Grand Rapids — A new resource is available to help students, families and teachers resolve issues and navigate the system at Grand Rapids Public Schools.
GRPS launched the Office of the Ombuds in mid-October, with former teacher Maleika Joubert Brown at the helm as the district’s first-ever ombudsperson. An ombudsperson functions as a mediator, helping individuals find resolutions to conflicts that arise within larger organizations.
In a statement issued by the district, Brown said her office is an “impartial, independent, informal and, most importantly, confidential resource” for the GRPS community.
She went on to say that the process starts with her, listening to visitors’ issues or conflicts, and researching matters to help individuals determine the best way to meet their goals.
Superintendent Leadriane Roby said the office was created in response to community feedback about challenges interacting with the school district.
“Our goal is to ensure every family feels heard and cared for and that’s what this is all about,” Roby said.
Appointments with Brown can be made via phone call or email, at (616) 819-3006 or ombuds@grps.org.
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