The following are examples of complaint matters typically addressed by other agencies.
Discrimination claims involving public schools are complaints that allege that a school or school employee discriminates on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in the district’s programs or activities are under the jurisdiction and authority of the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). These issues include Section 504, ADA, and EEO matters. TEA implements a review process for school discrimination complaints and will inform individuals of the appropriate complaint resolution options. Resources and information related to discrimination claims, is available from the US Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, and its Section sites. For Texas, a person may write the Dallas Regional Office at 1999 Bryan Suite 2600; Dallas, TX; 75201. A person may call 214.661.9600, fax 214.661.9587, or email OCR@ed.gov. The US DOE Office for Civil Rights website provides instructions and a complaint form.
FERPA (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act) affords parents access to their children's education records, an opportunity to request amendments to the records, and some control over the disclosure of information from the records. Complaints alleging violations of FERPA are reviewed by the US Department of Education Family Policy Compliance Office.
Hazardous conditions or health standards in school facilities may be reviewed by the Department of State Health Services.
Public school employee employment claims, including wage and salary disputes involving public schools are typically addressed by Texas Workforce Commission.
Allegations of criminal conduct involving school employees are reported to appropriate prosecutorial authorities and school officials. The TEA does not conduct criminal investigations, which include matters that fall under the Texas Penal Code. For example, alleging that a school employee has tampered with a government document, such as a student record, may be reported to the district attorney's office in the county or other appropriate prosecutorial authorities.
Open Government Ethics, which include the Texas Open Meetings Act and the Texas Public Information Act are under the Texas Government Code. The Office of the Attorney General maintains an Open Government website and hotline to provide resources and assistance to individuals who have questions about open government ethics.
School board member elections are reviewed by the Secretary of State's Office.
Fraud, waste, and abuse of state resources may be reported to the State Auditor's Office Fraud Hotline. The State Auditor's Office website describes other types of SAO investigations.
The University Interscholastic League (UIL) governs competitive sports and programs in schools. The UIL-TEA Side-by-Side Handbook is a resource for understanding the requirements and dispute resolution process.
The Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) addresses matters involving post-secondary public institutions, colleges, and universities.
Private school accreditation may be verified through the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission (TEPSAC).
Home Schooling information and resources may be available through the Texas Home School Coalition.