In 2000, nearly 100 California students led by Eli Williams, a sixth grader at a San Francisco middle school, brought suit to highlight the thousands of California schools that:
- did not have enough textbooks and educational materials for students;
- had facilities that were overcrowded, in disrepair, and unhealthy for students;
- employed many under-trained public school teachers.
The 2004 Williams settlement legislation established new standards and accountability systems to ensure all students in all California public schools have textbooks and instructional materials, and schools that are clean, safe, and functional. It also took steps toward making sure all students have qualified teachers. The settlement holds the state accountable for delivering these essentials, providing around $1 billion to accomplish these goals.
The Williams complaint process allows parents, students, and others to file a formal complaint when students lack sufficient textbooks or instructional materials, clean and safe school facilities, or qualified teachers. Schools and districts are required to fix the problem within a specified time frame. To make a complaint, please use the form at the bottom of this page.