Hayward City Council prioritizes student safety and community resilience plans

The Hayward City Council convened on April 15, 2025, to discuss several key issues impacting the community, focusing on financial discipline, public safety, and organizational assessments. The meeting began with a review of the city’s budget and a call for a mid-year financial review to ensure fiscal responsibility as the city prepares for potential economic challenges.

Council members emphasized the importance of implementing a language access plan, reflecting Hayward's status as one of the most diverse cities in the nation. Council Member Sarah highlighted the need for a city-wide compensation philosophy to ensure fair and consistent pay practices across departments.

The discussion then shifted to public safety, particularly regarding the school resource officer (SRO) program. Council Member Bonilla proposed a collaborative approach with the Hayward Unified School District (HUSD) to enhance student safety both on and off campus. This proposal aims to explore innovative solutions for student safety, moving beyond traditional SRO models, and fostering a partnership between the city and the school district.

Council Member Cyro echoed the need for a strong relationship between the city and HUSD, advocating for intentional dialogue about student safety. The council also discussed updating the community resilience plan, particularly in light of the Hayward Fault and the need for preparedness against natural disasters.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of organizational assessments for both the police and fire departments to optimize service delivery. Council members expressed support for enhancing the dispatch center and ensuring safety measures within city facilities, including libraries.

Overall, the council's discussions underscored a commitment to fiscal responsibility, community safety, and proactive planning for the future, with plans for follow-up actions and continued collaboration with local agencies.