The Ombudsman for Public Education office was created by Mayor Adrian Fenty and the Council of the District of Columbia to help people with unresolved issues at their local school. The Public Education Reform Act of 2007 mandates the creation of the Office of the Ombudsman for Public Education as an independent agency to help parents, students, public school staff, and District residents get answers to questions, concerns, and issues regarding public education. The institutions that the Ombudsman serves include: DC public schools, public charter schools, and the University of the District of Columbia.

Our Mission

The Office of the Ombudsman for Public Education works to achieve fair and equitable treatment and the academic success of all students and personnel served by the District of Columbia’s public education institutions. 

We fulfill our mission by investigating complaints and resolving problems between parents and schools and school staff and schools. We provide information about the school system to families, students, and communities, and report trends and potential problems to the Mayor and City Council regarding issues impacting the District’s public education institutions. Monthly reports of trend analysis are also available to the public. 

We encourage individuals to try resolving their issue with the school administration or staff first, but serve as a resource when that is not possible.