By Dr. Bill Howe
Dr. Howe was the Connecticut State Title IX Coordinator for 17 years.
During my time as the Connecticut State Title IX Coordinator, I frequently had to advise parents and school boards that, should a school or an individual fail to properly address a Title IX or any other civil rights complaint, they could also file to have an administrator’s or teacher’s certification to teach revoked. This was a high bar to reach. Complaints were made to the state Department of Education. Someone in the Legal Department would review and investigate the complaint if they found merit. The last step would be for the State Board to review and determine whether revocation was appropriate. These were rare occurrences, but it was a useful reminder to schools to ensure that policies and procedures were followed and that administrators and teachers were diligent in responding to complaints. Schools may not be forthcoming in informing parents of this right. Each state should have some kind of similar legislation.
Here is an explanation according to Connecticut law.
Connecticut General Statutes Section 10-4b outlines a process for addressing complaints against local or regional boards of education that allege they are failing to implement the state’s educational interests as defined in Section 10-4a. This process involves a complaint filing, investigation, and potential remedial actions.
Key aspects of CT 10-4b:
- Complaint Filing:
Residents, parents, or guardians of students in a school district can file a complaint with the State Board of Education if they are unable to resolve it with the local board. The State Board may also initiate a complaint.
- Investigation:
If the State Board finds the complaint substantial, they notify the local board and appoint an agent to conduct a prompt investigation. The agent can summon records and documents related to the investigation.
- Remedial Process:
If the investigation reveals reasonable cause to believe the board has failed to implement educational interests, the State Board conducts an inquiry and can order the board to implement a remedial process.
- Enforcement:
If the local board fails to implement the remedial process or comply with the State Board’s order, the State Board can seek an order from the Superior Court.
- Educational Interests of the State:
The statute defines educational interests of the state to include ensuring equal opportunities for children to receive a suitable program of educational experiences and implementing mandates in general statutes pertaining to education.
- Applicability to CTECS:
Sections 10-4a and 10-4b also apply to the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS).
See: https://law.justia.com/codes/connecticut/title-10/chapter-163/section-10-4b
Citation: https://eregulations.ct.gov/eRegsPortal/Browse/RCSA/Title_10Subtitle_10-4b_HTML/