Frequently Asked Questions
- What is an Ombuds (also known as an Ombudsman)?
- An Organizational Ombuds is the independent, designated neutral within an organization who provides a safe and confidential forum to explore options to resolve issues and concerns. For more information about Organizational Ombuds, visit the International Ombuds Association website.
- Who can utilize the services of the Ombuds?
- Parents, students, employees, and members of the school community may voluntarily seek confidential, impartial, and informal assistance in resolving PWCS-related concerns.
- How can I make an appointment with the Ombuds?
- Please email [email protected] or call 703-791-8587.
- What does the Ombuds do?
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- Listens and helps clarify concerns;
- Provides information and explores options available to those seeking assistance;
- Facilitates informal discussions to resolve issues, with the express permission of the individual seeking assistance and as appropriate;
- Collects data on emerging trends and patterns of concern while safeguarding anonymity;
- Utilizes data to make reports to the School Board and Division Superintendent, including suggestions for systemic and organizational change.
- Will the Ombuds serve as my advocate or advocate on behalf of the school division?
- No. The Ombuds is impartial. As a designated neutral within the organization, the Ombuds does not take sides or advocate for any person. The Ombuds does advocate for fair processes.
- Will the Ombuds participate in formal complaint processes or investigations?
- No. The Ombuds, as an informal conflict resolution resource, does not intervene or otherwise participate in any formal processes or investigations.
- If I contact the Ombuds, does that put PWCS on notice that I have a concern?
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No. Communications made to the Ombuds shall not constitute notice to the School Board, Prince William County Public Schools, its administration or employees, for any purpose, including claims asserted under local, state or federal law, such as FOIA, FERPA, Title IX, Title VI or Title VII, IDEA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, etc., or for any other legal or administrative purpose.
However, the Ombuds may refer individuals to the appropriate location or individual where notice can be made, and in the event that an individual does not immediately contact Child Protective Services of suspected child abuse or neglect, the Ombuds shall do so as a mandated reporter.
Where an individual is not able to reach an informal resolution of his/her concern through the Office of the Ombuds and desires to pursue a concern through other legal or administrative avenues, they must present their allegations in a timely manner, under any such applicable statutes or procedures.
- Will the Ombuds tell anyone I contacted the office?
- The Ombuds holds all communications with those seeking assistance confidential to the extent permitted by law and does not disclose the identity of those seeking assistance unless given explicit permission to do so. There is an exception to confidentiality where the Ombuds believes there is an imminent risk of serious harm. The Ombuds is also a mandated reporter and will report suspected child abuse or neglect.
- How can I expect to be treated by the Ombuds?
- The Ombuds shall treat all individuals seeking assistance with respect.