Skip To Main Content

Federal Complaint Procedures

Any individual, organization, or agency (“complainant”) my file a complaint with the Wilcox County Schools (WCSS) if that individual, organization, or agency believes and alleges that WCSis violating a federal statute or regulation that applies to a program under the Tiel I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA). The complaint must allege a violation that occurred not more than one (1) year prior to the date the complaint is received, unless a longer period is reasonable because the violation is considered systemic or ongoing.

Federal Programs for Which Complaints Can Be Filled

  • Title I, Part A: Disadvantaged Children, Academic Achievement Awards, Schoolwide Programs
  • Title I, Part C: Migrant Education Program
  • Title I, Part D: Programs for Neglected or Delinquent Children
  • Title II, Part A: Teacher and Leader Effectiveness
  • Title II, Part D: Enhancing Education Through Technology
  • Title III, Part A: English to Speakers of Other Languages
  • Title IV, Part B: Rural Education Achievement Program

Complaints Originating at the Local Level
As part of its Assurances within the ESEA program grant applications and pursuant to Section 9306 within the Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), and LEA accepting federal funds must have local written procedures for the receipt and resolution of complaints alleging violations of law in the Georgia Department of Education until every effort has been made to resolve through the Wilcox County Schools to no avail, the complainant must provide the Georgia Department of Education written proof of their attempt to resolve the issue with Wilcox County School System. 

Filing a Complaint

  • A complaint must be made in writing and signed by the complainant. The complaint must include the following information:
  • A statement that Wilcox County Schools has violated a requirement of a Federal statue or regulation that applies to an applicable program. 
  • The date on which the violation occurred. 
  • The facts on which the statement is based and the specific requirement allegedly violated (include citation to the Federal statue or regulation). 
  • A list of names and telephone numbers of individuals who can provide additional information. 
  • Whether a complaint has been filled with any other government agency, and if so, which agency. 
  • Copies of all applicable documents supporting the complainant’s position. 
  • The address of the complainant. 
  • The complaint must be addressed to:
    Aleph Fore, Federal Programs Director
    Wilcox County Board of Education
    114 7th Avenue, Rochelle, GA 31079
  • Once the complaint is received by Wilcox County School System, it will be copied and forwarded to the Federal Program Director. 

Investigation of Complain
Within ten (10) days of receipt of the complaint, Wilcox County School System will issue a Letter of Acknowledgement of the complaint that contains the following information: 

  • The date Wilcox County School System received the complaint.
  • How the complainant may provide additional information.  
  • A statement of the ways in which the Wilcox County School System may investigate or address the complaint.
  • Any other pertinent information. 

If additional information or investigation is necessary, WCSS will have sixty (60) days from receipt of the information to complete the investigation and issue a Letter of Findings. If the Letter of Findings indicates that a violation has been found, a timeline for corrective actions will be included. The sixty(60) day timeline may be extended if exceptional circumstances occur. The Letter of Findings will be sent directly to the complaint, as well as the other parties involved. 

Right to Appeal
If an individual, organization, or agency is aggrieved by the final decision of Wilcox County Schools, that individual, organization, or agency has the right to request review of the decision by the Georgia Department of Education. For complaints filed pursuant to Section 9503 (20 U.S.C. 7883, complaint process for participation of private school children), a complaint may appeal to the Georgia Department of Education no later than thirty (30) days from the date on which the complainant receives the Letter of Findings. The appeal must be accompanied by a copy of the Wilcox County Schools” decision and include a complete statement of the reasons supporting the appeal.