Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Schools topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Gilroy renews memorandum with school district to fund two school resource officers for 2025–26
Summary
The council authorized renewal of the MOU with Gilroy Unified School District to fund two school resource officers (SROs) for 2025–26; total program cost is $600,037, with the city responsible for roughly half (~$300,018). A district survey showed about 90.6% support for SRO presence on campuses.
The Gilroy City Council unanimously authorized staff to execute a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Gilroy Unified School District to provide two school resource officers for the 2025–26 school year. The council vote was 7–0.
Captain Juan Rocha of the Gilroy Police Department presented program statistics and the MOU terms. The city’s two SROs support campus safety, restorative practices, referrals to mental‑health and behavioral services, and collaboration with school staff. The SRO program in Gilroy dates to 1985 and the current officers have served in the district for more than 10 years, Captain Rocha said.
Between February 2024 and February 2025, SROs recorded 928 calls for service across district campuses; most calls were at Gilroy High School (199). In the same period officers handled 262 counseling sessions, took 222 police reports, and made 37 juvenile arrests (down from 78 the prior year). Captain Rocha said the district had sent an annual survey of students, staff, and families; roughly 90.6% of respondents supported SRO presence on campuses.
Financial terms presented to council show the total program cost for two SROs is $600,037; the city’s share is approximately $300,018 (50 percent), with Gilroy Unified School District covering the remaining half. Staff described the 50/50 split as the longstanding partnership approach and said both parties have historically kept the same cost‑share arrangement.
Council members asked for detail about the distribution of calls across campuses, training for SROs, and whether program costs or staffing levels had been a recurring point of negotiation; staff said the 50/50 funding split has been standard and the district is concurrently investing in school wellness and support services.
Public speakers and council members expressed broad support; one commenter said the program’s presence and the two veteran SROs were worth the investment. Council adopted the resolution renewing the MOU and authorizing the city administrator to sign.
Why it matters: the MOU funds sworn officers working regularly on campus with responsibilities ranging from safety response to student counseling and diversion. The high survey support reported by the district was cited by staff and commenters as a rationale for renewing the partnership.
