VISION

To serve as an impartial intermediary for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) to help answer questions and seek resolution in an efficient and professional manner.

MISSION

To support all families, students, staff, and other community members in navigating CMS and obtaining needed resources and programs within the district.

VIDEO:

WE ARE:

• Independent – we report directly to the superintendent and are not part of another department.
  
  
• Impartial – we will not take sides in a dispute; we advocate for fairness and equity; we have no personal stake in the outcome.
  
  
• Informal – communication with the Ombudsman's Office does not put the district on notice of a problem. It's a place to explore options and work towards resolution in an informal way.
  
  
• Confidential – the identity of those who contact us is kept confidential, except for threats of imminent risk of serious harm. We provide a safe place for discussing concerns.

WHO WE SERVE

• Parents/guardians (and prospective families)
• Students
• Community members
• Employees

WHAT WE DO

• Listen to and clarify concerns
• Help visitors explore a range of solutions
• Provide information about rights for dealing with concerns
• Facilitate informal dispute resolution
• Coach individuals on how to prepare for difficult conversations

WHAT OUR OFFICE DOES NOT DO

• Take personnel action against school staff
• Overturn student disciplinary decisions
• Provide legal advice
• Intervene when parties are involved in legal or administrative proceedings

ISSUES WE HANDLE

• Academics
• Athletics
  
• Attendance
  
• Behavior/Discipline
  
• Bullying
  
• Safety
  
• Special education/504 plans
  
• Transportation
  
• And other areas

WHEN TO CONTACT US

• You're facing a problem you have not been able to resolve by speaking to the school principal and learning community
• You don't know where to go for help
• You're having trouble finding the information that you need
• You have requests for information that go unanswered
• Communication between the parent and school has broken down

• Ombudsman's Office Brochure (English)
  
• Ombudsman's Office Brochure (Spanish)