Board approves one‑year amendment to crossing‑guard memorandum with city amid dispute over cost share

Riverside Unified on July 26 approved a one‑year amendment to the memorandum of understanding with the City of Riverside that adjusts cost‑sharing for the district’s school crossing guard program.

District staff summarized the history: the city managed and fully funded crossing guards for decades, but a 2019 agreement moved to a shared‑cost model amid fiscal pressures. The most recent amendments shifted portions of cost responsibility among the city and participating school districts. The city council approved a change in May that sets the city contribution at 45% and raises the district’s share to 55% for the included locations and new school sites; the amendment covers one year and allows time for the city, Riverside Unified and neighboring districts to negotiate longer‑term terms.

Board members stressed student safety is the top priority but also questioned the rationale for increasing the district’s share and requested clearer justification from the city on the allocation. Staff said the one‑year amendment prevents a service disruption at the start of the school year; if the board had not approved it, crossing‑guard services risked being unavailable for the first day of classes. The district will continue negotiations with the city and asked that board members be included in future talks; the board asked staff to request involvement of city council representatives in negotiations.

The board approved the second amendment by motion; the vote passed unanimously. Board members said they expect the district and city to hold scheduled meetings over the coming months to develop a multi‑year arrangement that more clearly apportions cost and responsibilities.