Advocating for Your Child: A Problem-Solving Checklist

  • If you have a school-related problem, we want to help solve it. Every school should have a handbook that describes the procedures for resolving issues in the school. If you need additional help, please call the individuals or offices below in the order listed. 

    If possible, provide a written description of your problem. Write down the name of everyone you speak with and keep all documents and letters related to your problem.

    Issues Affecting Your Child’s Learning

    1. Teacher
    2. Principal or Head of School
    3. Academic Superintendent*

    General School Issues

    1. Principal or Head of School
    2. Operational Leader*

    School Governance (Parent & School Site Councils) 

    1. Principal or Head of School
    2. Office of Family and Community Advancement, 617-635-7750

    Discipline

    1. Principal or Head of School
    2. Operational Leader*

    Safety

    1. Principal or Head of School
    2. Operational Leader*
    3. BPS Safe Schools and Bullying Prevention Hotline, 617-592-2378

    Attendance

    1. Teacher
    2. Student Support Coordinator
    3. Principal or Head of School

    Transportation

    1. Principal or Head of School
    2. Transportation Department, 617-635-9520 or schoolbus@bostonpublicschools.org 
    3. BPS Transportation Support Portal: bostonpublicschoolshelp.freshdesk.com/support/home

    School Assignments, Transfers, Waiting Lists, and Residency

    1. Welcome Services Hotline, 617-635-9046
    2. School Assignment & Registration, call or visit a Welcome Center (see page 5)
    3. Appeals concerning residency policy: Ombudsperson, 617-635-9054
    • REMEMBER: Principals and Heads of School cannot make or change school assignments or guarantee that your child can attend a certain school.

    English Learner Issues

    1. Teacher
    2. Principal or Head of School
    3. Newcomers Assessment and Counseling Center, 617-635-1565
    4. Office of English Learners, 617-635- 9435

    Special Education Issues

    1. Teacher
    2. Principal or Head of School
    3. Special Education, 617-635-8599 

    *Each school has an Academic Superintendent and an Operational Leader. To find contact information for your school’s Academic Superintendent and Operational Leader, visit bostonpublicschools.org/regional-chart.

    Do you still need help resolving a school issue? Contact the BPS Ombudsperson.

    The Ombudsperson will listen to you and work with you to resolve your problem. The four principles that inform the work of the Ombudsperson are neutrality, independence, confidentiality, and informality.

    617-635-9054 or 857-891-1363