Chico Unified Board of Education Special Meeting 10/14/26

The Chico Unified Board of Education held an information-only special meeting on October 14, 2026, to hear from the Chico Police Department and community members about a proposed funding partnership for an expanded school resource officer (SRO) program. Police Chief Aldridge described a $4.5 million Proposition 64 grant awarded to the department, which also funds code-enforcement work, and said the district’s proposed contribution would be approximately $611,000 to support additional SRO staffing. The proposal would expand campus coverage beyond the two SROs and a supervisor supported through the grant; the chief said reduced district funding would mean less officer time on campuses. No board action or vote was taken. The board is expected to revisit the proposal at its October 21 meeting.

The chief outlined plans for SRO selection, supervision, engagement, training, cannabis and vaping education, and performance reporting, including tracking safety, prevention, diversion, and student outcomes. He said the district could choose an annual or biennial review cycle and that prior grant reports could be retrieved, though he did not have the previous program’s metrics available at the meeting. Community members expressed both support and opposition, raising potential safety and mentoring benefits as well as concerns about cost, student privacy, disability accommodations, and disproportionate discipline of students of color and students with disabilities. Some speakers urged directing funds to counselors and other student supports; others supported restoring SROs to campuses. The discussion did not establish a funding commitment or final policy decision.