Special Education Ombudsperson

Contact the Ombudsperson: 

Middle aged caucasian woman with long brown hair with a slight smile, wearing a blue and white blouse and a gold locket.

Julia Martin
Special Education Ombudsperson
555 Franklin St
Email: martinj5@sfusd.edu
Cell Phone: 415-319-4811
Click here(link is external) to make an appointmentWhat is an Ombudsperson?

The word Ombudsman comes from a Swedish word that means “trusted representative.” The word has come to mean someone who assists consumers or citizens who are experiencing problems with corporations or government organizations. Our office is a member of the US Ombudsman Association and the International Ombudsman Association.

What Does the SFUSD Special Education Ombudsperson Do?

The SFUSD Special Education Ombudsperson is the family, community and staff liaison for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).  The Ombudsperson's office can: 

  • Assist parents and guardians in navigating Special Education Services when they have concerns about their chid's special education services.
  • Provides an independent, confidential resource for students, families, employees, and community members, offering informal help to resolve concerns, problems, complaints, and other special education related issues.
  • Promote inclusion of all students, especially those with disabilities during Inclusive Schools Week.
  • Provide training to SFUSD and San Francisco community stakeholders, such as Navigating Special Education Services, IEP 101, Engaging and Empowering SFUSD Families, Effective Communication between Special Education Families and Educators, and other issues related to special education services and families.   
  • Address the need for educational surrogate assignment (the Ombudsperson is the educational surrogate coordinator for the district, which matches students in need of representation with volunteers to help advocate for their educational needs.)

Ombudsperson support is impartial, confidential and free of charge to all SFUSD families and staff and often leads to resolutions before legal action is needed.  If needed, translation/interpretation can be provided.

The vision of the Office of Ombudsperson is to ensure children with disabilities receive all services and supports needed to benefit from public education by fostering an environment where collaboration and cooperation exist between parents, staff and administration.

How to Request Support:

Families and staff can contact the ombudsperson via email at martinj5@sfusd.edu or via phone at 415-319-4811. Drop in office hours are available via phone, video meeting or at 555 Franklin Street Monday - Thursday from 3-5pm. Click here(link is external) to make an appointment.

This page was last updated on March 14, 2025