Ombudsman

What is an Ombudsman?

Webster's defines an Ombudsman as "one who investigates complaints that may be infringing on the rights of individuals and assists in fair settlements."

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.

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.

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

Complaints involving an individual teacher or school:
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?

The Montgomery County Board of Education and Montgomery County Public Schools prohibit illegal discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, marital or socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, physical characteristics or disability. Direct inquiries or complaints regarding discrimination to the Office of Human Resources at 301-279-3361 (for employment) and the Office of School Performance at 301-279-8715 (for educational programs and activities). Direct inquiries or complaints regarding Title IX issues such as gender equity and sexual harassment to the Title IX coordinator in the Office of Strategic Technologies and Accountability at 301-279-3581. Individuals with complaints who need sign language interpretation or cued speech transliteration in communicating with the Board of Education and Montgomery County Public Schools may contact Interpreting Services in Programs for Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 301-517-5539 or 5582 (voice/TTY).

What if I have another general question?

If you have questions regarding general information about the school system, contact the Public Information office at 301-279-3391 or the MCPS Call Center at 301-309-MCPS (or 6277).

• E-mail: Roland_Ikheloa @mcpsmd.org
• Tel: 301-279-3301
• Fax: 301-279-3860
• Address:
  Montgomery County Public Schools
  850 Hungerford Drive
  Room 123
  Rockville, Maryland
  20850
• Contact the Board & Board Staff
  • Board Members
  • Board Staff
• Other key phone numbers
  • Special Education: 301-279-3135
    
  • Human Resources: 301-279-3515
    
  • Transportation: 301-840-8130