The Office of the Ombudsman provides an independent, confidential resource for students, families, employees, and community members, offering informal help to resolve concerns, problems, complaints, and other student-related issues.

System Oversight, Infrastructure and Organization: 

The Office of the Ombudsman is committed to supporting the mission of Fairfax County Public Schools in which all students are inspired and empowered to meet high academic standards, lead healthy, ethical lives, and be responsible and innovative global citizens.

The Office of the Ombudsman works to serve students, families, employees, and community members by providing information about resources and how to access them, understanding concerns and providing support to resolve them.  The Office of the Ombudsman follows the four principles of the International Ombudsman Association:

  • Confidentiality
  • Independence
  • Impartiality
  • Informality

The Office of the Ombudsman, which reports to the Chief Equity Officer, has dedicated staff delivering services.

Practitioner Standards & Professional Development: 

Standards of Practice

The staff of Office of the Ombudsman will listen, review, and provide resources for information and referral, paying close attention to:

  • Fairness
  • Equity
  • Inclusion
  • Consistency
  • Positive working relationships

OMBUDSMAN: This position provides an independent, confidential resource for students, families, and community members, offering informal assistance to resolve concerns, problems, complaints, and other student-related issues.

ASSISTANT OMBUDSMAN: The role of the Assistant Ombudsman for Special Education provides resources, information, and support to parents and students regarding special education services.
With transparency and understanding, the goal is for children with special needs to receive all the services and supports required to equitably access public education. Supports include:

  • Providing information and support to parents and students with disabilities to help them understand and navigate special education processes
  • Sharing information regarding state and federal laws and regulations governing special education
  • Brainstorming informal options and/or strategies to address concerns
  • Working neutrally and objectively with families and school staff to help ensure a fair process is followed
  • Providing information related to parental role, as a member of the IEP team
  • Serving as a resource for disability-related information and referrals to other available programs and services for individuals with disabilities, including early intervention and transition to post-secondary services
  • Identifying any patterns of concerns and/or complaints that emerge regarding special education services in FCPS
Public Awareness & Outreach Activities: 

Materials

Program Contact: 

For more information, contact the Office of the Ombudsman at ombudsman@fcps.edu.

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