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Ombudsman

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Ombudsman?

The Ombudsman is appointed by the Montgomery County Board of Education and is considered an independent or neutral party who seeks to resolve school-related problems as quickly and efficiently as possible, especially for those for which a formal resolution process does not exist.

What authority does the Ombudsman have?

The Ombudsman has the authority to access all files, with your permission. All employees of the school system are directed to cooperate with the Ombudsman.

Will my call to the Ombudsman be confidential?

Yes. Absolutely.

Whom does the Ombudsman assist?

Parents, guardians, students, Montgomery County residents and school staff members – basically, anyone with a school-related problem; the Ombudsman is available to assist you.

Although the Ombudsman is available to answer questions regarding formal appeals, the Ombudsman generally does not intervene in such cases.

What process should I use to get my complaint handled as quickly as possible?

Complaints involving a school-based personnel:
Contact the principal and attempt to resolve the problem informally. If the problem cannot be handled informally at the school level, the principal can assist you in submitting a formal complaint, that, if necessary, can be appealed to the deputy superintendent and/or the superintendent and the Board of Education. If you are uncertain about how to proceed, you may contact the Ombudsman for assistance

• More Information: Responding to Inquiries and Complaints from the Public

Complaints involving personnel or issues in non-school departments or offices:
Contact the supervisor of the office or department. If you are unsure about the procedures, you may call the Ombudsman for assistance.

Issues and problems involving Board of Education policies or administrative procedures:
Contact the appropriate office, or call the Ombudsman for assistance.

What if I feel I am being discriminated against?

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) prohibits illegal discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, immigration status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, family/parental status, marital status, age, physical or mental disability, poverty and socioeconomic status, language, or other legally or constitutionally protected attributes or affiliations. Discrimination undermines our community’s long-standing efforts to create, foster, and promote equity, inclusion, and acceptance for all. Some examples of discrimination include acts of hate, violence, insensitivity, harassment, bullying, disrespect, or retaliation. For more information, please review Montgomery County Board of Education Policy ACA, Nondiscrimination, Equity, and Cultural Proficiency. This Policy affirms the Board’s belief that each and every student matters, and in particular, that educational outcomes should never be predictable by any individual’s actual or perceived personal characteristics. The Policy also recognizes that equity requires proactive steps to identify and redress implicit biases, practices that have an unjustified disparate impact, and structural and institutional barriers that impede equality of educational or employment opportunities. For more information, click here

What if I have another general question?

If you have questions regarding general information about the school system, contact the Public Information office at 240-740-2837 or the MCPS Call Center at 240-740-3000.