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Poway Unified board approves trans-family support services MOU after public concerns; trustees ask for accountability and staff training plan
Summary
The board unanimously ratified a multi-year MOU with Trans Family Support Services (TFSS) amid public questions about timing, prior performance, and whether services were delivered before board approval; trustees requested follow-up reporting on contract execution and internal capacity-building for future training.
The Poway Unified School Board voted on Nov. 14 to approve an existing memorandum of understanding with Trans Family Support Services (TFSS) — a multi-year agreement listed at $18,000 for year two of three — after a public commenter raised concerns about its timing and oversight.
A public speaker urged the board to review the TFSS arrangement, saying the MOU had an effective date in a prior school year and asking whether the organization had fulfilled prior obligations and been paid without board approval. "Have you confirmed that TFSS fulfilled all their responsibilities under their prior MOU and have you seen the collaboration results?" the commenter asked.
Trustees debated the options, noting the contract exceeded the district's $15,000 three-year approval threshold and that the MOU had been signed under prior leadership. Several trustees said they supported the value of TFSS as a resource for counselors and families while pressing staff for accountability and for building internal capacity so the district can reduce reliance on outside vendors over time. District staff said TFSS provides consultation on gender-identity plans, supports GSA clubs and student groups, and makes itself available by phone or Zoom for campus consultations.
District staff referenced recent Education Code requirements for staff training (ed. code 218.3) and said the district has scheduled three staff members for county training in December to prepare for compliance beginning July 2025. Trustees asked that staff report back on contract performance and possibilities to develop an in-district trainer model. On a motion and second, the board approved the CSR line item and the MOU.
