Charlotte Schools Plan for Ombuds

The new superintendent of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school district in North Carolina plans sweeping reforms, including the creation of an ombuds office to resolve complaints. (Charlotte Observer.) No indication of whether it will be an organizational or classical ombuds.

Advice for Visitors with Job Stress

The people more likely to experience desk rage are those with the least power according to an article on MSNBC. One expert offers the following (very familiar) advice:

Tough as it may be, the best approach generally is to try to have a reasonable conversation with your boss about your concerns and to come prepared with some solutions.... However, some bosses simply may not be reasoned with ... sometimes it can be "career suicide" to go up against certain bosses. Tyrants and micromanagers are the worst offenders. In those situations, carefully choose your words.

Rutgers Ombuds Office Profiled

Sybil James, the first ombudsperson for Rutgers University, explains how the office serves the student population (Daily Targum, subscription required). The Rutgers Office of Ombudsperson for Students was established just one year ago.

Siemens Hires External Ombuds

In response to a growing fraud investigation and criminal indictments of several employees, the German conglomerate announced the appointment of an external ombudsman to provide a "protected" communication channel for employees. According to Siemens, "Employees can contact this neutral individual on a confidential and anonymous basis if they have observed incorrect business practices in Germany." An attorney, Hans-Otto Jordan of the Nuremburg law firm Dr. Beckstein & Partners, will the the ombudsman.

U Penn Ombuds Issues 3-Year Report

Outgoing University of Pennsylvania Ombudsman, David Pope, reported that the two-person office had seen 644 visitors during his three-year tenure. In keeping with U Penn protocol, Pope will be replaced by another tenured faculty member, John C. Keene. Dr. Gulbun O’Connor will continue as the Assistant Ombudsman.

Advice for Employees With Paycheck Envy

Forbes Magazine says the best approach is to "have a thoughtful, prepared discussion" your boss (link). Too bad they don't recommend seeing an ombuds as a first step.

Court Allows Ombuds' Lawsuit Against Little Rock Superintendent

On November 16, the federal trial court ruled that James Washington, the former ombuds for Little Rock School District, may proceed with his discrimination suit against the district superintendent. Washington has alleged that he was demoted to classroom teacher based upon his race and in retaliation for his efforts as an ombuds. The citation is Washington v. Brooks, 2006 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 83698 (E.D. Ark. Nov. 16, 2006) [no link available]. [Ed. note: Washington was appointed to ensure fairness in student discipline cases and was a presenter at the 2001 USOA conference.]