“Without the Department of Education, there is no accountability,” said Russell, a former special education teacher. Last year, Miller filed a complaint against Wake County schools with the federal Office for Civil Rights. (Cornell Watson/KFF Health News)On March 11, the day the Education Department sent Miller’s denial letter, the agency announced it was firing nearly half of its 4,133 employees. The Education Department says children with disabilities make up 14% of students, but 75% of those secluded and 81% of those physically restrained. Under federal law, parents have 180 days from the time of the last alleged violation to file a complaint with the Education Department.