Nondiscrimination, OEO and Language Access

The Washington State Office of Education Ombuds (OEO) listens, shares information and referrals, and works with families, communities, and schools to address concerns so that every student can fully participate and thrive in our state’s public schools. OEO provides support in multiple languages and has telephone interpretation available. To get help or learn more about what OEO does, please visit our website: www.oeo.wa.gov/en; email oeoinfo@gov.wa.gov, or call: 1-866-297-2597 (interpretation available).

The Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO) is an independent state agency that helps to reduce educational opportunity gaps by supporting families, students, educators, and other stakeholders in communities across Washington in understanding the K-12 school system and resolving concerns collaboratively. OEO services are free and confidential. Anyone can contact OEO with a question or concern about K-12 public schools.

The Lake Washington School District complies with all federal and state rules and regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, gender, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability, in its programs and activities and provides equal access to Scouting America and other designated youth groups. This holds true for all district employment and for all students who are interested in participating in educational programs and/or extracurricular school activities.

The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

Kraig Michels, Civil Rights Coordinator,
Director of Human Resources,
Employee Relations
16250 NE 74th Street
Redmond Washington, 98052
civilrights@lwsd.org, 425-936-1333

Title IX and Civil Rights
John Appelgate, Director of Title IX and Extracurricular Programs
titleix@lwsd.org, 425-936-1367

Craig Mott, Section 504/ADA Coordinator
Director of Special Services
16250 NE 74th Street
Redmond Washington, 98052
section504@lwsd.org, 425-936-1201

Section 504 prohibits discrimination against persons with a disability in any program receiving Federal financial assistance.

The Act defines a person with a disability as anyone who:

• has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities (such as caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and working)
• has a record of such an impairment
• is regarded as having such an impairment

Lake Washington School District recognizes a responsibility to avoid discrimination in policies and practices regarding its personnel and students. No discrimination against any person with a disability will knowingly be permitted in any of the programs and practices in the school system.

The school district has specific responsibilities under the Act, which include the responsibility to identify and evaluate the child. If he/she is determined to be eligible under Section 504, the district is responsible to afford access to an appropriate education. If a parent or guardian disagrees with the determination made by the professional staff of the school district, he/she has a right to a hearing with an impartial hearing officer.

Section 504 Coordinator: 425-936-1201
Email: section504@lwsd.org

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 97039,
Redmond, WA 98073

Language Access Policy (4218) is LWSD’s commitment to fostering meaningful two-way communication with our culturally and linguistically diverse families and students, ensuring they have full access to our programs or services. Language Access supports the communication between families and LWSD staff members by providing interpretation and translation services at no cost. Contact languageaccess@lwsd.org with questions or concerns.