While local associations statewide are working to negotiate community schools power-sharing agreements into their contracts, many are memorializing their collaboration with school districts through a memorandum of understanding (MOU).

Natomas Teachers Association reached a Community Schools MOU with the district in March, outlining basic parameters to prepare for implementing community schools. NEA-Jurupa signed a Community Schools MOU the same month, while their work continues to bargain shared decision- making language into the contract. Highlights of the MOU include the agreement that community schools site coordinators will be part of the bargaining unit and details about the community schools steering committee.

In January, Montebello Teachers Association won a new community schools article in their contract, which outlines the formation of a steering committee to guide community schools work in Montebello. While the article is not as expansive or detailed as UTR’s, it’s a major achievement for MTA that memorializes the commitment to community schools while allowing for flexibility moving forward.