Inquiries and Complaints

Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to providing the highest quality education to all students. An important part of the education process is open and honest communication.. There may be times when an individual may need to make an inquiry of school system employees or file a complaint.

Complaints or concerns should try to be resolved at the local school through an informal process of cooperation among the affected individuals. However, when the informal process fails to provide resolution, an individual is entitled to file a formal complaint and seek a review of any administrative decisions made by school system staff members.

This page contains information concerning both the informal and formal processes for making inquiries and filing complaints including offices available for assistance.

How to proceed

For informal help with specific concerns at a school, please contact the principal. See the Schools and Centers directory for contact information.

Students who believe that conditions of the school or decisions made by staff members are not in their best interests may present complaints to teachers, counselors, or school administrators, who shall make themselves available or schedule appointments to hear these complaints. Any student or parent or guardian who believes that conduct, either by an individual or by a group, creates a hostile or abusive environment that limits a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the educational program is encouraged to notify school staff members.

Following a report of inappropriate conduct, the principal shall take immediate action to end the mistreatment, and he or she may take appropriate disciplinary action as required. The principal shall notify, in writing, the director, Office of Equity and Compliance, complaints alleging discrimination.

1. Meeting With the Principal

If a student is not satisfied that a complaint previously presented to a member of the school staff has been resolved satisfactorily, the student or parent or guardian may request a meeting of the student, the parent or guardian, and the principal. The principal may require the parent or guardian to attend and shall, following the meeting, promptly inform the parent or guardian in writing of his or her decision on the complaint.

2. Complaint to the Cluster Assistant Superintendent

The principal's decision on a complaint may be appealed by the student or parent or guardian to the cluster assistant superintendent within two school days following receipt of the principal’s decision. The written complaint shall state precisely the reasons for the dissatisfaction with the principal's decision and shall be limited to the matter under review. Upon receipt of a written complaint, the cluster assistant superintendent shall promptly review the complaint and inform the student or parent or guardian in writing of the decision. The cluster assistant superintendent may at his or her discretion include a meeting with the principal and the student or parent or guardian as part of the review of the complaint and shall notify the Office of Equity and Compliance of complaints alleging discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or intellectual ability. The decision of the cluster assistant superintendent shall be final.

* This section does not apply to situations involving violations of conduct specified in the Student Rights and Responsibilities booklet. For information on the right to appeal a suspension or expulsion, view the Student Responsibilities and Rights.

What to do if you need assistance

Although the first step in resolving concerns is usually taken at the local school, other offices of the school system are available if you have a general inquiry or need assistance.

General Inquiries

For general inquiries about the school system and its policies and procedures, contact:

Department of Communications and Community Outreach
8115 Gatehouse Road
Falls Church, VA 22042
571-423-1200
fcpsinfo@fcps.edu

Discrimination Inquiries or Complaints

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender (including sexual harassment and pregnancy), age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information in its programs and activities. It also provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The Department of Human Resources’ director of the Office of Equity and Compliance has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies (e.g. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) and can be reached as follows:

Phone:

571-423-3050

Mail:

Office of Equity and Compliance
Department of Human Resources
Gatehouse Administration Center I
8115 Gatehouse Road, Suite 2100
Falls Church, VA 22042

E-mail:

HROfficeofEquity&Compliance@fcps.edu

By TTY:

Dial 711 for access to Telecommunication Relay Services (TRS)

Complaint forms and additional information regarding the FCPS discrimination complaint process are available online. Information regarding requests for medical accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act are also available online.

Contacting the School Board

To best serve their constituency, the Board requests that you direct your concerns or comments to your district Board Member. If you do not know the magisterial district in which you reside, you can check online.

You may also direct your concerns or comments to the three at-large members or to the entire School Board by e-mail..

Fairfax County School Board
8115 Gatehouse Road, Suite 5400
Falls Church, VA 22042
571.423.1075

Section 504 Inquiries

Section 504 is a federal statute designed to eliminate discrimination on the basis of a disability in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Fairfax County Public Schools Regulation 1454 describes procedures regarding the implementation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).

In accordance with Section 504, a qualified student with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities shall not, on the basis of that disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination in any program or activity offered by FCPS. Complete details are available in the Special Education Handbook.

Whenever a parent has a complaint with respect to any matter relating to the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of his or her child, the parent can notify FCPS by writing the coordinator of monitoring and compliance. The Notice of Appeal can be used by a parent to ensure that the parent is including all the needed information, e.g., the nature of the problem, the cause of the problem, and possible solutions. This form can also be obtained at your local school. Parents should also visit the web site of the Virginia Department of Education’s Office of Dispute Resolution and Administrative Services for more information.