One of my daughter's teachers reluctantly says she is available after school, but makes it clear that she does not live close by and has two children that she needs to get home to.
How do I proceed so that I am within my rights as a parent? I feel as if my daughter is in a military institution. She is changing and becoming more and more frustrated every day and does not enjoy school.
You do not mention what grade or how old your daughter is or whether this has happened before. I am supposing she is in her first year of middle school. Is she struggling with homework, classwork, or peer relationships? Is the "zero tolerance" you mention for absenteeism, weapons, what?
Your rights as a parent are many. You can require your daughter to be tested; you have a right to see all of her records; you have a right to request progress reports. You have a right to be there requesting help for your daughter. As you have already determined, that doesn't mean that some teachers, counselors, or administrators will care.
Keep trying to find that one teacher, counselor, or aide who will assist you. Are there parenting groups in your area? Most people find them a wonderful source.
Contact me again with any details that might help me advise you better.