• Overview
• Ombudsperson Duties
• Related Resources
• Contact Information

Overview
The Ombudsperson Program is unique to San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) and operates as part of the Parent, Community and Student Engagement Department. The Office of Ombudsperson was created to facilitate resolution of special education and Section 504 issues. Ombudspersons are not parent advocates nor district decision-makers, but work impartially with all parties to assist in the resolution of concerns related to students' special needs. This typically occurs within the Individualized Education Programs (IEP) process.


Ombudsperson Duties
An Ombudsperson is available to assist families and staff with the following:

• Responding to parent and staff inquiries
• Informing and clarifying parents of their rights
• Investigating complaints
• Assisting parents with regard to the Individualized Education Program/Individualized Family Service Plan (IEP/IFSP) and 504 Individualized Service Plan meetings, filing complaints and hearing requests
• Acting as a liaison between district, parents and community organizations.

Compliance with special education laws is a priority of the ombudsperson. The ombudsperson investigates concerns and promotes compliance by monitoring systemic issues and reporting to the Board of Education.

The vision of the Office of Ombudsperson is to ensure children with special needs receive all services and supports needed to benefit from public education by fostering an environment where collaboration and cooperation exist between parents, staff and administration.

Related Resources

• Special Education Ombudspersons Fact Sheet: English | Spanish
• Parent, Community and Student Engagement Department

Contact Information

Special Education Programs Division
Special Education Complaint Resolution and Support
Eugene Brucker Education Center
4100 Normal St., Room 3134
San Diego, CA 92103-268