Guidelines for Filing a Complaint

If you have a complaint about a public school or school district, first follow the complaint procedure the school or school district has established. If you are unable to resolve the issue using the school or school district’s complaint process, the Education Ombudsman may be able to help.

Complaints We Accept

The Education Ombudsman accepts written complaints from parents, legal guardians, and students alleging:

  • The school or school district did not respond when they complained, or responded inappropriately;
  • the school or school district did not follow federal law, state law, school policy or school district policy, and
  • the student, or group of students’, learning environment or academic performance has been negatively affected by the school or school district’s action or lack of action.

OEO only accepts complaints regarding enrolled students or students who are eligible for enrollment in the K-12th public school system in Washington State.

Complaints We Do Not Accept

The Education Ombudsman does not accept complaints about:

  • Elected officials (such as school board members)
  • Private schools
  • Private organizations or businesses

How to File a Complaint

If you believe that your complaint matches OEO’s complaint criteria (see “complaints we accept” above), then:

  • Fill out and sign the OEO complaint form.
  • Attach copies of key documents that support your complaint as needed. Documents are not required to file a complaint. If you have documents that are relevant to your complaint, please send copies. Do not send original documents.
  • Mail or fax the signed complaint form and copies of any relevant documents to:

Complaint Form

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Office of the Education Ombudsman
P.O. Box 40004
Olympia, WA 98504-0004
Fax: 360-586-0052

The Education Ombudsman does not communicate with complainants through email to protect confidentiality. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Confidentiality

The Education Ombudsman keeps all matters, including the identity of students, complainants, and individuals who contact the office confidential, except as necessary to allow OEO to perform duties of the office. When OEO receives information that is confidential or privileged by law, OEO does not further disclose or disseminate the information, except as provided by state or federal law.

Please Note

While OEO thoroughly reviews all complaints, the ombudsmen cannot fully resolve all complaint issues.OEO does not have the authority to force a school or school district to take a specific course of action and cannot discipline or terminate school or school district employees.OEO does not provide legal advice or services.OEO acts as a neutral third party and can recommend that policies and procedures be followed, revised, or created as needed.

If you have any questions about filing a complaint, call OEO toll-free: 1-866-297-2597. Interpreter services are available.