District Of Columbia § 38-353 - Duties.

Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 38-353 — Duties., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 38-353. Duties.

38-353

The Ombudsman shall:

(1)

Provide outreach to current and prospective public school students and their parents or guardians, and to further this purpose, have the cooperation of all individuals within the public school system;

(2)

Encourage communication between public schools and current and prospective public school students and their parents or guardians regarding public education;

(3)

Serve as a vehicle for current and prospective public school students and their parents or guardians to communicate their complaints and concerns regarding public education through a single office;

(4)

Respond to complaints and concerns in a timely fashion with accurate and helpful information;

(5)

Receive complaints from current and prospective public school students and their parents or guardians concerning public education, including personnel actions, policies, and procedures;

(6)

Determine the validity of any complaint quickly and professionally;

(7)

Examine and address valid complaints and concerns;

(8)

Generate options for a response, and offer a recommendation among the options;

(9)

Refer complainants to a public school official, agency, department, or resource, when appropriate;

(10)

Except when the parties are involved in legal or administrative proceedings, resolve complaints presented by current and prospective public school students and their parents or guardians, either through complaint resolution services as established pursuant to or through other informal measures;

(11)

Develop and maintain a database that tracks complaints and concerns, identified by grade level and by the public school, and the resolution of complaints and concerns;

(12)

Repealed;

(13)

Identify systemic concerns and recommend to the State Board of Education policy changes, staff training, and strategies to improve public education;

(14)

Repealed;

(15)

Within 90 days after the end of each school year, submit to the State Board of Education, and make publicly available, a report summarizing the work of the Ombudsman during the previous school year, which shall, at minimum, include an analysis of the types and number of:

(A)

Complaints received;

(B)

Complaints examined and resolved informally;

(C)

Complaints examined and resolved through a formal process;

(D)

Complaints dismissed as unfounded;

(E)

Complaints pending;

(F)

Recommendations made;

(G)

Recommendations that were followed, to the extent that it can be determined; and

(16)

Identify school-level concerns based upon a pattern of complaints or concerns and recommend changes to improve the delivery of public education services.

Annotations

Section 7016 of repealed , § 5.

Applicability of : Section 5 of provided that section 3 of the act shall apply upon the inclusion of its fiscal effect in an approved budget and financial plan, as certified by the Chief Financial Officer to the Budget Director of the Council in a certification published by the Council in the District of Columbia Register.

Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 38-353

What does D.C. Code § 38-353 cover?

Section 38-353 ("Duties.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite District Of Columbia § 38-353?

A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 38-353" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.

How does District Of Columbia § 38-353 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Official text of § 38-353 at the District Of Columbia source

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.