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How We Serve

The DC Office of the Ombudsman for Public Education is a confidential and impartial resource that helps resolve issues between DC families and DC Schools.

We work to resolve issues in all areas that affect student learning, including student safety, discipline, special education, attendance, enrollment, academic progress, and communication barriers.

If you or someone you know has any questions or concerns,

contact us at (202) 741-0886.

Quote of the Month

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
– Lao Tzu

Reminders

Which School Will Your Child Call My School? 

My School DC is the common application and lottery for the District’s school options. The deadline for grades PK3- Grade 8 is MARCH 1^st. Apply today at myschooldc.org.

Summer Youth Employment Program

The Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program celebrates its 45th year! This program has given thousands of young DC residents experiences and opportunities in various fields. Youth, Visit https://summerjobs.dc.gov/ to learn more about the program and apply.  

                                              Want us to come to your neighborhood event? Please contact Dashae.Willis@dc.gov

Education has been a powerful force for change, and Black leaders have played instrumental roles in advocating for safe and effective learning spaces. Understanding this history is crucial in appreciating the resilience and determination that has driven progress. It is essential to reflect on pivotal moments that have shaped the landscape of education and civil rights.

As we reflect on Black History Month, let us celebrate the intelligence and cultural richness that Black individuals bring to the world of education! Education is not just a pathway to knowledge; it's a vehicle for empowerment and societal change.

Career and Technical Education Awareness

As we step into the month of February, we are excited to shine a spotlight on Career and Technical Awareness. This month is dedicated to recognizing the vital role that career and technical education play in preparing students for successful careers and fostering a skilled workforce.

Spotlight: The Advanced Technical Center is a unique high school based in DC, offering programming for students pursuing careers in cybersecurity and nursing! Studies show that students who take classes at ATC attend school more often than their peers. To learn more visit www.careertechdc.org/atc

ICYMI: Office of the Ombudsman for Public Education Annual Report

The Office of the Ombudsman for Public Education is thrilled to announce the release of the Annual Report for the 2022-23 school year. Over the past academic year, our Office received 1,364 contacts and diligently managed 790 cases. As mandated by our authorizing statute, the Office is required to submit an annual report.

Here are some key highlights from the data featured in the report:

Caregivers contacted our office about the top three topics in SY 2022-23: Student Safety/Bullying, Special Education, and Communication and Engagement. Student safety cases comprised of 31% of concerns. The safety concerns were primarily student violence and bullying. Special Education concerns comprised approximately 24% of our cases. The Special Education concerns were primarily OSSE DOT concerns. Communication and Engagement cases comprised of 14% of concerns.  Compared to SY 2021-22, the Office's cases increased by approximately 26% and contacts increased by 64%. 

In response to the challenges that emerged during the casework in the 2022-23 school year, the Office has put forth two recommendations within the annual report:

1. The Office's policy recommendation is to establish District-wide guidelines for using restorative practices/mediation when a student has been bullied or alleges bullying.  

2. OSSE should develop a sophisticated live tracking app that will allow families and school attendance counselors to monitor students expected time of arrival, drop off time, bus delays, and route updates.

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