202.741.0886
[email protected]
OUR ROLE
We help parents and students who have questions, concerns, and complaints about the DC public schools and DC public charter schools. We are independent and impartial in our approach to solving problems. We listen to all parties involved and make recommendations based on the student’s best interests.
Confidential: Our office respects visitors’ privacy and will not disclose information without the visitors consent.
Neutral & Impartial: An ombudsperson advocates for fairness of process. An ombudsperson will hear your concerns and inform you of available options without bias.
Independent: The Office of the Ombudsman for Public Education is an external resource separate from the public school system and State Board of Education.
Informal: The services provided by the Office of the Ombudsman for Public Education are voluntary and not a part of administrative processes.
WHO WE SERVE
All current and prospective DC public school and DC public charter school families.
ISSUES WE HANDLE
Bullying
Special Education
Harassment
Suspensions
Safety
Expulsions
Transportation
Truancy
Attendance
Academic Progress
…and other issues that affect student learning
WHAT OUR OFFICE DOES NOT DO
- Take personnel action against school staff.
- Provide legal advice.
- Intervene when the parties are involved in legal or administrative proceedings.
OUR GOALS
RESPOND to concerns in a timely, caring, and productive manner.
ENCOURAGE effective communication between parents and schools.
ACT as a source of early detection for emerging school system-wide issues.
CONTRIBUTE creative policy solutions by identifying and sharing trends we observe.
PREVENT recurring problems and improve existing processes by contributing suggestions for systemic change.
REDUCE the need for administrative hearings and litigation by facilitating informal resolution of education-related conflicts.