• ombuds

  • Atlanta Public Schools

    Office of the Organizational Ombuds

  • Office of the Organizational Ombuds Mission and Vision

    The Office of the Organizational Ombuds is committed to supporting student success and equity by providing a neutral and informal platform for resolution of concerns, resource sharing, family and community engagement, and collaborative discussion.

    Staff of the office serve as catalysts for enhancing fairness, inclusion, and the elimination  of inequitable policies and procedural barriers that may adversely impact student and family engagement.

    The Office of the Ombuds is dedicated to ensuring confidentiality and impartiality are core guiding principles of the work accomplished in collaboration with students, families, employees, and stakeholders.

  • Office of the Organizational Ombuds and

    The Center for Equity and Social Justice

     

    • The Office of the Organizational Ombuds aligns its work with the strategic vision of the APS Center for Equity and Social Justice (CESJ).
    • The Organizational Ombuds team partners with cross-functional groups of district and community stakeholders to support and create inclusive and just conditions for all students through: 
      • Policy Analysis
      • Informal Resolution of Stakeholder Concerns
      • Engagement of Students and Families from all subgoups (ex: Latinx; LGBTQIA; McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance; Students Experiencing Foster Care; and Special Education)
      • Resource Referrals and Collaboration Focused on Best Practices for Student Advocacy

  • Strategy-Purpose-Principles

     

    Office of The Organizational Ombuds: Strategy, Purpose, Principles

    The Office of the Organizational Ombuds examines current APS policies and practices and works to interrupt and eliminate inequitable practices and create inclusive and just conditions for all students.

     

    The Office is guided by four core principles to enhance the support provided to students, employees, families, and stakeholders.

     

    InformalityConfidentialityImpartialityIndependence

    Informality

    The Office of the Ombuds provides an informal  forum for problem-solving that is targeted toward issue resolution. 

    Confidentiality

    The Office of the Ombuds does not disclose information without the permission of the individual who has contacted the office. The only exceptions are instances that are threats of imminent risk, serious harm, or as required by law.

    Impartiality

    The Office of the Ombuds exists to promote fair and equitable procedures and protocols.  The Ombuds team does not establish opinions related to concerns expressed by students, parents, employees, or stakeholders.

    Independence

    The Office of the Ombuds operates independently from other entities within the Atlanta Public School District. The Organizational Ombuds team is part of the Center for Equity and Social Justice and reports directly to the Chief Equity and Social Justice Officer.