Ombuds Services - Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES

Empowering students, parents, and employees to overcome situations and build collaborative relationships for success and engagement.

Ombuds Services supports the organization by enhancing relationships and empowering employees to remove barriers that hinder success. Ombuds Services aims to overcome employee disputes and conflict by acting as a “thought partner” and brainstorming options or strategies to improve outcomes. With ongoing dialogue and collaborative, cooperative relationships, situations can be addressed without escalation to senior leadership. Ombuds Services is an informal, confidential resource that Participants may use to access support that enhances quality work and school experiences. This sets the stage for systemic continuous improvement and fosters a sense of belonging and engagement. Ombuds Services reinforces change management and cultural humility. Through the work of Ombuds Services, respect for civility and justice promotes equity and fairness of processes.

Self-Advocacy

Conversation

Guidance

Solutions

Confidential, Impartial, and Informal

The E2CCB Ombuds Services operates with the utmost confidentiality and neutrality, ensuring that all communications are voluntary, off-the-record, and informal. Ombuds Services 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

Informational Resources

Board of Education Policy

Administrative Regulation

Standard Operating Procedure

Ombuds Service Survey

Uniform Reporting Categories

Services for Staff

For E2CCB staff, and staff in component districts, Ombuds Services acts as a confidential resource to discuss work-related concerns, interpersonal conflicts, and issues regarding organizational policies or procedures. The Ombuds Service 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 Service provides a non-judgmental space to address any issue in a confidential and constructive manner.

Services for E2CCB students and families

The Ombuds Services are also available to students and families enrolled in E2CCB programming, 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 Service 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.

Confidential Form

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.

Confidential Form

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.