what is an ombudsman (om-budz-man)? a person who assists individuals resolve conflicts or concerns....

What is an Ombudsman (OM-

budz-man)?A person who assists individuals

resolve conflicts or concerns.

Works in a variety of organizations, such as government agencies, colleges, corporations, medical facilities, and news organizations.

An Ombudsman is:

•Neutral, impartial;

•Confidential (consistent with law);

•An advocate for a fair and meaningful problem resolution process.

About the HCPSS Ombudsman:

•Established by BOE Policy 2030, Ombudsman, January 2005

•Serves HCPSS parents, staff and community members

•Oversight by the Board of Education of Howard County

Examples of concernsinvolving the Ombudsman:

•Bullying/Harassment

•Curriculum/Instruction

•Discipline

•School-based Personnel

•Special Education Services

How does the Ombudsman serve the HCPSS

community?•Identifies Board policy and procedures applicable to the problem

•Identifies individuals who can help resolve the problem

How does the Ombudsman serve the HCPSS

community?•Facilitates discussion toward solution options

•Assists persons who may be uncomfortable addressing issues and concerns by themselves

•Treats all parties with respect

The Ombudsmandoes not:

•Advocate for either side

•Place blame or decide who is “guilty” or who is “innocent”

•Guarantee that the problem will be resolved to the satisfaction of everyone involved

Why bother?•Your concern may not be

addressed if you don’t bring it to our attention

•An individual’s communication can reveal a problem that was not previously identified

•Addressing a concern can result in changes that positively affect circumstances for others

How do I resolve concerns at HCPSS?

•That may be a teacher, a coach, the school nurse, a counselor or an administrator.

•Step 1: Discuss your concern with the person most closely involved with the situation.

How do I resolve concerns at HCPSS?

Step 2: Discuss your concern with the assistant principal or principal. Always involve the principal before going to Step 3. Most situations are resolved here.

How do I resolve concerns at HCPSS?

Step 3:

•Outline specific concerns on Part 1 of the Parent Concern Form send to the Principal.•The Principal will arrange a meeting, document agreements and next steps, and then complete Part 2 of the form.

How do I resolve concerns at HCPSS?

Step 4:

•Contact the Administrative Director for your school

•Send all documents that apply

•Your concern is investigated and a response sent in writing to all involved

How do I resolve concerns at HCPSS?

Step 5:

•Send a letter requesting a review of your concern by the Executive Director of School Improvement and Administration

• Include all documents

•A written response will be sent to you within 15 days

How do I resolve concerns at HCPSS?

•Per Board of Education policy or state law, final decisions rest with the Superintendent/designee. Some decisions may be appealed to the BOE.

•Refer to applicable school system policy for guidance regarding your specific situation.

Contact the Ombudsman

•Telephone: 410-313-6850

•E-mail: ombudsman@hcpss.org

•Cell phone: 443-869-1474

•Private fax: 410-313-1590