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Resolving School Concerns and Complaints

Parents, families and community members have a vital role in ensuring school success. Therefore, the Howard County Public School System supports parental, family and community involvement in the educational process. There will be times when a parent, guardian or custodian may need to ask school system employees to address a concern. The Parent's Guide below outlines the steps for responding to parental school-based concerns so that inquiries or problems are resolved as quickly and satisfactorily as possible.

The school system has both informal and formal processes for responding to parental inquiries, concerns and complaints. Exceptions to these procedures are noted for issues where an alternative process is specifically provided by statute or other regulation.*

When issues arise, parents are encouraged to direct their concerns to the persons most closely involved. However, when the informal process fails to provide resolution, a parent may file a formal complaint and seek review at a higher administrative level. In both processes, the intent is to protect the confidentiality and preserve the dignity of everyone involved.

The Ombudsman for the Board of Education, who serves as a neutral party in the resolution of concerns or conflicts, is available to assist the parent, family or community member at any point in this process.

(*Note: Specific information can be obtained from the schools or the Public Information Office at the Department of Education regarding the formal process for addressing issues specifically governed by regulation or Board of Education policy, including requests for reasonable accommodations or modifications under the Americans for Disabilities Act, special education appeals, appeals of student suspensions/expulsions or other administrative actions, equity assurance concerns or discrimination complaints, and requests for information under the Maryland Public Information Act.)

Parent's Guide and Concern Form

(Translations: Spanish, Korean, Chinese)

  
Parent Concern Form (pdf)
As referenced in the Parent's Guide, this form is used to initiate the Formal Complaint Process.

Office of the Ombudsman

The Board of Education of Howard County believes that an Ombudsman can facilitate positive relationships among the Board of Education, school system employees, and the public. The Ombudsman serves as a neutral party to collaborate with Howard County Department of Education staff and the community to resolve concerns in an equitable and timely manner.

Services of the Ombudsman

• Confidential discussion of your concern (consistent with law).
• Research of applicable school system information.
• Review of applicable Board of Education policies and procedures. More...

Suggested Guidelines for Effective Communications

When addressing your concerns with the Howard County Public School System, the following guidelines may be useful in facilitating discussion and problem resolution:

• Organize your thoughts.
  • Clearly state the issue or the problem you are experiencing.
  • Prepare/obtain supporting documents.
  • Make a list of questions or points you would like to make.
  • Identify several possible solutions you think would resolve your concern. More...

Contact Information

Rose Dennison, MSW, LGSW
Ombudsman

410-313-6850 (private office)
443-869-1474 (cell)
410-313-1590 (private office fax)
ombudsman@hcpss.org

You may also contact the Ombudsman in person, at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108, Ellicott City.

If English is not your first language, you may request the services of an interpreter.

Core office hours:

Monday - Thursday
9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
(Other days and hours as needed)