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The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action on approving an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Maricopa Police Department and the Maricopa Unified School District to place five School Resource Officers (SROs) at five District schools using funding from the Arizona Department of Education’s School Safety Program Grant. Discussion and Action.
AGENDA ITEM DESCRIPTION
The Intergovernmental Agreement establishes a 3-year partnership between the City of Maricopa Police Department and the Maricopa Unified School District to place five School Resource Officers (SROs) at five District schools using funding from the Arizona Department of Education’s School Safety Program Grant. Under the agreement the awarded funds of $577,778 will go to the City to assign trained, certified police officers to serve full time on each campus, performing a mix of law enforcement duties, law related education, and student mentoring as outlined in the School Safety Program Guidance Manual. The City will invoice MUSD for SRO services on a quarterly basis throughout the duration of the agreement. The arrangement strengthens school safety by ensuring consistent on site law enforcement presence, improving emergency preparedness, and supporting positive behavior and citizenship through structured educational activities. The District pays the City for quarterly invoiced SRO services and shares clearly defined responsibilities related to providing workspace, access, records compliance, and support for school wide safety initiatives. The City benefits by expanding its community policing efforts, building relationships with youth and families, and deploying officers through an externally funded program. Overall, this agreement proposes a structured, collaborative relationship that enhances campus safety, promotes student wellbeing, and ensures both the City and District meet state requirements while maintaining clear operational boundaries and accountability.
The Maricopa Unified School District SRO program includes the following Schools and assigned officers:
-Alma Farrell Innovation Academy, OFC Daniel Johnson
-Desert Sunrise High School, OFC Zak Bittner
-Desert Wind Middle School, OFC Lisa Castillo
-Maricopa High School, OFC Jaime McCauley
-Maricopa Wells Middle School, OFC Adam Abel
*Note: During the duration of the agreement, officers may be replaced or reassigned as needed due to staffing needs.*
Grant capacity was created in FY27 for the amount of $577,778 in 22022122-53300 and will be transferred to the 22022122 grant accounts for personnel expenses reimbursed by MUSD (invoiced by the city quarterly).
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Maricopa Police Department and the Maricopa Unified School District to place five School Resource Officers (SROs) at five District schools using funding from the Arizona Department of Education’s School Safety Program Grant and authorizing Mark Goodman, Chief of Police to execute the Agreement and any future amendments related thereto.