Gilroy Unified approves MOU for two school resource officers after lengthy debate on safety, cost and restorative practice

The Gilroy Unified Board of Education approved a memorandum of understanding with the City of Gilroy to fund two school resource officers (SROs) for the 2026–27 school year at a district cost of up to $293,969.99. The item followed a staff presentation summarizing LCAP survey results, SRO training in restorative practices and discipline data showing fewer suspensions and juvenile arrests over recent years.

During public comment, a city representative and several supporters highlighted survey results — staff, parents and many students reported feeling comfortable with SROs and believing SROs contribute to safety. Staff presented LCAP survey totals showing high percentages of agreement (for example, roughly 88–93% of parents and staff reported being comfortable with SROs and believed SROs made students feel safe in recent years).

Trustees debated several points before voting. Questions included how the district measures SRO impact versus broader prevention efforts, whether two officers are the appropriate staffing level (to provide redundancy for vacations and events), and whether $300,000 is the best use of limited local funds versus prevention programs, hiring more counselors, or traffic/safety enforcement in the community.

Supporters cited examples of prevention and rapid response that they said involved SROs, and stressed the relative proportion of the MOU to the overall $186 million general fund. Opponents asked for more granular evidence tying reductions in suspensions to SRO activities and for clarity about backup coverage when an officer is on leave; district staff said the city bills only the contracted MOU amount and that SROs frequently provide unpaid additional coverage at events. The board voted to approve the MOU.