Memorandum of Agreement for Programming
This MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT (“MOA” or “Agreement”) is entered into and effective as of October 14, 2026, by and between the CITY OF LANCASTER, a municipal corporation and charter city (the “City” or “Lancaster”), and LANCASTER SCHOOL DISTRICT, a California public school district (“LANCSD” or the “District”) (collectively, the “Parties” and each individually a “Party”).
Recitals
City of Lancaster (“City”) Lancaster School District (“LANCSD” or the “District”). The City of Lancaster is a charter city duly organized and existing under California law, and enters into this Agreement in the exercise of its municipal authority and police power.
A. To establish a framework from which the City and LANCSD (collectively the “Parties” and each individually a “Party”) can leverage assets to establish programs at El Dorado Elementary School to provide the community with effective and responsive services as it relates to leadership, literacy, and attendance; and
B. The City, through its Parks, Arts, Recreation, and Community Services (PARCS) Department, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for local youth by providing enriching, safe, and positive development opportunities outside of standard school hours; and
C. The District is committed to fostering academic achievement, personal growth, and social-emotional wellness for its student population; and D. WHEREAS, the Parties recognize that collaborative, community-focused interventions are highly effective at supporting youth development, reducing barriers to recreational access, and boosting local student engagement; and E. The City has developed Project Stride, an innovative youth development pilot program designed to offer structured mentorship, community recreation, and targeted life-skills programming for local students during the 2026–2027 academic year; and
F. The operational framework of Project Stride is built upon a strategic dual-district framework, seeking to align resources and streamline program delivery in partnership with both the Lancaster School District; and G. The District desires to partner with the City to host and facilitate Project Stride activities, ensuring its students have direct access to these enriching municipal resources; and
H. The Parties wish to define their respective roles, responsibilities, and operational commitments to ensure the successful, safe, and collaborative execution of the Project Stride Pilot program.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:
1. Additional Documents. The Parties may execute any and all other documents, including but not limited to contractor agreements, as are necessary to effectuate the performance of the Parties’ responsibilities as set forth in this MOA; provided, however, that any such additional documents, including but not limited to contractor or subcontractor agreements, shall be subject to the prior written approval of the City and shall be procured and administered in compliance with all applicable procurement, competitive-bidding, prevailing-wage, and other public-agency requirements under applicable federal, state, and local law and the City’s Municipal Code and policies.
2. Capital Contributions. The parties agree that 100% of pilot launch and first year cost will be assumed by the City in an amount not to exceed $101,881.50 (the “City Funding Cap”).
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the City’s funding obligation under this Section is expressly subject to and contingent upon the annual appropriation of funds for this purpose by the City Council in its sole and absolute discretion, consistent with the City’s budgetary authority as a California charter city. In no event shall the City be obligated to expend, advance, or commit any funds in excess of the City Funding Cap or beyond those actually appropriated and available in any given fiscal year, and the non-appropriation of funds in any fiscal year shall not constitute a breach or default by the City, but shall instead entitle the City to terminate or suspend its funding obligations hereunder without penalty or further liability.
3. Overview
The City of Lancaster has a history of collaborating with community stakeholders to provide essential services, programs, and resources. This collaboration is rooted in the understanding that an integrated support model is crucial to the community’s success, especially when faced with complex issues such as education, civic engagement, and the ongoing student success.
Building on the success of the City’s high school initiatives, which achieved a 72% success rate in reducing absenteeism, Project Stride expands these efforts into local elementary schools through a comprehensive model structured around three core pillars. The first pillar, Reliable Stride (Attendance Support), combats chronic absenteeism through rigorous monitoring, targeted family outreach, and motivational incentives. The second pillar, Knowledge Stride (Literacy Development), strengthens early academic foundations through structured reading mentorship, fluency and comprehension practice, and confidence-building resource access.
Finally, Power Stride (Character & Self-Regulation) equips students with vital emotional regulation strategies, discipline and focus training, and core values like respect, responsibility, and perseverance, ensuring younger students have the holistic, early support they need to stay engaged, stay in school, and build a successful future.
Recognizing that a strong partnership with the Lancaster School District is crucial for Project Stride's continued success, the City determined that collaborating was the most effective approach. This partnership allows for a more comprehensive approach to student well-being, as it leverages City resources and community connections to support education goals. Ensuring that both organizations, which are key pillars of the community, can work together to promote the success of students in the Lancaster community.
The City of Lancaster and the Lancaster School District share a mutual commitment to improving student outcomes, reducing chronic absenteeism, and supporting at-promise youth. For over a decade, the City has collaborated with community stakeholders, leveraging an integrated support model to address complex challenges like student disengagement and the lasting effects of the pandemic.
4. Responsibilities of Lancaster School District
a. LANCSD will collaborate with City staff on student referrals, data sharing, and attendance reporting in strict compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the California Education Code, and all other applicable federal and state student-privacy and data-protection laws.
LANCSD shall not use or disclose any data provided by or held on behalf of the City for any purpose other than Project Stride and shall implement and maintain reasonable administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect all shared and City-held data against unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.
b. LANCSD will designate school-site liaisons to assist with Project Stride programming by providing access to facilities for program delivery.
c. LANCSD will ensure that referred students have access to program staff, mentors, and resources during school hours as appropriate. d. LANCSD will participate in quarterly meetings with the City to review progress, address program challenges, and strengthen collaboration efforts. e. LANCSD will provide support communications and outreach to parents, guardians, and the broader school community regarding Project Stride. f. LANCSD agrees not to replicate, duplicate, or use proprietary and/or intellectual property without the City's prior express written consent. All curricula, materials, program methodologies, data compilations, and other intellectual property developed by or on behalf of the City for Project Stride shall remain the sole and exclusive property of the City, and LANCSD acquires no right, title, or interest therein by virtue of this Agreement. g. LANCSD will allocate and provide staff with adequate space and office space on school property to facilitate program implementation of Project Stride. h. LANCSD will ensure that its staff and volunteers, as well as all Partners’ staff and volunteers, will provide services and programming to all members of the community regardless of race, color, religion, ancestry, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, AIDS/HIV, medical condition, political activities or affiliations, military or veteran status, and/or status as a victim of domestic violence, assault or stalking, consistent with the Unruh Civil Rights Act, California Government Code section 11135, and all other non-discrimination requirements applicable to the City as a California charter city.
i. LANCSD may not post any advertisement or sign without the prior written approval of the City, which approval the City may grant, condition, or withhold in its sole and absolute discretion.
j. LANCSD shall remain apprised and implement all applicable public-health orders, best practices, and guidelines issued by the CDC, State, and local public health officials and authorities having jurisdiction, as such orders, best practices, and guidelines may be issued or amended from time to time. k. LANCSD agrees that the City may, at any time, inspect, audit, and copy any and all records or documents associated with this Agreement, upon reasonable notice and during normal business hours. LANCSD shall maintain and preserve all such records for a period of not less than 2 years following the expiration or termination of this Agreement, and the City's rights of access and audit under this Section shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement.
l. LANCSD shall permit the City and/or its authorized representatives to enter the designated school properties. The City and/or its
authorized representatives will respect programming and operate cordially and with minimal interference during the approved hours.
m. LANCSD shall keep the City apprised of any decisions made or reached that may have any bearing on the terms of this Agreement.
5. Responsibilities of the City. Subject to available funding and appropriation and in the City's reasonable discretion:
a. The City will provide program oversight, including funding coordination, staffing, and management of the Project Stride initiative at El Dorado Elementary School, 361 E Pondera St., Lancaster, CA 93535
b. The City will assign City personnel to manage site-based interventions and mentorship.
c. The City will coordinate data tracking, evaluation, and reporting of absenteeism and student engagement outcomes.
d. The City will support the development of positive youth development opportunities, including leadership training, mentoring, and character & self-regulation strategies. The aforementioned strategies will be delivered through attendance and literacy support, as well as tae kwon do. e. The City will facilitate access to wraparound services in partnership with community-based organizations.
f. The City will oversee and monitor contract compliance by the Parties for the term set forth herein.
6. Parties’ Obligations
a. Parties shall partner to promote Project Stride. This may include utilizing resources, connections, and platforms to promote, recruit, and enroll potential program participants as appropriate.
b. Parties shall not modify or alter the terms or services described in this Agreement without pre-authorization by the other Party. Any amendment, modification, or variation from the terms of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be effective only upon mutual written approval by all Parties and, as to the City, only upon approval by the Lancaster City Council or its duly authorized officer to the extent required by law, the City's Charter, and the Lancaster Municipal Code.
c. Each Party assumes the risk of loss, damage, or destruction due to theft, fire, and casualty of any and all fixtures, equipment, and/or personal property within the property or located within the property that belongs to that Party.
The City shall not be liable for any loss, damage, or destruction of the District's or any third party's fixtures, equipment, or personal property.
Parties shall perform as required by this Agreement. Parties also warrant the
authorized representatives will respect programming and operate cordially and with minimal interference during the approved hours.
d. LANCSD shall keep the City apprised of any decisions made or reached that may have any bearing on the terms of this Agreement.
7. Responsibilities of the City. Subject to available funding and appropriation and in the City's reasonable discretion:
a. The City will provide program oversight, including funding coordination, staffing, and management of the Project Stride initiative at El Dorado Elementary School, 361 E Pondera St., Lancaster, CA 93535
b. The City will assign City personnel to manage site-based interventions and mentorship.
c. The City will coordinate data tracking, evaluation, and reporting of absenteeism and student engagement outcomes.
d. The City will support the development of positive youth development opportunities, including leadership training, mentoring, and character & self-regulation strategies. The aforementioned strategies will be delivered through attendance and literacy support, as well as tae kwon do. e. The City will facilitate access to wraparound services in partnership with community-based organizations.
f. The City will oversee and monitor contract compliance by the Parties for the term set forth herein.
8. Parties’ Obligations
a. Parties shall partner to promote Project Stride. This may include utilizing resources, connections, and platforms to promote, recruit, and enroll potential program participants as appropriate.
b. Parties shall not modify or alter the terms or services described in this Agreement without pre-authorization by the other Party. Any amendment, modification, or variation from the terms of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be effective only upon mutual written approval by all Parties and, as to the City, only upon approval by the Lancaster City Council or its duly authorized officer to the extent required by law, the City's Charter, and the Lancaster Municipal Code.
c. Each Party assumes the risk of loss, damage, or destruction due to theft, fire, and casualty of any and all fixtures, equipment, and/or personal property within the property or located within the property that belongs to that Party.
The City shall not be liable for any loss, damage, or destruction of the District's or any third party's fixtures, equipment, or personal property. d. Parties shall perform as required by this Agreement. Parties also warrant the performance on behalf of themselves, their Partners, and all subcontractors engaged for the performance of these terms.
e. Each Party shall be responsible for payment of all its respective employees' and subcontractors’ wages and benefits and shall comply with all applicable requirements pertaining to employer's liability, workers' compensation, prevailing wage, unemployment insurance, and Social Security, and shall comply with all applicable prevailing wage requirements (California Labor Code sections 1720 et seq.), workers' compensation requirements (California Labor Code section 3700), and worker-classification and independent-contractor requirements (California Labor Code section 2775 et seq.).
f. Parties agree to engage in ongoing evaluation of the program’s success, measured by absenteeism reduction, academic performance, student satisfaction, and program participation.
9. Assurances.
The parties each provide the following assurances, representations, and warranties to the other party:
a. Both City of Lancaster and the Lancaster School District affirm that each possesses the legal authority to finance, acquire, develop, manage, operate, and maintain Project Stride in accordance with their respective responsibilities under this Agreement. Each Party further confirms that its governing body has duly adopted or approved a resolution, motion, or similar official action authorizing the commitments and assurances set forth herein, and designating the identified authorized representative to carry out the duties required and to provide any additional information necessary to fulfill the purposes of this Agreement. Each Party will have sufficient funds available to meet its own share of the cost for the Program, as defined in sections labeled District/ City Roles and Parties' Obligations.
b. Each Party will comply with all applicable requirements of all Federal, State, and local laws, executive orders, regulations, and policies governing this MOA and the performance by each Party hereunder.
c. Each Party will comply with all insurance requirements as set forth in the following Section, below, and maintain such insurance in good standing throughout the term of this Agreement.
d. Partiesshall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City of Lancaster, its elected officials, officers, employees, and volunteers against all claims, damages, losses, and expenses including fees and expert witness fees arising out of or relating to the performance of the work described herein, caused in whole or in part by any negligent or intentional act or omission of LANCSD or its subcontractors, except where the Claims were caused by the active, sole negligence, or willful misconduct of the City. The City of Lancaster shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless LANCSD, its elected officials, officers, employees, and volunteers against all claims, damages, losses, and expenses including attorney’s fees arising out of or relating to the performance of the work described herein, but only to the extent such claims, damages, losses, or expenses are caused by the sole active negligence or willful misconduct of the City of Lancaster or its officers, employees, or agents, and in all events subject to and consistent with the immunities, defenses, and limitations afforded the City under the California Government Claims Act (Government Code section 810 et seq.) and California Civil Code section 2782. Each Party's duty to defend hereunder shall be performed with counsel reasonably acceptable to the indemnified Party, and the indemnification obligations set forth in this Section shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement.
e. Approximately three (3) months before expiration, all Parties will discuss the expiration or renewal of this Agreement, based on an assessment of the continuing value of the Agreement to the Parties.
10. Insurance
Without limiting the City’s right to indemnification, it is agreed that Parties shall secure, prior to commencing any activities under this MOA and maintain during the term of this MOA, the following provisions:
Parties agree to provide and maintain the following insurance coverage at their expense on a per-project basis.
Commercial General Liability * Each Occurrence: $1,000,000 a. Per Project General Aggregate: $2,000,000
b. Including Products/Completed Operations; Contractual Liability/Independent Contractors; Property Damage (Coverage shall be at least as broad as ISO form CG2010 11/85 or CG2010 07/04 and CG2037 07/04 combined, or an equivalent providing ongoing and completed operations)
Sexual Abuse and Molestation (SAM) * Each Occurrence: $1,000,000 c. General Aggregate: $2,000,000
d. Commercial Automobile Liability * Combined Single Limit per Accident for Bodily Injury and Property Damage: $1,000,000 (Coverage shall be at least as broad as ISO form CA00 01)
e. Workers' Compensation * As Required by the State of California: Statutory Limits
f. Employers’ Liability * Each Accident: $1,000,000
g. Bodily Injury by Disease: $1,000,000
h. Each Employee: $1,000,000 (A Waiver of Subrogation must be provided on behalf of the Certificate Holder for the Workers' Compensation & Employers’ Liability policies) Professional Liability * Each Occurrence: $2,000,000 i. General Aggregate: $2,000,000
LANCSD’s insurance shall apply separately to each insured against whom a claim is made, or suit is brought, except with respect to the limits of the insured’s liability. Professional liability and/or cyber insurance written on a “claims made” basis must be renewed for a period of three
(3) years after this contract expires or is terminated.
Any deductibles or self-insured retentions must be declared to and approved by the City in writing. All insurance shall be primary and non-contributory as respects the City insured entities. LANCSD shall furnish the City with Certificates of Insurance and with original endorsements meeting the following requirements:
a. Show 30 days' prior written notice of cancellation.
b. List in the “Descriptions of Operations”: "The City of Lancaster, its elected officials, officers, employees, and volunteers are included as additional covered parties, but only insofar as the operations under this contract are concerned.” c. List Certificate Holder: The City of Lancaster, 44933 Fern Avenue, Lancaster, California 93534.
11. Publicity
Parties shall not issue any press release or otherwise publicize (except consultants or other third parties that Project Stride may rely upon for program operations) the details of the corroborative work undertaken as part of this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other Parties, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.; provided, however, that the City shall retain sole and exclusive control over the use of its name, seal, logo, insignia, and trademarks, and no press release, publication, or other publicity concerning this Agreement or Project Stride shall use the City's name, seal, logo, or insignia without the City's prior written approval, which the City may grant or withhold in its sole discretion. Notwithstanding anything in this Section to the contrary, nothing herein shall limit, waive, restrict, or excuse the City's obligations or rights under the California Public Records Act (Government Code section 7920.000 et seq.), the Ralph M. Brown Act, or any other applicable law, or restrict any disclosure the City is required or permitted to make as a public agency.
12. Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunity Each party shall not discriminate against any employee, subcontractor, or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, AIDS/HIV, medical condition, political activities or affiliations, military or veteran status, and/or status as a victim of domestic violence, assault or stalking. Each party shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local anti-discrimination and equal employment opportunity laws, including without limitation Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (Government Code section 12900 et seq.), and the Unruh Civil Rights Act, as each may be amended from time to time, together with all implementing regulations and all nondiscrimination requirements applicable to public agencies.
13. Term
This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date first written above and, unless earlier terminated in accordance with this Agreement, shall terminate on [term_end_date] (collectively, the “Term”). The City may, in its sole and absolute discretion, elect to extend the Term for one (1) additional period of up to two (2) years; any such renewal shall be effective only upon the City's prior appropriation of funds for the renewal period and the mutual execution of a written amendment or authorization approved in accordance with the City's governing requirements. Nothing herein shall obligate the City to renew or extend this Agreement.
14. Confidentiality
Subject to applicable laws (including the California Public Records Act), the City and LANCSD shall treat as confidential and not disclose to others without prior written consent any information regarding the other Party’s plans, processes, costs, equipment, operations, or participants. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Section shall limit or impair the City's obligations under the California Public Records Act (California Government Code section 7920.000 et seq.) or any other applicable disclosure law, and the City may disclose any information that it determines it is required to disclose by law, subpoena, court order, or other lawful process without such disclosure constituting a breach of this Agreement or a waiver of any right or privilege. Each Party shall handle student records and personally identifiable information in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the California Education Code, and all other applicable student-privacy and data-protection laws, and shall maintain reasonable administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect such information against unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.
15. Resolution of Disputes
Disputes shall be resolved through good-faith negotiations. If unresolved, Parties shall attempt mediation in Lancaster, California. If mediation fails within 45 days, the dispute may be resolved by binding arbitration only upon the mutual written consent of the Parties. Absent such mutual written consent, either Party may pursue any and all remedies available at law or in equity, and the City expressly reserves and does not waive its right to judicial resolution.
The exclusive venue for any mediation, and for any arbitration or judicial proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement, shall be in Lancaster, California, or the state and federal courts located in Los Angeles County, California. Nothing in this Agreement shall waive, limit, or modify any governmental immunities or defenses available to the City, or the claimpresentation requirements of the Government Claims Act (California Government Code section 810 et seq.), compliance with which shall be a condition precedent to any action against the City.
16. Exhibit(s)
a. Exhibit “A” STATEMENT OF DELIVERABLES, which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference and made a part of this Agreement
17. Binding Provisions
The terms of this Agreement are binding. The City may terminate this Agreement for its convenience, in whole or in part, upon sixty (60) days' prior written notice to the other Party.
Either Party may terminate this Agreement for cause or default upon thirty (30) days' prior written notice specifying the default, provided the defaulting Party fails to cure such default within that thirty (30)-day period. Notwithstanding any other provision, the City's obligations under this Agreement are subject to and contingent upon the appropriation of sufficient funds by the Lancaster City Council for each applicable fiscal year, and the City may terminate or suspend this Agreement without penalty or further obligation, effective upon written notice, in the event that funds are not appropriated or are withdrawn. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties.
18. Amendments. Any amendment, modification, or variation from the terms of this Agreement shall be effective only upon the mutual written approval of the Parties.
19. Severability. In the event that any provision or provisions of this Agreement are held unenforceable, all provisions not so held shall remain in full force and effect.
20. Notices. Any notice, demand, request, consent, approval, or communication either party desires or is required to give to the other party or any person shall be in email to the contacts set forth below, with “delivered” receipt requests, and/or in writing and either served personally or sent by prepaid, first-class mail to the address set forth below. Notice shall be deemed communicated twenty-four (24) hours from receipt of confirmation of email delivery or forty-eight (48) hours from the time of mailing if mailed as provided in this section.
City: City of Lancaster
44933 Fern Avenue, Lancaster, CA 93534
[email protected]
Attn: Sonya Patterson, PARCS Director
with a copy to:
City Attorney Allison E. Burns
[email protected]
City of Lancaster, 44933 Fern Avenue,
Lancaster, CA 93534.
District: Lancaster School District
[email protected]
44711 Cedar Ave, Lancaster, CA 93534
Attn: Dr. Paul Marietti, Superintendent
21. Authority of Signatories. The persons executing this Agreement on behalf of the Parties hereto warrant that they are duly authorized to execute this agreement on behalf of said Parties and that by so executing this Agreement, the Parties are formally bound to the provisions of this Agreement.
22. Governing Law and Venue. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without regard to its conflict-of-laws principles. Any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Los Angeles County, California, serving the City of Lancaster, and the Parties consent to the jurisdiction and venue of such courts.
23. Default and Remedies. A Party shall be in default if it fails to perform any material obligation under this Agreement and does not cure such failure within thirty (30) days after written notice describing the default. Upon an uncured default, the non-defaulting Party may terminate this Agreement and pursue any and all remedies available at law or in equity. The rights and remedies of the City under this Agreement are cumulative and in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other rights and remedies available to the City.
24. Independent Contractor; No Joint Venture. The Parties are independent public agencies. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to create a partnership, joint venture, agency, or employment relationship between the Parties, and neither Party shall have authority to bind or obligate the other except as expressly provided herein.
25. No Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is entered into solely for the benefit of the Parties, and no third party shall have any right of action or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.
26. Waiver. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the waiving Party. No waiver of any breach or default shall constitute a waiver of any subsequent breach or default or of the provision itself.
27. Compliance with Law. Each Party shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances, and with the City's charter and the Lancaster Municipal Code, in the performance of this Agreement.
28. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, including by electronic signature, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
29. No Waiver of Immunity. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as a waiver by the City of any governmental or other immunity, defense, or protection available to it under law, including the immunities and defenses provided by the California Government Claims Act (Government Code section 810 et seq.).
30. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference, constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to its subject matter and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations, and agreements, whether written or oral.
[Signatures begin on following page]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this AGREEMENT to be executed and attested by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized.
City of Lancaster Lancaster School District
________________________ ________________________
By: Trolis Niebla By: Dr. Paul Marietti
Its: City Manager Its: Superintendent
Lancaster School District
______________________
By: Charles E. Coleman
Its: Deputy Superintendent
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________
By: Allison Burns By:
Its: City Attorney Its: Risk Management
ATTEST:
_______________________
By: Andrea Alexander
Its: City Clerk
MOU SUBMISSION APPROVAL:
________________________
By: Sonya Patterson
Its: PARCS Director
Exhibit A
Project Stride is a pilot program designed to improve student attendance, literacy, self-discipline, and engagement through an integrated after-school and school-day support model. The program combines three core pillars: The Power Stride (Tae Kwon Do), The Knowledge Stride (Literacy), and The Reliable Stride (Attendance).
The following deliverables will guide implementation of Project Stride and establish the services, activities, and program outcomes to be completed during the pilot period.
1. Program Implementation and Administration: The City will provide overall coordination and management of Project Stride, including:
• Hire, train, schedule, and supervise assigned City staff and program instructors • Coordinate implementation with school site and District representatives • Maintain student attendance, participation, and program improvement records • Coordinate communication with participating students, families, teachers, and school personnel
• Maintain program documentation necessary to evaluate implementation and outcomes • Coordinate program supplies, curriculum materials, equipment, incentives, and other operational needs
2. After-School Programming: Project Stride will provide a structured twice-weekly after-school program at participating pilot school sites. Each program session will generally include:
• Stride Check-In: Attendance tracking, snack, and student goal setting/reflection • Knowledge Session: Literacy instruction, structured literacy activities, and/or one-on-one reading mentorship
• Power Session: Tae Kwon Do instruction focused on physical development, discipline, character development, and the applicable program tenet • Closing Reflection: Opportunity for students to reflect on and discuss application of skills developed during the session
Programming is anticipated to operate approximately after-school to 5:00 p.m., subject to individual school schedules.
3. Literacy and Reading Mentorship: Through the Knowledge Stride component, the program will:
• Provide regular literacy instruction and structured literacy activities • Provide weekly one-on-one reading mentorship opportunities with City of Lancaster staff • Support development of reading comprehension, critical thinking, and communication skills
• Conduct or coordinate baseline, mid-year, and end-of-program literacy assessments • Provide opportunities for family literacy engagement, including workshops designed to provide parents/caregivers with strategies to support reading at home • Support student access to books through book distribution and/or Little Library opportunities
4. Tae Kwon Do and Character Development: Through the Power Stride, the program will provide structured Tae Kwon Do instruction organized around progressive four-week learning blocks. Curriculum will integrate:
• Courtesy and Respect
• Integrity and Accountability
• Perseverance and Self-Control
• Physical health and coordination
• Basic Tae Kwon Do movements, stances, blocks, and strikes • Character development and application of learned skills in school and daily life The program anticipates approximately two sessions per week while school is in session.
5. Attendance Intervention and Student Check-Ins: Through the Reliable Stride, the program will provide ongoing attendance-focused intervention and support. Deliverables will include:
• Conduct school-day student check-ins approximately three times per week • Track attendance of participating students
• Identify attendance patterns and barriers affecting participating students • Coordinate with families and school personnel to address identified barriers. • Connect families with available support related to transportation, scheduling, or other identified attendance barriers, when appropriate.
• Reinforce student accountability and the development of consistent attendance habits.
6. Student and Family Incentive Program: The program will administer an attendance and engagement incentive structure designed to encourage consistent participation and recognize student and family progress. Subject to available funding and applicable program requirements, incentives may include:
• Monthly student attendance milestone rewards
• Semester attendance bonuses
• Non-financial recognition and celebrations
• Family attendance rewards
• Parent engagement incentives
• Parent Attendance Partner give away opportunities
City staff will track applicable student milestones and coordinate incentive distribution consistent with established program criteria.
7. Family Engagement: Project Stride will incorporate family engagement throughout the pilot period through:
• Regular communication regarding student participation and progress. • Monthly family literacy engagement opportunities.
• Assistance identifying and addressing barriers to student attendance. • Parent/caregiver engagement incentives.
• Opportunities for parents/caregivers to provide program feedback. • Connection to available community-based resources when appropriate.
8. Data Collection and Program Evaluation: The City and District will collaborate, as appropriate, to collect information necessary to measure program participation and impact.
Program evaluation will include, as available and appropriate:
• Baseline student literacy and attendance data
• Ongoing program attendance and participation records
• Student school-attendance data
• Mid-year literacy and attendance assessments
• End-of-program literacy and attendance assessments
• Pre- and/or post-program surveys and feedback from students, parents/caregivers, teachers, and City staff
• Student incentive and milestone tracking
• Documentation of identified attendance barriers and interventions provided
9. Progress Monitoring: Project Stride will monitor progress to determine whether participating students demonstrate improvement in the program's three primary areas:
Power Stride
• Self-control
• Perseverance
• Accountability
• Physical coordination
• Classroom focus/behavior, when data is available.
Knowledge Stride
• Reading participation
• Reading comprehension and literacy growth
• Student confidence and engagement with reading
Reliable Stride
• School attendance
• Reduction in absences
• Improved consistency
• Participation in Project Stride
• Identified attendance barriers addressed through program intervention
10. Final Program Report: At the conclusion of the pilot period, the City will compile a Project Stride Year-End Program Report summarizing available program data and outcomes. The report will include:
• Number of students enrolled and served
• Program participation and retention
• After-school program attendance
• Student school-attendance trends
• Literacy assessment results and/or demonstrated progress • Tae Kwon Do and character-development participation
• Student and family incentive participation
• Family engagement activities
• Survey and stakeholder feedback
• Identified successes and implementation challenges
• Attendance barriers identified and interventions provided • Overall progress toward Project Stride goals
• Recommendations regarding continuation, modification, or expansion of the program
11. Implementation Milestones
• Preparation: Identify pilot schools, finalize agreements, and hire/train City staff. • Baseline: Conduct initial literacy and attendance assessments. • Program Launch: Begin literacy mentorship, Tae Kwon Do instruction, attendance support, and student check-ins.
• Engagement: Continue programming, reinforce attendance habits, and gather stakeholder feedback.
• Mid-Point Evaluation: Conduct mid-year literacy and attendance assessments and administer applicable semester incentives.
• Progression: Continue advanced Tae Kwon Do/character-development instruction, literacy programming, attendance interventions, and monthly incentive cycles. • Final Evaluation and Reporting: Conduct final assessments and surveys, complete the year-end attendance impact report, administer final recognition/incentives, and evaluate overall pilot outcomes.
12. Site Location
El Dorado Elementary School
361 E Pondera Street
Lancaster, CA 93535