How to file a citizen complaint with Montesano School District

Start at the school first

Most concerns resolve fastest in a single conversation. Try the teacher; if that doesn't move things, talk to the school principal.

  • Beacon Elementary (PreK–2) · (360) 249-4528
  • Simpson Elementary (3–6) · (360) 249-4331
  • Monte Jr./Sr. High School (7–12) · (360) 249-4041

Escalate to the District

When a school-level conversation doesn't resolve a concern, contact the district office. The Superintendent's door is open to families and community members.

Dan Winter, Superintendent 502 East Spruce Avenue, Montesano, WA 98563 Phone: (360) 249-3942 Email: dwinter@monteschools.org

Designated district coordinators

State and federal law require the district to publish, by name, who handles specific complaint categories. These are the people to contact.

Title IX Coordinator (sex-based discrimination, sexual harassment)

Dan Winter, Superintendent 502 East Spruce Avenue, Montesano, WA 98563 Phone: (360) 249-3942 Email: dwinter@monteschools.org

Section 504 / ADA Coordinator (disability discrimination)

Shawn Brown, Student Services Director 502 East Spruce Avenue, Montesano, WA 98563 Phone: (360) 249-1233 Email: sbrown@monteschools.org

Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator (general discrimination, RCW 28A.642)

Shawn Brown, Student Services Director 502 East Spruce Avenue, Montesano, WA 98563 Phone: (360) 249-1233 Email: sbrown@monteschools.org

HIB Compliance Officer (harassment, intimidation, bullying — RCW 28A.600.477)

Shawn Brown, Student Services Director 502 East Spruce Avenue, Montesano, WA 98563 Phone: (360) 249-1233 Email: sbrown@monteschools.org

Public Records Officer

Dan Winter, Superintendent 502 East Spruce Avenue, Montesano, WA 98563 Phone: (360) 249-3942 Email: publicrecords@monteschools.org

Discrimination, sexual harassment, or civil-rights complaints

State law (RCW 28A.642 and WAC 392-190) prohibits discrimination in any district program based on race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation (including gender expression or identity), marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.

How to file with the district

You can file a written complaint with the appropriate district coordinator listed above. You can submit it:

  • By email to [coordinator email]
  • By mail to 502 East Spruce Avenue, Montesano, WA 98563
  • In person at the district office, Monday–Friday 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  • By phone at (360) 249-3942 — staff will help you put your concern in writing if needed

The three-step formal complaint process

The process below applies to discrimination complaints under WAC 392-190.

Step 1 — File with the district. Within one year of the incident, write to the Civil Rights or Title IX Coordinator. The district investigates and issues a written decision within 30 calendar days.

Step 2 — Appeal to the School Board. If you disagree with the district's decision, you have 10 calendar days to appeal in writing to the School Board. The Board hears the appeal within 20 days and issues a written decision.

Step 3 — Appeal to OSPI. If still unresolved, you have 20 calendar days from the Board's decision to appeal to OSPI's Equity & Civil Rights office.

You may also file directly with the U.S. Office for Civil Rights (Region 10 Seattle), the Washington State Human Rights Commission, or the WA Education Ombuds at any time — without first filing with the district.

Title IX (sex-based discrimination and sexual harassment)

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects against sex-based discrimination in education programs that receive federal funding. Anyone may report Title IX concerns — students, parents, employees, community members. Reports can be made in person, by phone, by email, or in writing. Anonymous reports are accepted.

Contact the Title IX Coordinator (named above). Federal escalation is to the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, Region 10 (Seattle).

Section 504 / ADA (disability discrimination)

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability in any program or activity that receives federal funding.

Contact the Section 504 / ADA Coordinator (Shawn Brown). Federal escalation is to the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, Region 10 (Seattle).

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying (HIB)

Under RCW 28A.600.477 and Board Policy 3207,the district has a designated HIB Compliance Officer who receives reports and coordinates investigation. Reports may be made by anyone — anonymously if needed — verbally or in writing.

Report HIB to:

  • The school principal
  • Any staff member
  • The District HIB Compliance Officer (named above)
  • The HIB report form at [add district HIB form URL when available]

The district investigates promptly and informs the parent/guardian of the outcome. Retaliation against a person who reports HIB in good faith is itself a policy violation.

Special education complaints (IDEA)

Parents and other concerned individuals can resolve special-education disputes through several paths under WAC 392-172A. Pick the option that fits the situation.

  • IEP team meeting — The fastest path. Request a meeting through your child's case manager or Shawn Brown, Student Services Director.
  • Mediation — Free, confidential, voluntary. Coordinated by OSPI.
  • Community Complaint to OSPI — A written, signed complaint sent to OSPI within one year of the alleged violation. OSPI decides within 60 days.
  • Due process hearing — A formal legal proceeding for unresolved disputes.

District contact: Shawn Brown, Student Services Director · sbrown@monteschools.org · (360) 249-1233.

Federal programs complaints (WAC 392-168)

For complaints about a district's administration of federal programs — Title I, Title II (educator quality), Title III (English-language learners), Title IV (student support), Migrant Education, McKinney-Vento (homeless education), Career & Technical Education, and similar — file a written citizen complaint with OSPI.

OSPI investigates within 60 days and issues a written decision.

Public records requests

Requests for district records under the WA Public Records Act (RCW 42.56) are handled by the district's Public Records Officer. See the district's public records page for the request form and process.

Complaints about a teacher or certificated educator

Concerns about an individual certificated educator's professional conduct (above and beyond a workplace concern handled by the district) can be filed directly with OSPI's Office of Professional Practices.

Retaliation prohibited

Federal and state law prohibit retaliation against any person who, in good faith, files a complaint, opposes a discriminatory practice, or participates in an investigation. Retaliation is itself a violation of Title IX, Section 504, the Americans with Disabilities Act, RCW 28A.642, and Monte's board policies. Report retaliation to the same coordinator you contacted, the Superintendent, or the appropriate outside agency.

Other resources

  • Washington Education Ombuds (OEO) — independent state agency that helps resolve K–12 issues. Free and confidential. 1-866-297-2597.
  • OSPI compliance coordinator directory — confirms each district's designated coordinators.
  • USDA Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights — discrimination complaints involving school meals.

Legal references

WAC 392-168 (Federal programs citizen complaints) · WAC 392-172A (IDEA special education) · WAC 392-190 (Equal educational opportunity) · RCW 28A.642 (Discrimination prohibited) · RCW 28A.600.477 (HIB) · RCW 28A.300.286 (model handbook language) · RCW 42.56 (Public Records Act) · Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 · Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 · Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 · Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act · Board Policies 2162 (504), 3205 (sexual harassment of students), 3207 (HIB), 3210 (nondiscrimination), 4220 (complaints concerning staff), 5010 (employment nondiscrimination), 5011 (sexual harassment of staff), 5270 (staff complaints).