DATE: September 9, 2025
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: John Zanoni, Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator
SUBJECT: Retroactive Memorandum of Understanding with Fresno Unified School District
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Approve Retroactive Memorandum of Understanding with the Fresno Unified School District through its Fresno Adult School for adult educational and vocational services for adults incarcerated at the County’s jail facilities and adults under active supervision of the Sheriff’s Office, effective August 18, 2025, through June 30, 2026, with up to five (5) additional one-year written extensions ($0).
REPORT
Approval of the recommended action will allow Fresno Unified School District (FUSD), through its Fresno Adult School (FAS) to provide adult educational and Career and Technical Educational vocational curriculum and instruction to incarcerated adults, which will include state-authorized courses within High School Equivalency Test Preparation, Culinary Certification Training, and Custodial Certification Training. FAS will provide appropriate teaching staff, curriculum, and facilitate educational and career assessments. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
If your Board does not approve the recommended action, FAS will not be able to provide adult and vocational services to incarcerated adults at no cost to the County.
RETROACTIVE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING:
The recommended Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is retroactive due to the length of time required to negotiate and obtain signatures. The signed MOU was received from FUSD on August 13, 2025.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. There will be no cost to the Sheriff’s Office for services provided by FAS to incarcerated adults.
DISCUSSION:
FUSD has overseen the delivery of adult educational and vocational services for over 45 years. FAS has received several awards and recognition in the past years, including the Hands Across the Valley Volunteer Award for the Fresno County Office of Education’s Adult Transition Program. FAS also has a partnership with Fresno City College through the dual enrollment classes that helps students gain access to college and career readiness, and provides resources to the students, such as access to the food pantry, bus passes, health clinic, and other necessities.
FAS will provide Community Classroom services with FCSO under the recommended Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to adults incarcerated in FCSO’S jail facilities (Jail Facilities) and/or adults under active supervision of the FCSO Custody Division.
The recommended MOU contains a non-standard mutual indemnification provision that each party recognizes and accepts the other party is self-insured. These mutual indemnification provisions are common in the County’s agreements with other public agencies, including districts.
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Memorandum of Understanding with Fresno Unified School District
CAO ANALYST:
Fine Nai