Atlanta News First

A growing number of Georgia parents allege their school districts are violating the law by failing to provide required special education services, according to an Atlanta News First investigation.  Georgia Department of Education records show formal complaints against school districts have more than doubled in recent years, from 156 in 2021 to 318 last year. In fiscal year 2025, the state found districts were out of compliance 190 times. The surge in complaints reflects several concerning trends identified by the Georgia Department of Education’s dispute resolution division. A 2025 presentation produced by the division showed more complaints are being filed by current school staff; more complaints are being filed in districts that historically had few complaints; and more complaints involve multiple students, indicating systemic issues.

The most common violations found in fiscal year 2025 involved the provision of a free appropriate public education; implementation of individualized education programs; and development, review, and revision of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).