Ombuds
Empowering students, parents, and employees to overcome conflicts and build collaborative relationships for success and engagement.
Ombuds Services builds relationships and empowers students, parents/guardians, and employees of the Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES to overcome disputes, conflicts, and barriers that stand in the way of reaching their full potential. The goal of Ombuds Services is to identify and recommend strategies to improve outcomes by engaging in ongoing dialogue and building collaborative, cooperative relationships with Participants. Ombuds Services are a resource that students, parents/guardians, and employees may use to access quality school and work experiences that foster a sense of belonging and engagement. Ombuds Services are agents of change by raising awareness among E2CCB decision-makers.
Confidential, Impartial, and Informal
The E2CCB Ombuds operates with the utmost confidentiality and neutrality, ensuring that all communications are voluntary, off-the-record, and informal. The Ombuds does not participate in formal investigations or administrative proceedings but instead works independently to provide guidance, conflict resolution strategies, and communication support. With a commitment to fairness and impartiality, the Ombuds service is a trusted resource for addressing concerns and promoting a healthy, supportive educational community.
Ombuds Resources
Services for Staff
For E2CCB staff, the Ombuds service serves as a confidential resource to discuss work-related concerns, interpersonal conflicts, and issues regarding organizational policies or procedures. The Ombuds helps employees explore options, develop solutions, and navigate potential challenges without fear of retaliation. Our services are voluntary and impartial, designed to facilitate open communication and collaboration. Whether you need help with conflict resolution, navigating workplace dynamics, or seeking advice on professional concerns, the Ombuds provides a non-judgmental space to address any issue in a confidential and constructive manner.
Services for Students
The Ombuds service is also available to students in component school districts, offering guidance and support for academic, social, or emotional concerns. Students can confidentially discuss issues ranging from classroom dynamics to peer conflicts, and the Ombuds will assist in identifying resources, developing strategies, and resolving challenges in a safe and private setting. By promoting dialogue and understanding, the Ombuds service helps ensure that students have the support they need to thrive in a positive learning environment.
Guiding Principles
Mission Statement
- Ombuds Services partner with students, parents/guardians, and employees to build and strengthen productive and effective relationships at Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES. These partnerships allow Participants to explore options for collaborative, fair resolutions while also identifying areas for review.
- Ombuds Services assist Participants by listening to and understanding concerns, providing information about resources and how to access them, and support to help resolve concerns by increasing effective communication and self-advocate skills. Ombuds Services does not replace other E2CCB tools to resolve problems but rather supplements those tools, provides resources, and fosters collaboration allowing for Participants and personnel to resolve issues in a restorative manner.
- Ombuds Services help students, parents/guardians and employees navigate Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES processes and empowers them to work toward the best possible outcomes while instilling respect, civility and justice. Ombuds Services are committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive process for resolving concerns.
Confidentiality
Ombuds Services does not disclose any information without permission of the individual who confides in this office. The only exceptions are imminent risk of serious harm or as required by law. Ombuds Services also advises the organization about trends that have surfaced when it can do so without jeopardizing the confidentiality of visitors.
Independence
Ombuds Services operates independently from other entities within E2CCB and does not represent the BOCES. While it reports directly to the Superintendent and Board of Education and makes recommendations on policy and process, it does not serve as a formal reporting channel, does not receive notice on behalf of the organization, and retains independent counsel.
Impartiality
Ombuds Services advocates for fair and equitable process; will not take sides; will consider the rights and interests of all parties; has no personal stake in the outcome.
Informality
Ombuds Services is an “off-the-record” resource. It is a place to explore options and work towards resolution in an informal way, without participation in formal procedures. Ombuds Services has no authority to make binding decisions, mandate policies or conduct investigations and does not receive formal notice.
Coming Soon!
Ombuds Services is here to help. You can reach out confidentially by filling out the form linked below. Your privacy is important to us, and all submissions are kept strictly confidential.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I reach out?
- When you need someone to listen
- When you are uncertain where to take a problem
- When you are unclear about policy, process, procedure or regulation
- When you wish to have a neutral party hear your concerns
- When you need help in clarifying or resolving a conflict
- When you think you have been unfairly treated, or that a policy has been unfairly applied
- When you think someone has engaged in misconduct or believe there has been an ethical violation
What does Ombuds Services do?
- Provides a confidential place to share concerns, questions and complaints
- Listens attentively to understand the issue
- Provides or clarifies information on policies, procedures, services and programs
- Explores a range of formal and informal solutions or options
- Guides or coaches individuals to prepare for difficult conversations
- Opens channels of communication
- Refers individuals to appropriate resolution resources
- Facilitates informal dispute resolution processes
What won't Ombuds Services do?
- Make decisions for you
- Advocate for any individual or entity
- Take sides in a dispute or concern
- Create or maintain records on behalf of the visitor
- Conduct formal investigations
- Replace existing formal resources for complaints or grievances
- Establish or change policies or management decisions
- Determine the outcome of disputes
- Receive formal notice to E2CCB of a conflict, dispute or complaint
- Participate in grievances or other formal resolution process
Will Ombuds Services tell anyone I contacted them?
Ombuds Services won’t disclose the identity of a participant or the substance of confidential or personally identifiable communications – whether written, spoken or otherwise – unless Ombuds Services:
- Receives permission from a participant to make a disclosure;
- Determines there is an imminent risk of serious harm to the visitor or to others; or
- Is compelled or required by law to make the disclosure.
Ombuds Services also advises the organization about trends that have surfaced when it can do so without jeopardizing confidentiality.
Who is the Ombuds?
Experienced educator Stacey LC Aliasso Rowcliffe serves as the organizational Ombuds Officer. She has undergone extensive training in alternative dispute resolution and is a member of the International Ombuds Association.
