School concerns? Talk to our new ombudsman

Mary Krogh is the new PPS ombudsman, basically the district's chief problem-solver.

When families email or call Krogh (503-916-5876), she works with principals or other administrators to address the concerns of parents and guardians — making sure that PPS hears families, and that families know how PPS is responding.

(Parents with concerns, please note: It’s best to start by talking with your teacher or principal.)

Sometimes, Krogh says, families simply want a person to translate “school-speak” for them so they understand what principals or teachers are asking.

Krogh was trained as a school social worker and until it closed, manager of the Northside Family Support Center. Her goal in her new position: minimum drama, maximum satisfaction.

“I help solve problems at the lowest level in a way that is respectful to everybody,” she says.

New parent complaint process

Krogh’s position — and a new parent complaint process that is being finalized — will provide for a more equitable response to families. “There wasn’t a well-mapped process before,” says Krogh.

The parent complaint process, set to take effect in 2012, is a step-by-step guide to how issues get addressed. Multilingual staff will provide support in languages other than English.

At any point in the process, families may contact Krogh.

Since taking her position in September, Krogh has helped parents with concerns about Individual Education Plans, accompanied them to meetings with principals and assisted with communication between principals and families.

Larry Dashiell, regional administrator for the Wilson and Cleveland clusters of schools, says Krogh's perspective is valuable.

“If a parent needs to share a concern, Mary is able to assist them. Mary also views and listens from a different vantage point than the supervising administrator," he says.

Krogh records all complaints — maintaining confidentiality — and compiles them to help Superintendent Carole Smith and the Portland School Board address “hotspots.”

She takes a positive approach to her work: “Every complaint is a chance for us to do something better.”

At Portland Public Schools, this is our goal: By the end of elementary, middle, and high school, every student by name will meet or exceed academic standards and will be fully prepared to make productive life decisions. For more information on Portland Public Schools, call 503-916-3304, e-mail us at pubinfo@pps.net, or visit www.pps.k12.or.us. Portland Public Schools is an equal opportunity educator and employer.