The TEA complaints process allows parent and the public to report any suspected violations of laws by Texas public school systems or staff to the agency. If you have a concern with your school or school system, or if you have identified an issue that may constitute a violation of the Texas Education Code, TEA encourages you first to contact your campus or school system to try to reach a resolution. If you are unable to reach a resolution informally, TEA can help you contact your school system or investigate matters that you believe may violate state or federal laws.
Ways to File a Complaint
School and Local Level
If you have a concern, talking to your child’s teacher or school administrator is the best place to start. If informal discussions at the school-level are unsuccessful, every school system in Texas is required to have a Local Grievance Process for listening and responding to concerns.
Every district’s process might be a little different. To find your district’s local grievance policy, ask an administrator how to access the relevant policies, which might be on the district’s board policy website. If you choose to file a local grievance, acting quickly is important to meet your school district’s reporting deadlines. You may be required to report your concern within 10–15 days of becoming aware of the issue.
State Level
When concerns cannot be resolved with the school system, or fall within TEA’s investigative authority, the agency has several processes in place to support you with your complaint.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
A process where TEA connects you with your school district’s superintendent, in writing, and formally asks the district to engage with you to attempt to reach an agreement that addresses your concern.
Appeal to the Commissioner of Education
Designed for parents, students, or educators that have completed their school system’s grievance process and wish to appeal the school board’s final decision.
Reporting Fraud, Waste or Abuse in Texas
If you have a concern involving state and federal resources concerning Texas public schools and Education Services Centers (ESCs), you may file a report with the State Auditor’s Office (SAO).
The State Auditor’s Office (SAO) investigates allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse related to funds from the General Appropriations Act. This includes, but is not limited to, expenditures by state agencies, colleges and universities or use of state grant money.
To file a report, you can call the SAO Hotline at 1-800-TX-AUDIT (892-8348) or visit the State Auditor’s Office Website at https://sao.fraud.texas.gov/.
Reports may also be mailed to:
State Auditor’s Office
Atten: Investigations and Audit Support
P.O. Box 12067
Austin, TX 78711-2067
Complaints Handled by Other Agencies
TEA only handles complaints related to violation of school law or the agency itself. Other agencies can address matters related to the following: