In 2006, the Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO) within the Office of the Governor was created.  OEO's purpose is to provide information to parents, students, and others regarding their rights and responsibilities with respect to the state's public elementary and secondary system and advocating on behalf of students. 

OEO has the following powers and duties:

• develop parental involvement materials and identify obstacles and recommend strategies for greater parent and community involvement; 
• identify and recommend strategies for improving the success rates of ethnic and racial student groups and students with disabilities, with disproportionate academic achievement; 
• refer complainants and others to appropriate resources, agencies, or departments; 
• facilitate the resolution of complaints made by parents and students; 
• consult with representatives of certain organizations and groups; 
• serve as lead agency to provide resources and tools about public school anti-harassment policies and strategies; and 
• perform such other functions consistent with the purpose of OEO.

OEO must treat all matters as confidential except as necessary to enable the OEO to perform the duties of the office.

At least annually, public schools must notify parents or guardians; students, including students in residential schools, detention facilities, and adult correctional facilities; and school employees about the services available through OEO. 

Beginning September 1, 2021, public schools must:

• include a link to OEO's website with a description of the services on their website; or 
• provide a description of the services and OEO's contact information in existing materials shared annually such as, welcome packets, orientation guides, and newsletters. 

Public schools are encouraged to take both of these actions. 

OEO must annually develop and make a template of the notification information available upon request.  OEO must translate this template into Spanish and include other languages as resources allow.