Staff Report - School Resource Officer with attachments
PREPARED BY: Heather St. John
Senior Administrative Analyst
Reviewed by: Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, Town Attorney, and Finance Director
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● (408) 354-6832
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: 11/01/2022 ITEM NO: 4
DATE: October 20, 2022
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Laurel Prevetti, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Authorize the Town Manager to Execute a Two-Year Agreement with Los
Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District and Los Gatos Union Elementary
School District for School Resource Officer Services for the Period October 1,
2022 through June 30, 2024, and Approve a Revenue Budget Increase in the
Amount of $46,738.75 to Match the Proposed Agreement Term and
Agreement Amount
RECOMMENDATION:
Authorize the Town Manager to execute a two-year agreement with Los Gatos-Saratoga Union
High School District and Los Gatos Union Elementary School District for school resource officer
services for the period October 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024, and approve a revenue budget
increase in the amount of $46,738.75 to match the proposed agreement term and agreement
amount.
BACKGROUND:
Since 2008, the Town of Los Gatos, the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District
(LGSUHSD), and Los Gatos Union School District (LGUSD) have participated in an agreement for
one School Resource Officer (SRO) that works in the local schools with the costs shared
between the two school districts and the Town.
With school closures due to COVID-19 subsiding, in June 2021, LGSUHSD and Town staff
collaborated in a work session of future SRO services with the consideration of incorporating a
refined scope of work and a new service agreement with reduced SRO services and cost sharing
to both School Districts.
PAGE 2 OF 3 SUBJECT: Authorize the Town Manager to Execute a Two-Year Agreement with Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District and Los Gatos Union Elementary School District for School Resource Officer Services for the Period Starting October 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024 DATE: October 20, 2022
BACKGROUND (continued):
The one- year cost sharing agreement allocated 18% to Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School,
7% to Los Gatos Union Elementary School District, and 75% to the Town of Los Gatos. This
agreement expired June 30, 2022.
The one-year agreement allowed all involved parties an opportunity to evaluate the revised
scope of work, adjusted cost sharing, and reduced SRO service levels. Prior to 2021, SRO
agreements consisted of cost sharing for one SRO at 50% Town of Los Gatos, 36% LGSUHSD
District, and 14% LGUSD.
DISCUSSION:
The Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department and School Districts have maintained a strong
community partnership through open communication with students, staff, and school
administration. The Department continues to foster the tradition of the SRO program while
being adaptable to change to ensure campus and student safety within the schools. The goals
for the SRO program remain unchanged: to promote and focus on campus and student safety
while building community relationships and maintaining a healthy learning environment.
In September of 2022, after further review and evaluation by all the involved parties, it was
determined that a revision to the previous year agreement for SRO services was necessary to
maintain efficiencies and priorities of the SRO Program. All parties agreed to return to the cost
sharing agreement of 50% Town of Los Gatos, 36% LGSUHSD District, and 14% LGUSD.
On October 11, 2022, and on October 13, 2022, Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District
Board of Trustees and Los Gatos Union School District Board of Trustees respectively
unanimously approved the attached proposed two-year SRO cost sharing agreement.
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends Town Council authorize the Town Manager to execute an agreement with
Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District and Los Gatos Union Elementary School District
for School Resource Officer Services for the period October 1, 2022, through June 30, 2024, and
to approve a revenue budget increase in the amount of $46,738.75 to match the proposed
agreement term and agreement amount.
PAGE 3 OF 3 SUBJECT: Authorize the Town Manager to Execute a Two-Year Agreement with Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District and Los Gatos Union Elementary School District for School Resource Officer Services for the Period Starting October 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024 DATE: October 20, 2022
FISCAL IMPACT:
The fiscal impact is summarized in the table below. Based on the SRO restructured cost sharing
agreement, a budget adjustment of $46,738.75 in increased revenue is requested. The Fiscal
Year 2022/23 revenue is offset by three months and prorated based on an agreement start
date of October 1, 2022. The agreement is for one full-time equivalent Sworn Officer position
including salary and benefits. Upon execution of this agreement and reimbursement from the
Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District and the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union School District,
the Town will be responsible for 50% of the one full-time equivalent SRO position.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
This is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required.
Attachments:
1. SRO Services Agreement for October 1, 2022 Through June 30, 2024
2. SRO Scope of Work – “Exhibit A” to SRO Services Agreement
This Page Intentionally Left Blank
School Resource Officer Services ATTACHMENT 1
Page 1 of 4
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE LOS GATOS-SARATOGA UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT, LOS GATOS
UNION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT, AND
THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS FOR SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER SERVICES
This contract is dated for identification this 1st day of October 2022 and is made by and between the
LOS GATOS-SARATOGA UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT, (hereinafter "HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT"), the
LOS GATOS UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT (hereinafter "LOS GATOS UNION") and the TOWN OF LOS GATOS
(hereinafter "TOWN"), a California General Law City. HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT, LOS GATOS UNION, and
TOWN may be referred to as "Party" or "Parties'' in this Agreement. This agreement shall take effect
on October 1, 2022 and remain in effect until June 30, 2024.
I. RECITALS
1.1 HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT, LOS GATOS UNION, and TOWN desire to continue the formalized
relationship and joint cooperative effort for a shared funding strategy between the
participating entities for school resource officer services. The School Resource Officer Program
(SRO) aims to foster an efficient and cohesive program building positive relationships between
law enforcement and the youth of our community.
NOW, THEREFORE in consideration of the recitals and mutual promises contained herein, the Parties
agree as follows:
II. AGREEMENTS
2.1 The Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department shall assign one (1) sworn law
enforcement officer to serve as SRO based on the “SRO Scope of Work” (contained in “Exhibit
A”) and specified hours of service agreed upon within this agreement. The Los Gatos-Monte
Sereno Police Department shall retain the exclusive right to exercise the customary functions
of management. The Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department reserves the right to remove
the SRO at any time if Police Department staffing levels fall below acceptable norms.
2.2 The day-to-day operation and administrative control of the SRO Program will
be the responsibility of the Police Department. Responsibility for the conduct of the SRO, both
personally, and professionally, shall remain solely with the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police
Department. The SRO is employed and retained by the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police
Department, and in no event will be considered an employee of the respective entities.
2.3 The Police Department and the School District shall each name a contact person who will
monitor the program. Each principal will designate a contact person for the school to facilitate
communication.
2.4 Under this framework, the SRO is first and foremost a law enforcement officer for the
providing law enforcement agency. The SRO shall be responsible for carrying out all duties and
responsibilities of a law enforcement officer and shall always remain under the control,
through the chain of command, of the law enforcement agency. All acts of commission or
omission shall conform to the guidelines of the providing law enforcement agency directives.
School Resource Officer Services ATTACHMENT 1
Page 2 of 4
School officials should ensure that non-criminal student disciplinary matters remain the
responsibility of school staff and not the SRO. Enforcement of the code of student conduct is
the responsibility of teachers and administrators. The SRO shall refrain from being involved in
the enforcement of disciplinary rules that do not constitute violations of law, except to
support staff in maintaining a safe school environment.
2.5 The “SRO Scope of Work” is attached in “Exhibit A” of this agreement which covers specified
SRO services provided, SRO hours of service, and SRO other duties and responsibilities while
not serving under this agreement.
2.6 All Parties agree to provide funding for the school resource officer on an annual basis, to cover
expenses including salary and benefits. Fiscal year 2022/2023 is prorated three months based
on LOS GATOS UNION and HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT payments beginning October 1, 2022.
All Parties shall contribute toward the total overall cost of the School Resource Officer as
follows:
FY 22/23 & 23/24 SRO COST SHARING AGREEMENT
FY 22/23 FY 23/24
HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 36% $89,504.46 (9 months) $119,339.28
LOS GATOS UNION 14% $34,807.29 (9 months) $46,409.72
TOWN 50% $207,186.25 (12 months) $165,749.00
Total $331,498.00 331,498.00
2.7 The TOWN will present an annual report to the Boards of Trustees of LOS GATOS UNION and
the HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT by the end of the school year, or as soon as possible following the
school year. This report will inform the Boards about services provided to the LOS GATOS
UNION and HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT throughout the year, both on site at the elementary,
middle school, High School and in the neighboring community. This report will be presented by
the Chief of Police or Designee and the School Resource Officer.
III. INSURANCE AND INDEMNIFICATION
3.1 Mutual indemnification. Each Party agrees to indemnify, hold harmless, and defend the other
Parties, their elected and appointed officials, employees, and agents, from any and all
liabilities, claims, or losses of any nature, including attorney fees, to the extent caused by,
arising out of, or in connection with, the indemnifying Party’s acts or omissions pursuant to
this Agreement..
3.2 Each party to the agreement will hold all other parties harmless.
School Resource Officer Services ATTACHMENT 1
Page 3 of 4
IV. TERM AND TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT
4.1 This Agreement shall take effect October 1, 2022 and remain in effect through June 30, 2024,
unless terminated as set forth in this Agreement.
4.2 All parties have the right to terminate this agreement, with or without cause.
The terminating party must give all other parties 60 days prior written notice thereof.
4.3 Notice of termination, in writing, may be issued by the Police Chief or Superintendents of the
respective entities. If one or more schools terminate, each terminating school shall remain
liable for any unpaid monthly obligation incurred prior to or after the termination through the
end of that fiscal year for services rendered by the Town, pursuant to this Agreement.
4.4 This Agreement represents the entire agreement between High School District, Los Gatos
Union, and Town. All prior or contemporaneous oral or written agreements by and between
the parties and their agents and representatives with respect to the matters in this Agreement
are revoked and extinguished by this Agreement.
4.5 No modification, waiver, mutual termination, or amendment of this Agreement is effective
unless made in writing and signed by the Town and the Consultant.
4.6 In any dispute over any aspect of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to
reasonable attorney's fees, including costs of appeal.
4.7 Any notices required pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed to be properly given and
mailed postage prepaid and addressed to:
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
Attn: Town Clerk
110 E. Main Street
Los Gatos, CA 95030
With a copy to:
Jamie Field, Police Chief
110 E. Main Street
Los Gatos, CA 95030
LOS GATOS-SARATOGA UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
17421 Farley Road West
Los Gatos, CA 95032
LOS GATOS UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
17010 Roberts Road
Los Gatos, CA 95032
School Resource Officer Services ATTACHMENT 1
Page 4 of 4
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement is executed by LOS GATOS-SARATOGA HIGH SCHOOL
DISTRICT, LOS GATOS UNION, and LOS GATOS.
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
___________________________________
Paul Johnson
Los Gatos Union School District
Superintendent
____________________________________
Bill Sanderson
Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District
Superintendent
FOR THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS:
Laurel Prevetti, Town Manger
Recommended by:
____________________________________
Jamie Field, Chief of Police
Approved as to Form:
Gabrielle Whelan, Town Attorney
Attest:
Wendy Wood, CMC, Town Clerk
ATTACHMENT 2
“EXHIBIT A”
SCOPE OF WORK SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER (SRO)
MISSION:
The Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department as part of the Town of Los Gatos (TOWN),
HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT, and LOS GATOS UNION, seeks to ensure an efficient and cohesive SRO
program, building positive relationships between law enforcement, students, and school
employees. The goal of the program is to create and maintain a safe school environment, while
reducing crime and providing a law enforcement resource to school administrators, faculty, and
students.
SRO ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The SRO acts in accordance with the recommended National Association of School Resource
Officers (NASRO) three roles of law enforcement officer, teacher, and informal
counselor/mentor; however, they do not enforce academic school rules or policies or become
involved with matters that are strictly related to school discipline issues. Los Gatos-Monte
Sereno Police Department as part of the TOWN, HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT, and LOS GATOS
UNION have identified specific responsibilities of the SRO while serving at the schools to
include:
• Build collaborative working relationships with students, campus administrative staff and
school faculty through positive interaction.
• Provide formalized education to students and faculty on approved topics related to
campus safety and preventative education related to illegal/criminal activity.
• Assist school administrators with the development and deployment of campus safety
and emergency response plans.
• Act as a law enforcement liaison and member of the HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT Behavioral
Intervention Team (BIT) program.
• When requested, attend special activities, assemblies, or programs during school hours.
• Maintain law enforcement safety presence in and around school campuses related to
crime deterrence and prevention, Safe Routes to School traffic safety, and promoting
positive student, staff, and community interaction.
SERVICE HOURS:
SRO schedule will be defined in accordance with TOWN personnel rules and Police Officer’s
Association Memorandum of Understanding.
• SRO will work four days/week, 10 hour/days from 0700-1700 hours.
• SRO work week will be Tuesday to Friday, unless otherwise directed.
ATTACHMENT 2
• SRO will be assigned to dedicated SRO duties and presence at the schools. The
remainder of the SRO shift hours will be allocated to the Investigations Division, where
the SRO will be assigned to the investigation of Juvenile Crimes or as directed by his/her
immediate supervisor.
• Any additional work outside the allotted hours per week or special event presence
needed by the SRO, will require HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT and LOS GATOS UNION to
reimburse TOWN at the special events officer rate per hour.
• Calls for service at the campuses of HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT or LOS GATOS UNION
requiring a police response when the SRO is not on campus or on duty, shall be referred
to Police Dispatch for a patrol officer response.
SUPERVISION, EVALUATION, SELECTION:
• The SRO position will be supervised by the Investigations Sergeant and will be assigned
to the Investigations Division when not assigned to the schools as the SRO.
• The SRO performance evaluations will be completed by the TOWN, SRO’s immediate
supervisor, with input and feedback from HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT and LOS GATOS
UNION school representatives/liaisons.
• The SRO position will be filled according to the Police Department selection process. The
TOWN will make the final selection of any SRO, in consultation with the HIGH SCHOOL
and LOS GATOS UNION.
TRAINING:
• The SRO position is considered a specialized assignment within the Police Department,
requiring specialized training.
• The SRO is employed by the TOWN and is entitled to approved leaves of absence,
required training, and other time off in accordance with TOWN personnel rules and POA
MOU. Should there be an extended break in service by the SRO for any unforeseen
circumstance, TOWN will identify a temporary or permanent replacement to fulfill SRO
duties.
INFORMATION SHARING:
• It is the understanding of the HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT, LOS GATOS UNION, and TOWN
that confidentiality and a student’s right to privacy are of the utmost importance in the
administration of these services. Therefore, student records shall be kept confidential
in accordance with all applicable laws and professional standards.