The Ombuds Office
The Jeffco Public Schools Ombuds Office is a resource for all Jeffco staff and families seeking information and insight from a trusted navigator. Our office is confidential, independent, impartial, informal and voluntary and has a focus on equity, diversity and inclusion. We want all members of the Jeffco Public Schools community to thrive and work together in conditions where everyone may contribute their talents and feel like they belong.
The Ombuds works to foster a positive culture and climate for all employees by addressing reports of discrimination and racism. Reporting directly to the Superintendent, the Ombuds regularly provides updates on these issues.
Who Can Access the Ombuds?
All Jeffco staff and families. The Ombuds is a resource for Jeffco staff and families seeking information and insight from a trusted navigator. Our office is confidential, independent, impartial, informal and voluntary.
What the Ombuds Does
The Ombuds offers the following support related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and other related topics:
- Racial Interactions and Issues: Supports people who have felt that in some manner the treatment they got was based on their race, their child’s race or something related to their racial identity.
- Culturally Responsive Engagement: Engages with people from different cultures, backgrounds, and identities and understands current issues and challenges in equity, diversity, and inclusion
- Independent Liaison: Acts as an independent liaison for employees of color and those who identify as LGBTQIA+, receiving reports of discrimination and bias-motivated harassment
- Direct Reporting: Regularly reports to the Superintendent to support progress towards equity goals
- Facilitates the Equity Accountability Committee (EAC): Convenes and updates a diverse group of stakeholders to serve as an ongoing
- Provides Training: Builds staff capacity through training opportunities.
Employees and families can expect the Ombuds to provide support related to topics and challenges related to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the following ways:
- Listen and Discuss: Engages with employees to understand and discuss their questions, issues, and concerns in a confidential setting.
- Identify Options: Helps employees navigate their situations by identifying a range of possible solutions to address their concerns, including existing resources for conflict resolution.
- Facilitate Communication: Enhances communication between parties to resolve misunderstandings and foster collaboration.
- Identify Trends: Recognizes systemic issues and trends, offering recommendations for institutional improvements and providing feedback to district leadership for constructive change.
- Alternative Dispute Resolution: Provides alternatives to traditional dispute resolution channels, fostering collaboration and offering supplemental tools and resource
What the Ombuds Does Not Do
- Replace general conflict management skills, processes or resources
- Initiate or process formal complaints of harassment or discrimination
- Participate in formal grievance processes
- Make administrative decisions
- Assign sanctions or participate in disciplinary processes
- Receive official notice for the district
- Provide legal or psychological advice
- Keep records on behalf of the institution
- Advocate for any individual or entity, though advocating for fair processes is within scope
Note: Engaging with the Ombuds Office does not initiate a formal complaint of harassment or discrimination. An employee who believes they have been a victim of discrimination or retaliation may make a complaint by submitting a complaint via the HR Acuity web form.
For additional information on the discrimination prevention and response process and how we respond to concerns of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, including Title IX concerns, please see our Nondiscrimination and Title IX webpages.
Our Commitment
The Ombuds Office is dedicated to supporting Jeffco employees in achieving their full potential by providing a safe and supportive environment for addressing workplace concerns and fostering a culture of equity and inclusion.
Contact Us
Jeffco Ombuds Office