Title
Report regarding a proposed amendment to the School Liaison Officer Memorandum of Understanding between the City of South San Francisco and the South San Francisco Unified School District modifying the review period from an annual to a triennial basis for school years 2026-2027, 2027-2028, and 2028-2029. (Fahmida Murphy, Police Lieutenant)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that City Council review the proposed amendment to the School Liaison Officer Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of South San Francisco and the South San Francisco Unified School District (SSFUSD) and adopt a resolution amending the agreement to reflect a triennial review of the MOU for 2026-2027, 2027-2028, and 2028-2029 school years, and each successive three-year fiscal term.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
On June 10, 2026, the City Council received a report on the 2025-2026 School Liaison Officer program and adopted a resolution continuing the MOU agreement between the City and the SSFUSD for the 2026-2027 school year. During the presentation, it was recommended that staff explore the possibility of modifying the review process from an annual to a triennial basis.
On June 27, 2026, the SSFUSD presented the School Liaison Program annual report to the Board of Trustees and recommended a triennial review of the MOU. The Board of Trustees voted and approved modifying the MOU to a triennial review for 2026-2027, 2027-2028, and 2028-2029, and each successive three-year fiscal term.
The proposed amendment extends the term of the MOU to a three-year term ending on June 30, 2029, and changes the review cycle from an annual review to a triennial review. The proposed amendment does not modify any other provisions of the MOU. It should be noted that the City and the SSFUSD can, at any time, choose to agendize the status of the MOU at any of their respective meetings. Additionally, the School Liaison Program report will remain an annual report at both City Council and Board of Trustees meetings.
FISCAL IMPACT
The annual fiscal impact associated with providing School Liaison Officer services to the SSFUSD is approximately $250,000 for one School Liaison Officer position. This estimate includes personnel costs, equipment necessary to perform the duties of the position, and specialized training related to working collaboratively with school sites, students, and educational staff.
The Police Department currently maintains two School Liaison Officer positions. If both positions are fully staffed, the total annual fiscal impact to the General Fund is estimated at approximately $500,000, which is currently included in the FY 2026-27 adopted budget.
In addition to staffing-related costs, the Police Department incurs costs of approximately $5,000 annually for program-related supplies and materials, including educational equipment, food for student engagement activities, Police Department promotional items, and other resources utilized in school-based programs and outreach efforts. These General Fund costs are also included in the FY 2026-27 budget.
RELATIONSHIP TO CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES ACTION PLAN
The MOU between the City and the SSFUSD supports the Major Focus Area of Welcoming and Connected Community as related to youths and families by continuing to partner with the SSFUSD.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that City Council review the proposed amendment to the MOU between the City of South San Francisco and the South San Francisco Unified School District and adopt a resolution amending the agreement to reflect a triennial review of the MOU for 2026-2027, 2027-2028, and 2028-2029 school years, and each successive three-year fiscal term.