The Olympian

The state’s Office of the Education Ombuds last year received the highest number of calls since its founding, according to a recently released OEO annual report. The number of calls for the 2024-25 school year — 1,643 total concerns — represented a more than 17% case growth over the previous fiscal year. Compared with two years prior, it marked a 36% spike. TOP VIDEOS The video player is currently playing an ad. Housed within the Office of the Governor, the statewide agency established in 2006 helps to resolve issues between Washington families and schools and close achievement gaps. It maintains independence from the public-school system. Ombuds work to mend communication breakdowns between parents and educators, and they push for fair processes for the state’s students. Agency staffers assist parents in navigating problems, said Erin Okuno, OEO’s acting director. Sometimes that can look like pointing a caller in the right direction about who to talk to in the district. Okuno said OEO has seen a steady increase in its case count in recent years — and that bump has been a lot for a small, 10-staff agency to handle.