MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING CITY OF MERCED
AND THE
MERCED CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
School Resource Officers Program - Partnership
Agreement 2025-2028
THIS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING is made and entered into on July_, 2025, by and between the City of Merced (hereinafter referred to as "City") and the Merced City School District (hereinafter referred to as "MCSD") (hereinafter referred to separately as "Party" and collectively as "Parties").
Recitals
WHEREAS, MCSD and the City desire to create an atmosphere of cooperation toward the common goals of providing a safe learning environment for students and staff; and WHEREAS, MCSD and the City desire to promote positive relationships between the school, the police department, and the community; and
WHEREAS, in furtherance of the goals set forth above, MCSD and the City desire to implement a School Resource Officer (hereinafter referred to as "SRO") Program for the school years of 2025-2026,2026-2027,and 2027-2028;and
WHEREAS, MCSD and the City's desire to set forth in this Memorandum of Understanding (hereinafter referred to as "MOU") the specific terms and conditions of the services to be performed and provided by the SR Os at the schools of MCSD.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises herein contained, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
1.0 Goals and Objectives - It is understood and agreed that the MCSD and the City share the following goals and objectives regarding the SRO Program in MCSD schools:
1.1 To foster educational programs and activities that will increase students' knowledge of anq respect for the law and the function of law enforcement agencies.
1.2 To encourage SRO attendance at collaboratively planned extra-curricular activities held at the schools, such as parent meetings, athletic events, and concerts.
1.3 To act swiftly and cooperatively when responding to major disruptions and flagrant criminal offenses at school sites, such as: disorderly conduct by trespassers (parents, community members, etc.), the possession and use of weapons on campus, the illegal sales and/or distribution of controlled substances, and riots.
1.4 To report serious crimes that occur on MCSD campuses and to cooperate with the law enforcement officials in their investigation of crimes that occur at MCSD schools.
1.5 To cooperate with law enforcement officials in their investigations of criminal offenses which occur off MCSD campuses.
2.0 Employment, Compensation and Assignment of School Resource Officer
2.1 The City agrees to make two (2) SROs available during the term of this MOU. The number of SR Os employed under this MOU is dependent on the City's ability to employ qualified police officers who have both the ability and required skill set to perform the required duties of an SRO for the purposes intended by this MOU. The SR Os shall be employees of the City and be subject to the administration, supervision, and control of the City's Police Department except as such administration, supervision, and control are subject to the terms and conditions of this MOU. The SRO shall also be subject to all personnel rules, policies, and practices of the Department and the City, except as such policies or practices may have to be modified to comply with the terms and conditions of this MOU. The SRO, while at school campus or at school functions, will be considered by MCSD to be "School Officials" pursuant to Education Code section 49076.
2.2 The City agrees to provide and to pay SRO salaries and employment benefits in accordance with the applicable salary schedules and employment practices of the City that are in effect during the time of this MOU, including, but not necessarily limited to: sick leave, vacation leave, compensatory time off, holiday in lieu, longevity pay and other add pays, retirement contribution, workers compensation, unemployment compensation, life insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance and medical insurance.
2.3 During the term of this MOU (and subject to availability of funds), MCSD agrees to reimburse the City for seventy percent (70%) of the actual cost of each full-time SRO selected to serve the MCSD. The maximum salary of a Police Officer Step 6 in fiscal year 2025-2026 on the City's pay scale is two hundred ninety-three thousand, three hundred forty-one dollars and forty-one cents ($293,231.41 for each SRO. Seventy percent (70%) of said amount, which includes administrative costs, is two hundred and five thousand, two hundred and sixty-one dollars and ninety-nine cents ($205,261.99) for each SRO. This amount is highest rate option for SRO service in fiscal year 2025- 2026 and is inclusive of salary and benefits. Pending the selection of SROs by the City and MCSD, the amount billed for SRO services will not exceed the Police Officer (Step 6) rate for the relative fiscal year. A cost detail for fiscal year 2025-2026, fiscal year 2026-2027, and fiscal year 2027-28 pay scale for the SRO's position is set forth in greater detail in the Exhibits, which is attached to this MOU and incorporated by reference herein. MCSD agrees to incorporate any SRO City contract pay increases during the term of this MOU. By July 1 of each year during the term of this MOU, City shall provide to MCSD in writing an updated Exhibit to reflect salary costs for the services under this MOU for the upcoming fiscal year.
MCSD may request City to provide additional services (i.e., services in addition to those performed during the SR O's normal working hours of a forty ( 40) hour work week) by an SRO during evening or weekend events such as: meetings, Back-to School Nights, Open House(s), sporting event(s), dance(s), or other school sponsored events. MCSD shall pay City all costs that City incurs in providing additional services