Before filing a complaint, you may want to discuss your concerns with your school’s principal, a work site supervisor, or the Seattle Public Schools Ombudsperson. This is often the fastest way to resolve your concerns.

This may also lead to solutions that are not available through the formal complaint process. An OSCR staff member can speak with you about what this step, including resolution, could look like.

1. Open and complete all sections of the SPS Discrimination Complaint Form.
   • Please note that the use of a specific form is not required; you can email a school leader or the Office of Student Civil Rights oscr@seattleschools.org directly with the information below.
2. Be as specific as possible when describing the incident(s). Your complaint is not limited to the space provided. You are encouraged to attach additional materials, which may assist in the investigation process.
3. Please be sure to include the following information either on the form or in an email:
   • the date(s),
   • the description of the incident(s) that occurred,
   • the name(s) of the person(s) involved, and
   • the name(s) of those who may have witnessed the incident(s).
4. Deliver/send/email the form or email to either the Office of Student Civil Rights (OSCR) or any school principal. See OSCR contacts.

Additional information about submitting a complaint:

In most cases, complaints must be filed within one year from the date of the discriminatory event. A complaint must be in writing, describe what happened, and state why you believe it is discrimination.

It is also helpful to include what actions you would like the district to take to resolve your complaint. Some complaints may not be considered complete until the signed Affirmation and Authorization form is received granting permission to disclose your identity and to investigate your complaint.

Complaints may be submitted by mail, email, or hand delivery to any District or school administrator, the Office of Student Civil Rights, or Human Resources.

Investigation and/or Resolution:

When the school district receives your written complaint, you will be provided a copy of the District’s discrimination complaint procedure. The Office of Student Civil Rights or Human Resources will then make sure that the school district takes action to resolve the complaint, which could include a prompt and thorough investigation. You may also agree to resolve your complaint without an investigation through an alternative dispute resolution process, such as mediation.

School District Response:

The school district must respond in writing within 30 calendar days after receiving your complaint, unless you agree on a different date or an exceptional circumstances related to the complaint require an extension of the time limit. If the complaint takes more than 30 calendar days, you will be notified in writing about the reasons for the extension and the anticipated response date.

When the school district responds to your complaint, the response must include:

1. A summary of the results of the investigation;
2. Whether or not the district has failed to comply with civil rights requirements related to your complaint;
3. Notice of your right to appeal, including where and to whom the appeal must be filed; and
4. Any corrective measures determined necessary to correct any noncompliance.

If you disagree with the school district’s decision, you may appeal to the school board. You must file a notice of appeal in writing to the secretary of the school board within 10 calendar days after you received the school district’s response to your complaint.

The school board will schedule a hearing within 20 calendar days after they received your appeal, unless you agree on a different timeline. At the hearing, you may bring witnesses or other information related to your appeal.

The school board will send you a written decision within 30 calendar days after the district received your notice of appeal. The school board’s decision will include information about how to file a complaint with OSPI.

If you do not agree with the school district’s appeal decision, you may file a complaint with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). A complaint must be filed with OSPI within 20 calendar days after you received the district’s appeal decision.

You may send your complaint to OSPI by:

• email: Equity@k12.wa.us
• fax: 360-664-2967
• Mail:
  • OSPI Equity and Civil Rights Office
    PO Box 47200
    Olympia, WA 98504-7200