City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: OCTOBER 4, 2022 FROM: PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY WARDS: ALL SERVICES DEPARTMENT SUBJECT: MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN RIVERSIDE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE FOR A COLLABORATIVE AFTERSCHOOL PROSOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR DISADVANTAGED YOUTH ISSUE:
Approve Memorandum of Understanding between Riverside Unified School District and the City of Riverside for collaborative afterschool prosocial opportunities for disadvantaged youth.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council:
Approve Memorandum of Understanding between Riverside Unified School District and the City of Riverside Afterschool Prosocial Collaborative; and Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary documents and approve future addendums to the Memorandum of Understanding.
BACKGROUND:
In January 2022, the Riverside Unified School District (RUSD) approached the City of Riverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department (PRCSD) to collaborate on an afterschool prosocial program for youth who are at-risk, homeless, or in transitional housing circumstances.
PRCSD offers afterschool programming at Stratton, Ruth Lewis, Nichols, Villegas, and Orange Terrace Community Centers. Programs operate Monday-Friday from 3 – 6 p.m.
DISCUSSION:
PRCSD will provide Afterschool Prosocial Engagement Opportunities for students during the week with weekly homework assistance, and opportunities for students that need additional instructional time. In addition, students will be able to participate in PRCSD programming offered at all community centers, throughout the City. Programs will be offered to Expanded Learning participants in partnership with RUSD. PRCSD will also provide enrichment activity days, to impoverished families. PRCSD offers camps during school breaks. (Fall Day Camp, Winter Day Camp, Spring Day Camp, and Summer Day Camp). The MOU contains a COVID-19 Contingency Plan, in which PRCSD will partner RUSD to modify and continue all elements of services if in-person curriculum changes, due to Covid 19. The RUSD’s Homeless Education program and PRCSD understand the importance of building important relationships with the community partners, including the important endeavor of identifying, educating, and serving children and youth experiencing homelessness. RUSD will also work with PRCSD to host trainings to teach, inform and empower partners so they feel capable of properly and confidently guiding families to RUSD for the immediate school enrollment of their children.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
The RUSD MOU promotes educational and service programs to “At Risk Youth" by offering educational, recreational opportunities. Providing programming through community partnerships fulfils Strategic Priority Goal No. 1 Arts, Culture & Recreation and Goal No. 1.5 – support programs and amenities to further develop literacy, health, and education of children, youth and seniors throughout the community.
Community Trust – The RUSD MOU promotes the public good of the community by bringing educational resources to low-income areas. The program focuses on youth who may not have the resources and support available to assist them in their educational journey.
Equity – The program focuses on “At Risk Youth" in various community, providing educational and recreational resources to youth in areas where resources may not otherwise be provided.
Fiscal Responsibility – Program fees are pass-through with Riverside Unified School District providing compensation to PRCSD for participant enrollment.
Innovation – The program provides opportunities for “at risk” youth to participate in classes that are technology based and providing technology skills needed in the education system and workforce.
Sustainability & Resiliency – Educating and engaging the youth of Riverside promotes sustainability, by preparing youth for educational advancement and the workforce.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The fiscal impact of this action is $120,000 annually for a total of $600,000 for the term of the agreement. Revenue generated will be deposited into the General Fund, Charges for Services, Special Recreational Programs revenue account 5205000-343510.
Prepared by: Pamela M. Galera, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director Certified as to
availability of funds: Edward Enriquez, Chief Financial Officer / City Treasurer Approved by: Kris Martinez, Assistant City Manager Approved as to form: Phaedra A. Norton, City Attorney Attachment: Agreement
RUSD Expanded Learning MOU