We have made some changes to PPS’s procedures for handling concerns and complaints

Over the past school year we have been evaluating and assessing the most relevant and effective ways to help families resolve questions or concerns, both at the school and district levels. As part of this transition, we phased out the district Ombudsman position.

PPS is committed to listening to and identifying areas of concerns and the appropriate avenues for resolution. Below is a catalog of resources available to students and families to assist in resolving conflicts at Portland Public Schools.

Best practices for resolving conflicts at school
During the school year, issues and/or concerns may develop for families relating to their students’ schools or classrooms. It is best practice to attempt to resolve issues at the school level first, beginning with the classroom teacher. Below is the order in which issues may be escalated.

Order of Escalation for Conflict Resolution

Your classroom teacher
Portland Public Schools believes that the best and most effective method for resolving conflicts is by starting with the classroom teacher first.

Your Principal and/or School Administrator
If contacting your teacher doesn’t resolve the issue, it is recommended that families contact their principal or school administrator next. 

Your Principal Supervisor (Area Senior Director)
If contacting your principal or school administrator doesn’t produce satisfactory results, families are welcome to contact the principal’s supervisor. These positions are called Area Senior Directors and are organized by high school catchment enrollment area. The list of Area Senior Directors and schools they manage can be found here.

Your Regional Superintendent
Three Regional Superintendents supervise Area Senior Directors and their teams are listed in the staff link provided above. If your issue is not resolved by working with the Area Senior Director you can contact the Regional Superintendent, listed here.

Your Chief of Schools
Regional Superintendents are supervised by the Chief of Schools. In circumstances when the steps listed above have not resolved a family issue, the Chief of Schools, Dr. Shawn Bird can be contacted.

Your Deputy Superintendent of Instruction and School Communities
The Chief of Schools reports to the Deputy Superintendent of Instruction and School Communities, Dr. Kregg Cuellar.

Special Education

Special education concerns and issues
Issues and concerns related to special education classrooms, instruction and services can be resolved by contacting Noelle Sisk, PPS Special Education Family Engagement Specialist at nsisk@pps.net or 503-916-3723.

Charter Schools

Charter school concerns and issues
Contact the administrators at the charter schools directly with any issues or concerns.

Formal & Anonymous Complaints

Formal Complaint Process
Under Oregon Administrative Rule 581-022-2370 and Formal Complaint Policy, Portland Public Schools offers a process for families to file a formal complaint related to a school, instruction or classroom issue. With in the Formal Complaint Policy is detailed information on how to file a formal complaint via phone, email, or on-line form. Note: Decisions about employment or discipline of employees is not part of the formal complaint process; PPS is often prohibited from disclosing specific information about disciplinary action taken against an employee involved in the complaint For assistance and resources, contact PPS Complaints Coordinator Lidia Lopez Gamboa at llopez@pps.net or 503-916-3354.

Anonymous Complaints
PPS accepts confidential, anonymous complaints via phone at 503-916-3462 or email at anonymouscomplaints@pps.net.

SafeOregon
SafeOregon is a program created for Oregon students, parents, school staff, community members and law enforcement officers to report and respond to student safety threats. All tips go immediately to a tip line technician 24x7x365. Tips are promptly analyzed and forwarded to designated personnel who can provide further assistance in resolving reported incidents. Report an issue to SafeOregon.

Other Resources

Other resources for students and families
Portland Public Schools Department of Strategic Partnerships and Engagement can assist with systemic and/or district-wide concerns and issues that are impacting a specific school community. Contact Director of Community Engagement Shanice Clarke at sclarke@pps.net.