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Ombudsman FAQ

What is an Ombudsman? 

The District Ombudsman is the designated person within Richland County School District One who provides a safe and confidential forum to explore options to resolve school-level issues and concerns that interfere with teaching and learning and a positive school climate.  

Who can utilize the services of the Ombudsman? 

Parents, students, school staff and district-level staff, and external community stakeholders may voluntarily seek confidential, impartial assistance in addressing/resolving issues or concerns. 

What does the Ombudsman do? 

  • Encourages effective communication between parents and schools. 

  • Assists parents and students with questions, concerns or complaints that interfere with a student’s positive academic, social-emotional and safety experiences. 

  • Serves impartially in addressing and seeking resolution to concerns that impede positive teaching and learning, student well-being, and positive parent and family engagement. 

  • Makes recommendations based on the student’s best interest and safety. 

  • Provides information on resources and referrals to applicable district offices/departments and relays information about district programs, policies, regulations and procedures. 

  • Explores options and empowers parents and guardians to advocate for their students’ education, themselves and for a positive climate conducive to teaching and learning. 

  • Facilitates conversations and/or meetings to resolve issues as appropriate. 

  • Collaborates with other district offices, as necessary, to resolve the issue or concern presented. 

  • Collects data on emerging trends and patterns while safeguarding anonymity. 

  • Utilizes data to provide systemic feedback to district leadership, including recommendations for systemic and organizational improvement or change as necessary. 

What steps should I follow before contacting the Ombudsman? 

Step 1: Contact your child’s teacher(s) for issues concerning academics (homework, quizzes, tests and grades), attendance, classroom environment, behavior/discipline, special needs or special accommodations. 

Step 2: Contact the school principal/assistant principal for issues concerning any of the Step 1 matters or the following: school climate and safety, facilities, extracurricular activities, transportation or other staff members. 

Step 3: Consider contacting the Executive Director of Schools who has district-level administrative oversight over your child’s school, if you feel any of the concerns in Steps 1 or Step 2 were not resolved at the school level.

Will the Ombudsman serve as my advocate or will the Ombudsman advocate on behalf of the school? 

The Ombudsman is impartial and does not take sides or advocate for any one person. However, the Ombudsman does advocate for fair processes and what is in the best interest of the student. 

Will the Ombudsman participate in formal complaint processes or investigations? 

The Ombudsman, as an informal conflict resolution resource, does not intervene or otherwise participate in any formal processes or investigations involving legal or administrative proceedings. 

If I contact the Ombudsman, does that put school staff and district-level staff on notice that I have a concern? 

Communication made to the Ombudsman does not automatically constitute notice to school staff or district-level staff unless it involves perceived or imminent student safety or breach of applicable statute (federal or state law) or board policy. 

However, the Ombudsman may contact the school administration and/or the applicable district department/office to obtain information necessary to address the issue or concern presented. 

How can I expect to be treated by the Ombudsman? 

The Ombudsman will treat all persons seeking assistance with respect, fairness and impartiality, and exercise confidentiality. 

How can I contact the Ombudsman? 

Basil Harris, District Ombudsman 

Email: ombudsman@richlandone.org   
Telephone: 803-231-7612