Information About Local Grievance
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Your school district's local grievance process can most likely address your concern because Texas law does not give TEA authority to address this issue. Below you can find additional information that might also be helpful. To access this information in the future, open this page in a new window and bookmark the page in your browser, or email or text yourself a copy of the link.
Getting Started
- File a local grievance: Every school district has its own process, so start by asking an administrator how to access your district’s grievance policy, which is required to be posted on the district’s website. If you decide to file a formal grievance, timing is important! Most districts require you to report your concern within 30 days of when you first became aware of the issue. If you’re trying to resolve things informally first—like having a conversation with a teacher or principal—you may have up to 90 days to move forward with the formal process.
- While the agency does not have legal authority over the issue, we can investigate whether your school or district failed to follow their local grievance policy: If you believe your school or district failed to follow the local grievance policy, complete TEA's General Education Complaint Form online. This includes if they missed a deadline or did not respond to your grievance.
- Contact us if you need help—we're here for you: You can reach us at complaintsmanagement@tea.texas.gov or (512) 463-3544. When leaving a voicemail or sending an email, please include your first and last name, your phone number, your question, and any other relevant information.
Helpful Tips
- Learn about your district’s grievance process: To understand your district’s grievance procedures, start by reviewing its local policies. These are typically available on the district’s website under “Online Policies” or a similar section.
Grievance forms and procedures must be:
- Clearly posted on each school’s website
- Included in the student handbook
Pay particular attention to the following local grievance policies:
- DGBA (LOCAL) for employee grievances;
- FNG (LOCAL) for student and parent grievances; and
- GF (LOCAL) for grievances by all others, including vendors and taxpayers.
- Visit TEA's webpage on local grievance: We provide tips on how to navigate the process.
- If you are filing a complaint with TEA on behalf of a parent or student over 18 years old, you must complete a Release Form: Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, also known as FERPA, we must have a completed release form signed by the parent or adult student to release information to you. Attach the completed release form to the complaint form or email it to complaintsmanagement@tea.texas.gov.
- Share your feedback with us: TEA values your opinion! Email us at teafeedback@tea.texas.gov.