Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Logo
Education Laws and Regulations

603 CMR 1.00

Charter Schools

Section:

  • 1.01: Purpose
  • 1.02: Definitions
  • 1.03: General Provisions
  • 1.04: Applications for and Granting of Charters
  • 1.05: Student Recruitment, Enrollment, and Retention
  • 1.06: Boards of Trustees and Staff
  • 1.07: Funding
  • 1.08: Reporting Requirements and Ongoing Review
  • 1.09: Complaint Procedures
  • 1.10: Amendments of Charters
  • 1.11: Renewal of Charters
  • 1.12: Conditions, Probation, Suspension, Revocation and Non-Renewal
  • 1.13: Severability Clause
  • View All Sections

Most Recently Amended by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education: June 22, 2021


1.09: Complaint Procedure

(1) A parent, guardian, or other individuals or groups who believe that a charter school has violated or is violating any provision of M.G.L. c. 71, § 89, or 603 CMR 1.00 may file a complaint with the charter school's board of trustees.

(2) The board of trustees shall respond in writing to the complaining party no later than 45 days from receipt of the complaint.

(3) The board of trustees shall, pursuant to a complaint received under 603 CMR 1.09, or on its own initiative, conduct reviews to ensure compliance with M.G.L. c. 71, § 89, and 603 CMR 1.00. The charter school and the specific individuals involved shall cooperate to the fullest extent with such review.

(4) A complaining party who believes a complaint pursuant to 603 CMR 1.09(1) has not been adequately addressed by the charter school board of trustees may submit the complaint in writing to the Commissioner, who shall investigate such complaint and make a written response.

(5) In the event the charter school is found in violation of M.G.L. c. 71, § 89, or 603 CMR 1.00, the Commissioner or Board may take such action deemed appropriate including, but not limited to, suspension or revocation of the charter, or referral of the matter to the District Attorney, the Office of the Attorney General, or other appropriate agencies for action.

(6) A parent, guardian, or other individuals or groups who believe that a charter school has violated or is violating any state or federal law or regulation regarding special education may file a complaint directly with the Department.

Regulatory Authority:
M.G.L. c. 69, § 1B; c. 71, § 89


Disclaimer:
For an official copy of these regulations, please contact the State House Bookstore, at 617-727-2834 or visit Massachusetts State Bookstore.

Last Updated: April 26, 2022

 
Contact Us

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149

Voice: (781) 338-3000
TTY: (800) 439-2370

Directions

Disclaimer: A reference in this website to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public and does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.