Board approves MOU with Friends of the Children after trustees press for safety assurances

The Pocatello-Chubbuck School District 25 board voted to approve a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Friends of the Children after trustees discussed safety and supervision expectations.

AJ (staff) told trustees the district had the MOU from Friends of the Children for consideration. Several trustees pressed for explicit assurances that Friends of the Children will follow district safety rules, including two-adult supervision when mentors work with students on district property.

One trustee said the district should "make sure they're written and that she agrees to it when she has any child from our district," emphasizing the desire to incorporate clear safety expectations. AJ and other staff said they would follow up with the program (Gina Judd was referenced as the organization's executive director in the work-session materials) to obtain written confirmation. Trustees also noted the district would not have direct oversight of off-site activities such as transportation but that staff had heard Friends of the Children describe practices — for example, using in-vehicle cameras — for one-on-one contact outside school grounds.

After discussion and staff assurances that the organization agrees to follow district policies while operating on school sites, a trustee moved to approve the MOU and the board approved the motion.

The MOU authorizes the partnership to operate in district facilities under district rules; staff will follow up with the partner to confirm and document the safety practices discussed. The board recorded the motion and approved the agreement by voice vote.