District Ombudsman
Mission Statement
“The mission of the District Ombudsman is to ensure that all members of the Seattle Public Schools community receive fair and equitable treatment in matters of concern or complaint.”
What is the District Ombudsman?
The District Ombudsman serves as an independent, confidential resource to assist SPS parents and community members in resolving problems, complaints, conflicts, and other school-related issues when normal procedures have failed.
What will the District Ombudsman do?
Assist in solving problems.- Serve as a resource to complainants by providing an alternative to the formal complaint process.
- Assist complainants in clarifying their issues and generating options for resolution.
- Serve as a resource to school and Central administrators by providing the tools for effective problem resolution.
- Make recommendations to Superintendent.
- Hear anonymous requests for information and provide referrals.
Conduct informal interventions and mediations.
What will the district Ombudsman NOT do?
- Address employee grievances
- Participate in litigation.
- Make, set or change policy.
- Compel any decision or the implementation of recommendations made as a result of an informal investigation.
- Breach confidentiality.
What types of issues will the District Ombudsman handle?
- Unfair treatment.
- Clarification of District policies and procedures.
