The Power of Listening: How Ombuds Services Build Trust in Schools - Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES (E2CCB)

In this episode of Achieving Joy and Mastery in Public Schools, we’re joined by Dr. David O'Rourke and Stacey Aliasso Rowcliffe of Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES to explore the transformative role of Ombuds Services in education.

Stacey serves as the Organizational Ombuds, bringing deep expertise in alternative dispute resolution to support students, families, and staff. Together, David and Stacey discuss how Ombuds Services strengthen relationships, empower employees, and remove barriers that hinder success.

By acting as a confidential and impartial “thought partner,” the Ombuds helps individuals navigate conflict, improve communication, and generate strategies for positive outcomes—without escalation. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how empathy, trust, and civility that can drive systemic improvement and foster a culture of collaboration in schools.

https://www.e2ccb.org/services/administrative/ombuds/

https://www.ombudsassociation.org/

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