Newark Schools Ombuds Program is Up and Running

In October 2009, Nancy Deering was appointed as the first Ombudsman for the Newark Public Schools, a district comprising about 40,000 students and 7,500 staff. District Superintendent Dr. Clifford Janey said, “Ms. Deering is an outstanding professional with more than two decades of experience managing the kinds of collaborative partnerships between management and staff and management and community that are sorely needed in the district. I believe she will work well with the team we have put together.”

Previously, Deering was an Ombuds for Merrill Lynch. She earned her BA in Communications from Rutgers University and a a masters’ degree in Organizational Development from the University of Phoenix. Deering has been an active member of IOA, including service on the 2007-2008 Conference Oversight Committee. (Newark Public Schools Press Release, Newsletter; IOA 2008 Annual Report.)

Prior posts: Newark Public Schools Hiring First Ombuds; Job Posting.

Newark Public Schools Hiring First Ombuds

Fulfilling his promise to reform the New Jersey's largest school system, Newark Superintendent Clifford Janey is hiring an Ombudsman. The position will report directly to the Superintendent, and serves as a general information center about all situations pertaining to NPS policies and procedures and advise the complaint where to turn and what procedures to follow in order to pursue whatever business, complaint, or concern. Applicants should should have a bachelor's degree, at least three years experience in education administration, and significant experience in conflict resolution. The salary for the one-year position is not disclosed. Applications are due February 9. (NPS Human Resources; TopSchoolJobs; Newark Live; Great City School Report.)

Job Posting: Newark Public Schools

New Jersey's largest school district has reopened the search for its first Ombuds and enlisted the help of professional search firm. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, at least three years experience in education administration and conflict resolution, and the ability to build a functioning Ombuds program. No closing date or salary provided. (Career Builder.)

Prior post: Newark Public Schools Hiring First Ombuds.

IOA Announces Agenda for Minneapolis Conference

The International Ombudsman Association has posted details of its 13th annual conference set for Minneapolis, April 21-23.  While the full agenda is not yet complete, most of the speakers and topics have been announced.  For the first time, conference organizers are trying to give attendees more information by indicating the level of experience and sector (industry) for each session.

IOA Seeks FUNdraising Donations

The International Ombudsman Association is asking for donations to its annual FUNdraiser raffle. Participants can win some great prizes and lasting memories. Last year, donations included gift cards, themed baskets, books, university gear, photography and handmade crafts that helped offset costs for onsite activities during the conference. ALL raffle prize contributions are welcome!

IOA President Returns to Lead Board for Second Term

Today, the last day of the International Ombudsman Annual conference in Seattle, the Board of the Directors announced the election of its new executive council.  Notably, the President and a few other officers are returning for second terms, bringing leadership stability to a board that has struggled with turnover in the past.

IOA Opens Election for 2015 Board of Directors

The International Ombudsman Association has announced the slate of candidates for Board of Directors terms starting in April 2015. With the early departures of three directors, the election will fill six empty seats from a slate of eight nominees.  As it has in the past, the Ombuds Blog provides links to public information about the candidates to supplement the official ballot statements.

Education Law Expert Explains Why Schools Should Have Ombuds

In an article for the American School Board Journal, Edwin C. Darden says that, "one important way school districts can help residents feel heard is to appoint an official ombudsman." He notes that most school Ombuds work in large, urban school districts, but argues that the benefits are of equal value to a suburban or rural school district.

IOA Offers Training in San Antonio

The International Ombudsman Association will offer its introductory training for  Organizational Ombuds in San Antonio, Texas next week.  Registration is still open and hotels rooms are available. 

List of Certified Ombuds Expands to 45

Less than a year after it was implemented, the certification program for Organizational Ombuds has certified 45 individuals. The following individuals have demonstrated they have at least a year of experience and practice to the IOA Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice:

Seven Ombuds Elected to 2015 IOA Board

The International Ombudsman Association has announced the seven candidates were elected to the Board of Directors for terms starting in April 2015.  The election of officers for the next term will take place at the annual conference in Atlanta.

Job Posting: Transportation Security Administration

The TSA's Ombudsman Division (part of the Civil Liberties, Ombudsman and Traveler Engagement Office) is hiring six Program Analysts to provide Ombuds services at airports and other Administration offices.  Travel is required about 50% of the time.

2016 New York ACR Conference to Feature Ombuds

The 2016 ACR-GNY Annual Conference will include a session on Ombuds. The one-day conference is set for June 16 at Cardozo Law School and is expected to draw over 200 conflict resolution professionals.

University of Delaware to Revisit Calls for Ombuds

The faculty senate at the land-grant university in Newark will take up a proposal for a campus Ombudsperson at its next regular meeting on March 1, 2021. Various groups have promoted the idea for over a decade, but failed to gain sufficient traction. The UD faculty senate last considered the issue in 2018 when a committee recommended the creation of an Ombuds program for all faculty, staff, and students. (UDaily; Report of Ombuds Committee, 2018.)

The Ombuds Year in Review: 2010

In the past year, IOA held its fifth annual conference, an attorney wrote the first guide for Ombuds, U.S. legislation created new federal Ombuds programs, FCO began its own training program, a campus suicide drew attention to the role of Ombuds in bullying cases, Cal Caucus resumed its annual meeting, nearly two dozen new offices opened, other Ombuds were newsworthy, certification became a reality, and several notable Ombuds passed away.