STATE OF TEXAS
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

February 27, 2000

Mr. Jordan Riak
Executive Director
Parents and Teachers Against Violence in Education
Post Office Box 1033
Alamo CA 94507-7033

Dear Mr. Riak:

Thank you for your letter about school discipline and the copy of one parent's letter about her daughter's experience at school. I understand that the discipline policy of the school in question is distressing to you and others. School should be a safe place where we instill in our children a love for learning.

Although I appreciate the sentiment that prompted your letter, my office has no authority over local school decisions. I encourage parents to work with school administrators and members of their local school board to find a solution. Most school districts require parents to follow a local grievance process, which includes an appeal to the principal, the school board, and the superintendent. All three levels of an appeal must be documented in writing.

If a parent follows the school's grievance policy and is still unable to resolve the matter locally, the Division of Complaints Management at the Texas Education Agency provides mediation for concerned parents and school districts. You may advise Texas parents to contact Mr. Ron Rowell, director of the division, at:

Texas Education Agency
1701 North Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701-1494
(512) 463-9290

Thank you for letting me know your concern about this issue. I hope this situation can be worked out to everyone's satisfaction.

Sincerely,
[signed]
GEORGE W. BUSH

GWB:smg

Post Office Box 12428 Austin, Texas 78711 (512) 463-2000 (Voice) 475-3165 (TDD)

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