DEARBORN — The Dearborn Public Schools System became subject to a federal civil rights investigation into its communication policies with non-English-speaking families this month as part of a nationwide review of 38 school districts.

Because of the district’s 7,000+ English-language learners, the vast majority of them Arab Americans, the district receives $10 million dollars in federal Title I money per year to be used in supplemental programs, which comprises about 5% of its $200 million budget. The money received through this and other programs brings additional oversight.

DPS would have to correct any possible violations found or risk losing funds.

DPS Communications Director David Mustonen said he did not believe the review was precipitated by any sort of previous complaint and that the notification said it was a “pro-active” review aimed at gathering information on how to improve communication.

“We are committed to meeting our parents’ needs,” said DPS Superintendent Brian Whiston in an e-mail.

“We will continue to speak to our parents in any language necessary to help them be part of the educational process. We all know the research, active engaged parents mean a higher-quality education.

“DPS spends a lot of taxpayer resources on parent and community liaisons to help facilitate parent communications in writing, in person, at meetings, and more.”

American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee Regional Director Imad Hamad said he believed that the investigation would be a positive step in helping assess the situation and make any corrections that might be needed.