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Ombuds office to help GRPS students, families resolve issues

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

Read more from Grand Rapids: 
District awards teachers of the year
Learning about leadership: Lions reps visit C.A. Frost

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Riley Kelley
Riley Kelley
Riley Kelley is a reporter covering Cedar Springs, Grand Rapids, East Grand Rapids and Sparta school districts. An award-winning journalist, Riley spent eight years with the Ludington Daily News, reporting, copy editing, paginating and acting as editor for its weekly entertainment section. He also contributed to LDN’s sister publications, Oceana’s Herald-Journal and the White Lake Beacon. His reporting on issues in education and government has earned accolades from the Michigan Press Association and Michigan Associated Press Media Editors. Riley’s early work in journalism included a stint as an on-air news reporter for WMOM Radio, and work on the editorial staff of various student publications. Riley is a graduate of Grand Valley State University. He originally hails from western Washington.

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