Agency (LEA) did not:

  • Engage in timely and meaningful consultation with the private school;
  • give due consideration to the views of private school officials; or
  • make a decision that treats the private school or its students equitably.

To file a complaint, the private school must complete form PI-9580-PSC and provide supporting documentation of the alleged violation of 20 USC 6320(b)(6)(A) or 20 USC 7881(c)(6)(A).

Complete and submit this form along with supporting documentation to:

 

Withdrawal of a Complaint

A complainant may withdraw the complaint prior to the issuance of a decision by the DPI. The withdrawal must be in writing, addressed to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and signed.

Procedures for the DPI

The DPI is responsible for investigating complaints and issuing a written decision within 45 days of receipt of the complaint. When a complaint is received, the DPI will send an acknowledgement letter to the complainant and the LEA administrator. The letter will state the date the DPI received the complaint, who filed the complaint, and the issues to be decided. The complainant and the LEA will have an opportunity to submit additional written documentation for the DPI to consider.

Following receipt of the written documentation, the DPI will review the records and issue a final decision and order. DPI will send the written decision to the complainant and the LEA administrator within 45 days of the receipt of the complaint.

The DPI will dismiss the complaint for any reasons described in PI 1.03(3).