REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Authorize the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the Santa Clara Unified School District for the BRAVE Program and Approve the Related Budget Amendment
Report
BACKGROUND
On October 8, 2024, the City Council approved the implementation of the Building Respect, Awareness and Values through Education (BRAVE) pilot program with the Santa Clara Unified School District (School District) for the 2024/25 school year (RTC #24-630). The BRAVE program was designed to align with the evolving landscape of laws (e.g., use of marijuana and vaping) and youth challenges (e.g., peer pressure, bullying, cyberbullying, substance use prevention and education.)
The 2024/25 pilot program delivered BRAVE curriculum to approximately 480 4th grade students in the School District. The seven-week pilot program engaged students through a combination of classroom instruction, discussions and interactive activities. Key highlights include:
• Interactive Learning: Classroom lessons focused on topics such as respect, empathy and making responsible choices. Student participation was encouraged through discussions, group activities and question and answer opportunities.
• Age-Appropriate Discussions: Lessons included sensitive but age-appropriate conversations about cybersecurity, peer pressure, bullying and substance use prevention and education helping students develop healthy coping strategies and responsible online behavior.
• Anonymous Question Box: Each week students submitted anonymous questions for officers to answer the following week. The number of questions significantly increased as the program progressed, showing growing trust and engagement.
• Student Learning Assessments: Students participated in short tests designed to gauge learning progress and reinforce key concepts of the program.
• Written Essay Activity: Students completed an essay reflecting on how they could apply the lessons of respect, kindness, and community in their daily lives.
• Graduation: Students received BRAVE program completion certificates from the Police Department and Mascot K-9 Walsh.
• Positive Outcomes: The pilot program demonstrated increased student participation, improved awareness of key values, and enhanced relationships between students and officers. School administrators, teachers, parents and students shared positive feedback about the program.
DISCUSSION
The BRAVE Pilot program was tested at seven schools in the School District during the 2024/25 school year and received an overwhelmingly positive response. Adjustments to the curriculum were made based on program surveys and teacher feedback. Building on the success of the pilot program and in partnership with the School District, the Police Department would like to continue to provide BRAVE in the 2025/26 school year.
The purpose of the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City and the School District is to establish a formal partnership for the delivery of the BRAVE program to 4th graders by maintaining positive youth-law enforcement relationships, and addressing current issues such as responsibility, communication, peer pressure, bullying, cybersecurity and substance awareness.
The School Services Unit of the Police Department will provide eight weeks of the BRAVE curriculum to the 4th grade students at School District sites located within the City. A School Services sergeant will make periodic visits to the classroom to observe officer effectiveness and evaluate/adjust the program based on feedback. Furthermore, if requested by the School District, officers will provide BRAVE curriculum awareness and training for school staff.
The proposed term of the MOU with the School District for the BRAVE program is from August 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, with the option of two (2) one-year extensions.
By intervening through education in 4th grade (prior to transitional years), the BRAVE program positions students with critical information and awareness before they transition to middle school, a critical period for shaping behavior patterns and community connection.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(4) in that it is a fiscal activity that does not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potential significant impact on the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
As discussed at the October 8, 2024 City Council meeting, if the School District expressed an interest in continuing the BRAVE curriculum, a negotiated cost sharing agreement would be implemented.
The School District will reimburse the City for staff time, consisting of one hour of preparation and one hour of instruction for two officers, and program supplies, at a rate of $161 per student enrolled in class on the first day of instruction for fiscal year 2025/26. Each subsequent year will include a 3% escalator which equates to a rate of $165 per student for fiscal year 2026/27 and $170 per student for fiscal year 2027/28. Payment will be due by June 15th each fiscal year.
|
School Year |
Average Number of Students Per Year* |
Rate per Student |
Annual Total |
|
2025/26 |
924 |
$161 |
$148,764 |
|
2026/27 |
924 |
$165 |
$152,460 |
|
2027/28 |
924 |
$170 |
$157,080 |
* Assumes 42 classrooms at 22 students
Staff recommends the following budget amendment in the General Fund to recognize and appropriate the School District reimbursements to the Police Department.
Budget Amendment
FY 2025/26
|
|
Current |
Increase/ (Decrease) |
Revised |
|
General Fund |
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
|
|
|
|
Other Agencies Revenue |
$558,000 |
$148,764 |
$706,764 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenditure |
|
|
|
|
Police Department |
$99,561,544 |
$148,764 |
$99,710,308 |
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the Finance Department, City Attorney’s Office and Police Department.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
1. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the Santa Clara Unified School District for the BRAVE Program in a final form approved by the City Attorney’s Office; and
2. Approve the FY 2025/26 budget amendment in the General Fund to increase the Other Agencies Revenue estimate in the amount of $148,764 and increase the Police Department operating budget in the amount of $148,764 (five affirmative Council votes required to appropriate additional revenue).
Staff
Reviewed by: Cory Morgan, Chief of Police
Approved by: Jovan Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. MOU with City of Santa Clara (BRAVE)