Ask an Expert: Judy Goddess
Using California School Law To Advocate For Your Kids

If a parent requests a meeting with a public school's teachers, coaches, or administrators, must the meeting be granted under California state law? I have been requesting such a meeting for a month, with no reply from the school.

There are several laws in your favor, but the strongest is a new and important one, Section 51101 of the California Education Code. (See www.leginfo.ca.gov.) The second paragraph of that section reads, "Within a reasonable period of time following making the request, [parents should have the opportunity] ? to meet with their child's teacher or teachers and the principal of the school in which their child is enrolled."

While "reasonable" is not defined, no one would consider a month reasonable. A parent's request for a meeting is usually honored within five days.

If you originally sent a dated, written request, you need to send a copy of that request to the superintendent with a cover letter asking that he or she intervene and insist that the teacher—or whomever you want to see—meet with you within five days. If you did not send a dated, written request, do it now, and start counting the days.

Contact the superintendent if his or her office does not respond to you within the week. Make sure all your contacts with the school are in writing and dated, and that you keep copies for yourself. If the superintendent does not respond, mail a copy of your letter to every member of the school board.

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