Ombudsman's Office
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Ombudsman's Office

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

  • Bullying
  • Safety
  • Transportation
  • Attendance
  • Special education
 

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

Brochures
P.O. Box 30035
Charlotte, NC 28230-0035
Phone: 980-343-3000
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools website (www.cms.k12.nc.us) is in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Any website accessibility concerns may be brought via the following, Email the Web Accessibility Team at WebAccessibility or Call: 980.343.0115. In compliance with Federal Law, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools administers all education programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination against any person on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities, may be referred to the District's Title IX Coordinator at titleixcoordinator or to the Office for Civil Rights, United States Department of Education.