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Office of the Ombudsman

Howard County parents, families and community members are active partners in educating children and share a vital role in ensuring their success in school. There may be times when you, as a parent, guardian, custodian or community member will need to address a concern or may disagree with a decision or action taken by Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) personnel. The role of the Ombudsman is to provide information and assist you within the context of Board policy and procedures.

Ombudsman Services

Services of the Ombudsman include:

  • Confidential discussion of your concern.*
  • Research of applicable school system information, including Board of Education policies and procedures.
  • Referrals to appropriate school system and community resources.
  • Assistance with the HCPSS problem resolution process.
  • Facilitation of communication/discussion, as needed.

* School system employees are required to report allegations of child abuse and neglect, risk of harm to oneself or others; and provide records subpoenaed by the court, and information requested via the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA).

The Ombudsman must follow Board of Education policies and HCPSS procedures, and does not have the authority to change policy or force school personnel to take specific action. The Ombudsman will listen and review your situation.

Resolving Concerns

You can request assistance from the Ombudsman at any point in this process.

Overview

The HCPSS has both informal and formal processes for responding to concerns and disagreements. To ensure a timely and equitable resolution of your problem, start addressing your concern with the staff member most closely involved. If the problem is not resolved, you may request a review of your concern at a higher administrative level. Learn more about the formal concern process →

Suggestions For Effective Communication

When addressing your concerns, 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.

Stay Calm; Maintain A Civil Tone

  • Focus on the facts, not on the person with whom you are discussing the issue.
  • Avoid blaming, demands and “shoulds.” Say “I believe…,” “I feel…,” rather than “You should…”

Clarify Rather Than Assume

  • If you are not sure about something or what you heard, ask for an explanation or clarification.
  • Try to understand the other person’s view of the situation and the solutions they might propose.

Be Flexible

  • Recognize that problems can be solved in more than one way.
  • Be open to alternative solutions.

Keep Records

  • Make notes of meeting dates and times, who you talked to and what was discussed.
  • Save copies of letters, forms and other material related to your concern.

** Source: Based in part on guidelines from the State of Washington, Office of the Governor, Office of the Education Ombudsman.

Reports

Contact Information

410-313-6850 (office)
ombudsman@hcpss.org