Frequently Asked Questions

Any District constituents including students, parents/guardians, and employees.

The Ombuds Office was created as a critical component in the District's efforts to raise awareness of concerns; promote a civil, equitable, and inclusive organization; and improve organizational culture.

Yes. Visiting the Ombuds Office is completely voluntary and may not be required as part of any formal action or disciplinary process.

The Ombuds Office is unique and different in that it is an independent, impartial, confidential, and informal resource.

The Office is unaligned and separate from other district departments and functions.

The Office is not part of the organizational/managerial reporting structure.

The Office does not participate in any formal processes, investigations, or complaints.

The Office is an supplemental resource and does not replace existing district processes and procedures.

The Office is  a resource for those who have a concern for confidentiality and/or retaliation.

The Office is also completely voluntary and cannot be required as part of any formal or disciplinary process.

Yes. Confidentiality is the defining characteristic of the Ombuds Office. The Ombuds will not disclose the identity of any visitors or confidential communications unless given express approval by the visitor.

However, Ombuds may be required to breach confidentiality in situations where there may be an imminent threat of serious harm and/or as required by law (e.g. mandatory reporting, Title IX/Sexual Harassment concerns).

The Ombuds reports directly to the superintendent for administrative and budgetary. The Ombuds will provide regular reports on concern-related data and emerging issues, in a manner that protects confidentiality.

The Ombuds does not disclose the identity of visitors or subject matter of concerns unless expressly approved by the individual who contacted the office or as required by law.

No. The Ombuds does not maintain permanent records of confidential communications on behalf of the district. 

The only permanent records maintained by the Ombuds relate to non-confidential documents about the general operations of the Office and statistical summaries and reports.