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Board delays vote on revised SRO memorandum after contract changes from city prompt questions
Summary
Redondo Beach Unified trustees voted 4–1 to continue consideration of a revised school resource officer (SRO) memorandum of understanding after staff and board members raised concerns that the city's new draft changed service guarantees and increased the district's payment without prior notice.
The Redondo Beach Unified School District board on July 29 paused action on a revised memorandum of understanding with the city governing the school resource officer program after members raised concerns about significant and late changes to the draft.
Board members said the city’s newly revised third amendment appeared to alter the program’s service terms and to increase the district’s financial contribution from the $100,000 the district had budgeted to a requested $200,000 for the coming year. Members said the budget had already been set based on earlier language and that the new contract text no longer clearly guaranteed two SROs serving all district schools, which had been the original intent of the partnership.
After extended discussion about timing, intent and contract language, the board approved a substitute motion to continue the item so staff could seek clarifying language from the city manager and return with a revised amendment that reflected the partnership’s intent. The motion to continue passed 4–1.
Board members emphasized support for the SRO program and for maintaining strong city–district collaboration, but repeatedly said the board needed a clear, written agreement before committing additional budgeted funds. The board also asked staff to confirm whether the city had formally approved earlier drafts and to request a version of the amendment that explicitly reflects the original intent of two SROs covering all schools or otherwise explains changed service expectations.
Next steps: district staff will consult the city manager and request clarified contract language and written confirmation of the city’s intended staffing level and fee structure. The board will take the item up again at a future meeting after receiving the city’s response.
