The procedure for filing a complaint shall be as follows:

(1) A complaint alleging a violation by a local school district, an educational service district, or other subgrantee shall be filed directly with the superintendent of public instruction.

(2) The superintendent of public instruction, upon receipt of a signed, written complaint against a local school district or other public agency, an educational service district, or other subgrantee, shall refer the complaint to the educational entity for action pursuant to this chapter. A complaint against the state shall be investigated pursuant to WAC 392-168-180.

(3) Receipt of a complaint by the superintendent of public instruction activates a time limit not to exceed sixty calendar days, unless an extension of the time limit is approved by the superintendent of public instruction on the basis of exceptional circumstances with respect to a particular complaint.

(4) Receipt of complaints concerning violations of 20 U.S.C. Sec. 7881, Participation by private school children and teachers, shall activate a time limit not to exceed forty-five calendar days.