HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-11-13 City Schools Liaison Committee Agenda Packet
CITY OF PALO ALTO &
PALO ALTO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
City Schools Liaison Committee
Regular Meeting
Thursday, November 13, 2025
7:00 PM
Community Meeting Room & Hybrid
250 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto
Amended Agenda
Amended agenda items appear below in RED
City School Liaison Committee meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to
attend by teleconference/video conference or in person. Information on how the public may
observe and participate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda. The meeting will be
broadcast live on Zoom.
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PUBLIC COMMENTS
General Public Comment for items not on the agenda will be accepted in person for up to three
minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. General public comment will be heard
for 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda.
Public comments for agendized items will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to
three minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. Written public comments can be
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available for inspection on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are
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1 November 13, 2025
Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Board after distribution of the agenda packet are available for
public inspection at www.CityofPaloAlto.org.
CALL TO ORDER
REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS
A.Open Forum/Public Communications
B.Review of Minutes
C.City and District Reports
D.Update on JED Foundation Implementation
F.Discussion on allcove Palo Alto New Item Added
E.Future Business
ADJOURNMENT
2 November 13, 2025
Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Board after distribution of the agenda packet are available for
public inspection at www.CityofPaloAlto.org.
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CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 862-8046-0108 Phone: 1-669-900-6833
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3 November 13, 2025
Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Board after distribution of the agenda packet are available for
public inspection at www.CityofPaloAlto.org.
involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use, and has a financial interest in the
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4 November 13, 2025
Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Board after distribution of the agenda packet are available for
public inspection at www.CityofPaloAlto.org.
Page 1 of 11
Special Meeting
April 1, 2025
Chairperson Stone called the meeting to order on this date at 7:02 p.m.
Present: City of Palo Alto Representatives
Greer Stone, Councilmember (Chair)
George Lu, Councilmember
Ed Shikada, City Manager
Chantal Gaines, Deputy City Manager
Palo Alto Unified School District Representatives.
Alison Kamhi, Board Member
Shana Segal, Board Member
Board Member Chiu arrived at 7:04 p.m.
Guillermo Lopez, Associate Superintendent
Yolanda Conaway, Assistant Superintendent of Equity and Student Affairs
Absent: None
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Stone called the meeting to order.
The clerk called roll and declared there was a quorum.
REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Open Forum/Public Communications
There were no requests to speak.
B. Approval of Minutes
MOTION: Board Member Segal moved, seconded by Chair Stone, to approve the minutes as presented.
MOTION PASSED: 4-0
City/School Liaison Committee
Special Meeting
Item B
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C. City and District Reports
Assistant Superintendent of Equity and Student Affairs Yolanda Conaway commented that work is being
done to align practices with the promise. There is and has been a heavy focus on mental health for
several years. They recently presented a midyear progress report to the School Board, and there can be
celebration around student utilization of supports and services. They had also presented data on
student challenges and needs. The number one cause for students seeking care is academic pressure
and second is family pressure, which needs to be investigated. The data will be examined to try to
determine where there are gaps in services. There has been an increase in the number of special
education students served, so there is a focus on improving and strengthening those programs. Autism
students are at the center of that. The Special Education District Advisory Committee (SEDAC) has been
developed, which will address those concerns. There is also a broader focus on students with disabilities.
Expect to see increasing staffing for service providers at the elementary site. There will be discussion
about where and how to expand.
Board Member Segal noted that there is a Special Education Committee and an email was sent to
everyone in PAUSD. She asked those interested in being on the committee to sign up. It is envisioned
that it will be quarterly.
Assistant Superintendent Conaway mentioned that the committee is designed to determine how
parents have access to childcare and to ensure that programs will be bolstered for pre-K and TK
students. They identified 3 key areas of focus, which have gone to the board and there will be further
discussion.
Board Member Segal added that the meeting also addressed the partnership between City and School
and how to best utilize programs such as preschool family, young fives, and springboard to kindergarten.
If the new Early Childhood Director position is approved by the Board, there is a lot of work that people
would like to see done. It was hard to narrow down to three recommendations. At the next board
meeting, the 3 recommendations could move forward. She spoke of her volunteering at YCS.
Assistant Superintendent Conaway remarked they have been doing a lot of work around multitiered
systems of support. There is a system for students who are struggling in any academic area.
City Manager Ed Shikada stated the Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Update is ongoing. There will
be a workshop on April 2. Information is available at cityofpaloalto.org. They are seeking feedback on
the plan, policies, and programs. The comment period will extend through the end of April.
NO ACTION
F. Safe Routes to School Annual Report for 2022-2025 and Review Endorsement of Consensus
Statement; CEQA Status - not a project Title
Deputy City Manager Chantal Gaines voiced that there is an opportunity for the Board and Council to
renew the understanding and support for the Consensus Statement and the bylaws.
Item B
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Senior Transportation Planner Rose Mesterhazy introduced SRTS High School Associate Planner Audrey
Smith and SRTS Administrative Assistant Cynthia Zhou. She provided a 3-year summary of the SRTS
Program accomplishments and partnership outcomes. The SRTS partnership celebrates 30-year
milestones and shares the 3-year program highlights, trend analysis of outcomes, and identifies
anticipated program priorities. Partnership is the most valued priority. Bylaws specify that the purpose
of the meetings are to serve in an advisory capacity to the City Manager and the superintendent related
to transportation safety for students. Communication to leadership is shared through policy advisory
committees. Representatives from the PTA, PAUSD, and the City meet each month. They strive to
ensure that improvements are significant and constant. She provided a general overview of some of
their work, which includes student bicycle and pedestrian safety education, a commitment to prioritize
school route safety and accessibility, reduce risks, and encouraging families to choose healthy and
sustainable school commutes. The SRTS partnership continues to identify new ways to minimize gridlock
along school commute corridors. She detailed data collected since 2016. She provided a table
highlighting key accomplishments across 6 pillars, including education, engineering, engagement,
encouragement, equity, and evaluation. She elaborated on the key achievements over the last 3 years.
There has been a decline in walking/biking to school, although walking rates have remained stable for
middle schoolers. The declines are attributed to shifts in community initiatives/changing community
priorities, but increased engagement in partner involvement is being observed. There has also been a
decline in youth education programs. Parents express a need for enhanced road-sharing education.
There has also been a reduction in transit services. Another factor may be restricted school access.
There have been challenges in community outreach. To address declining walking and biking, they
recommend aligning community initiatives, endorsing the revised SRTS Partnership Consensus
Statement and bylaws, enhancing secondary education, and that PTAC, City Council, and the PAUSD
Board of Education reaffirm local commitment to SRTS goals. The SRTS Youth Coordinator Associate
Planner will explore expanding bicycle and pedestrian safety education for grades 7 through 12. They
will also collaborate with youth and transit providers to improve access to sustainable, equitable, and
cost-effective transit options. They want to continue working with PAUSD partners to integrate
transportation safety recommendations. They will continue to have conversations via the City/School
Transportation Safety Committee. Public awareness should be increased. The BPTP will be updated.
Educational resources will be created to address parent concerns.
PTA Council Safe Routes to School Co-Chair Lara Anthony requested that the SCLC formally endorse the
updated SRTS Consensus Statement and bylaws and that the City, PAUSD, and the PTAs reaffirm their
commitment to the SRTS partnership. The updated documents reflect updated data and messaging, but
there are no significant changes. They are asking that the 30th anniversary of SRTS be marked with the
resolutions so the 3 partner organizations can reaffirm their commitment to SRTS. Continued
investment is required to sustain the number of those walking and biking to school. There needs to be
yearly bike and safety education, appropriate access and bike facilities, current level funding for SRTS,
continual prioritization of bike and pedestrian safety, and PTA volunteers for events.
Public Comment:
1. Matt O. expressed that he supports SRTS and requested that the program be prioritized and
fully funded at current levels.
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2. Kyla F. remarked that she supports SRTS and asked that it be prioritized and fully funded at
current levels.
3. Ken H. stated that he supports SRTS. He is concerned about bicyclists in the evenings and
requested that every bicycle have a safety light and that there be safety inspections. He
indicated there is a safety issue with regard to the accumulation of many bicycles at the corner
of Churchill and Alma.
Councilmember Lu voiced that he supports SRTS. He asked if there should be substantive changes to the
bylaws to further improve SRTS.
PTA Council Safe Routes to School Co-Chair Anthony answered that the documents were reviewed with
the CSTSC and all members voted in favor of the proposed documents. It is a good idea to consider how
the Committee works and what processes might need improvement or enhancement. Volunteers bring
feedback to the Committee, but there is not a clear path to elevate proposed changes or concerns. She
desires that there be a process to connect with City engineers to bring attention to raised concerns.
Councilmember Lu inquired if this resolution will accomplish that or if something needs to be agendized
for Council.
Transportation Planning Manager Sylvia Star-Lack replied that the SS4A Action Plan will develop a quick-
build program, and hopefully there will be pathway from CSTSC into that program so there will be a
clear structure for submitting ideas and getting them on the ground once approved by engineers.
City Manager Ed Shikada added that the bylaws provide enabling action and responsibilities needed.
There is collaboration with representatives from the Office of Transportation, the Police Department,
parents, volunteers, the City, and the School District, and he provided an example of work being done in
collaboration.
Councilmember Lu queried if the current structure would allow for prioritizing or escalating daylighting
intersections around schools if SRTS should endorse it.
City Manager Shikada responded it is an issue of coordination among City departments and setting it as
a priority in terms of resource allocation. He suspects it will be a discussion for Council. Setting priorities
to focus on the most important intersections does not require direction through a plan.
Councilmember Lu commented that passing resolutions and flagging issues will provide the right
pressure for the Committee to make progress. Otherwise, he is happy to move the recommended
motions forward.
Board Member Kamhi mentioned that she is in favor of what has been brought forward.
Board Member Segal questioned if the 2006 resolution is being reaffirmed.
PTA Council Safe Routes to School Co-Chair Anthony confirmed that the resolution is modeled off the
2006 resolution.
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Board Member Segal expressed that she supports the motions going forward. She is in favor of bike
lights for students.
Chair Stone stated he considers this to be a great success story, and he is excited to renew it. He asked if
the chart is double counting for K through 12 and if there will be further investigation into the
walking/biking declines.
Senior Transportation Planner Mesterhazy explained the numbers on the chart. The factors that led to
the decline will be addressed through bike safety education, transit adoption, etc.
MOTION: Councilmember Lu moved, seconded by Board Member Segal, to recommend that the Palo
Alto Unified School District Board of Education and the City of Palo Alto City Council endorse the Safe
Routes to School Consensus Statement and City/School Transportation Safety Committee Bylaws.
MOTION PASSED: 4-0
E. Youth Mental Health - Proposal for City and School District Partnerships with The Jed Foundation
Chair Stone provided a background on the proposal, which included a desire to address youth mental
health by having a closer partnership between the School District and the City, sharing of resources, etc.
The Jed Foundation will not replace any existing organizations but will bolster the work currently being
done, identify possible gaps, and make best practice recommendations. There is a draft proposal, not a
final contractural agreement, and the Foundation is open to drafting another proposal if needed. There
will not be a final decision made at this meeting. This is the first step in the process. Advancing this will
allow for continued discussions with the full bodies.
Board Member Segal added that this can be a powerful way to collaborate between City and School and
ensure that the systems in place are being utilized and that possible gaps are identified.
JED Foundation Senior Director of Community Advising and Community Programs Dr. Katie Hurley
discussed her background.
JED Foundation Senior Clinical Director Kurt Michael introduced himself.
JED Foundation Senior Vice President of School Programs and Consulting Division Dr. Tony Walker
furnished a history of the Foundation. He displayed slides. He discussed the District Mental Health
Initiative being a 2-year partnership to support the implementation of recommended practices done in
partnership with co-leads at the District level and ultimately a District steering committee. The work has
4 phases – assessment, planning, implementing and executing a plan, and sustainability and evaluation.
They work with 19 districts across the country representing over 570 schools. Many characteristics of
Scarsdale, New York, reminds him of Palo Alto, and he would be happy to share the work being done
there if it is of interest. The program is anchored on a comprehensive approach, which includes 7
domains. When they partner with a district, they first determine who will run it from the district
perspective, and they suggest the superintendent be one of the members, although superintendents
sometimes designate an assistant superintendent or cabinet level leader and maybe a third person to
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serve as co-leads. Then they will help establish a steering committee or taskforce that is cross-functional
in nature. There will be an assessment phase after that – a self-assessment, staff survey, principal
survey, and a student survey to all middle and high school students. They will take that data and help
the district do a gap analysis and provide a written feedback report to the district. Then all the data is
translated into an actionable strategic plan, and the district will dictate what goes in the plan. The
Foundation will then help the district’s leadership team implement the plan. At the end of the program,
the Foundation will help the district think about sustainability and evaluation. There will be post
assessments. Additionally, all participants will have access to a monthly learning series with other
districts across the country. If the district desires, the Foundation will do a policy review and provide
guidance. There will also be 2 in-person site visits, one to understand needs and the second dedicated to
the strategic planning phase.
Chair Stone asked if they have a presentation or comments on the potential City partnership or the cross
collaboration of the School District and the City.
JED Foundation Walker answered that what works best is alignment between efforts that the City and
the community are taking at large and what a district is doing in terms of all their schools. By doing the
separate streams of work in partnership and in tandem, opportunities to work together will be identified
to ensure that district and community initiatives and efforts are aligned. Community partners and
providers could be brought to the table, which could lead to additional services.
JED Foundation Michael spoke of the community aspect of things. In the first phase, they want to help
the community continue to heal from suicide loss and then address mental health literacy and reducing
access to lethal means.
JED Foundation Hurley added that they offer a suite of trainings customized to different populations.
Public Comment:
1. Ken H. spoke of life-skills classes being important. He discussed a book called Brain Energy. He
supports the project and suggested a soda tax to fund it.
2. Steven L., a Project Safety Net (PSN) board member, requested that the Committee pause the
effort and do community outreach. PSN was not aware of the initiative, and they want to be
involved in the process.
3. Eileen A., Board Secretary for PSN, discussed the work they have been doing. They are eager to
have a conversation about how the Jed Foundation can support their efforts.
4. Peying L., Director of Community Partnerships at PSN, emphasized that they support increasing
and sustaining collaboration. They ask that community members, service providers, etc., be
involved in the conversation before moving forward with the proposal.
5. Star T., a substitute teacher, stated it is worth evaluating all the work PSN has done and the
structure they might bring to the Jed Foundation. She is impressed with the Foundation. She
suggested there be community conversations. She supports a 3-year PE requirement.
Item B
Attachment A - April 1, 2025
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Assistant Superintendent of Equity and Student Affairs Yolanda Conaway stated that she understands
there is an ongoing goal to strengthen the partnership between the City and the School, but she wants
to define the partnership. Before bringing in someone from the outside, maybe there should be a
committee to talk about the problem, how to solve it, and the partners to engage.
Chair Stone commented that an outside organization will come in with a fresh perspective and look
holistically at what the community, the School District, and nonprofit partnerships are doing and do an
evaluation. He considers the offer of $67K over 2 years to be a low cost. The perspectives of the non-
profits, etc., should be brought into the conversation.
Councilmember Lu voiced that an outside perspective is valuable. It is early enough in the process that it
can be defined how work will be done with PSN and other groups. He asked what it would take to do a
an assessment that would include health/teen centers, etc., not just an assessment of the School
District.
JED Foundation Michael replied that they want to review local data and do comparisons.
Councilmember Lu inquired how County and City resource metrics would be in scope. He wants there to
be clear recommendations on sharing and collecting data and referring services and consistent service
delivery across the School District and the City.
JED Foundation Walker explained that on the district side they do a systems resource mapping exercise.
A similar exercise would be done from the community perspective to identify what is available and
possible barriers/gaps. It is useful to do focus groups with community members and providers in
addition to students, staff, principals, and district leaders and then aggregate all the data into an
analysis.
JED Foundation Hurley mentioned that the proposal was created with information they had at the time.
It can be revisited and resource mapping and citywide data collections can be added. Jed has a program
dedicated to working with community-based organizations. They look at an entire system and
determine how everything can work together.
Board Member Segal queried if staff is comfortable with the timing. She wants partners to be included.
Assistant Superintendent of Equity and Student Affairs Conaway responded that it is important that the
community and community leaders be involved. She advised that there be an advisory committee of
sorts that will include representatives from City agencies and other partners, like PSN, to first do a self-
assessment. There is room for a stronger partnership with the City. It needs to be determined where
resources and supports are being provided and where there are gaps, and then there should be
committee work to determine next steps. The community should be engaged first and other entities
second.
Board Member Segal questioned what the timeline might be for a committee.
Assistant Superintendent of Equity and Student Affairs Conaway answered that the Mental Health and
Wellness Committee can be expanded to include partners. Those Committee meetings are happening
with various groups, but it would be helpful to formalize it with a board representative, which would
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allow a strategic approach to next steps. A committee could be formed this year to begin first thing next
year or it could be done before the end of the year and then additional partners could be brought in to
support the plan.
Board Member Segal remarked that a future outcome of the committee could be working with Jed, but
it is important to first get stakeholders to the table.
Assistant Superintendent of Equity and Student Affairs Conaway voiced that stakeholders have to come
to the table with their data so data will be shared across agencies to get a better understanding of
utilization and what organizations are hearing about community needs. They can share surveys and
increase the questions asked in the surveys to cover external types of resources that may be needed.
Collecting more information is critical. She wants everyone to agree on what areas to assess.
Board Member Segal commented that she understands the timing needs to be rearranged so that
stakeholders can be engaged.
JED Foundation Michael commented that he understands the concerns and the need for the community
to participate. Postvention is the best opportunity for prevention. The Foundation can help matters
rapidly. They will make things work more efficiently and connected, not take the City’s ownership away.
JED Foundation Walker added they think highly of the SHAPE assessment, but the assessment the
Foundation offers goes much deeper. The Foundation could also offer coaching and support behind the
scenes as the City prepares to go into meetings with community partners.
Board Member Kamhi expressed that it is key that the current systems work better together. She asked
if the Foundation has experience working with districts with the level of resources, partnerships, etc.,
Palo Alto has and what they have been able to offer those districts.
JED Foundation Hurley answered that Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles has many resources and
much community support, and they have made remarkable changes in working with Jed. She also gave
an example of Loomis Chaffee School in Connecticut.
Assistant Superintendent of Equity and Student Affairs Conaway added that it is important to listen to
and respond to stakeholders. There is an opportunity to holistically respond to needs.
Chair Stone expressed that the District, City, and community partners are doing a lot very well, but there
is room for improvement. He understands that Jed would not be able to start with the District until the
fall but that they may be able to start sooner with the City. There is no harm in advancing these
conversations and bringing it back to the full Board for exploration with Jed to redefine the proposal and
then potentially for a fall start. He does not want to delay the process for a year.
Assistant Superintendent of Equity and Student Affairs Conaway mentioned that when they are looking
for partners they research and vet different options and select the best fit. She suggested researching
other providers and seeing what they offer. There is value in having voices from the outside, but there
are brilliant people in the community with a lot of skills, and she does not want to undermine their
capacity to have a conversation and be methodical and strategic about what needs to be focused on.
Although, Jed may be able to add to the value of the work being done. It is not about the money as $67K
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is not a lot. There needs to be a community conversation, which will not prevent it from going to the
Board for discussion.
Councilmember Lu remarked that Jed may be able to provide a lot of value. There are City programs for
youth mental health, but he is not sure if attendance for those needing the message is being driven. He
sees value in the City learning a lot relatively soon, but City engagement does not need to be rushed
into. There may not be a need for more services now, although they may need to be refined. It is worth
taking time to get the scope of the evaluation right and to get clear best practices and
recommendations. There should be buy-in from groups like PSN and replication of programs multiple
times a year once they are locked down. The School District needs a long-term advisory committee, but
the City does not. The scope of work should be determined and done before the next fall school start
date. He wants to refresh the scope of work and engage with community organizations and be
deliberate about what needs to be done immediately versus long-term mapping, recommendations, and
best practices needed.
Chair Stone considered the next best step to be staff engaging with Jed and community partners and
redefining the scope to ensure it will work for the City and to hear from the School Board colleagues.
Board Member Segal stated that her understanding is that the recommendation is to have a committee
look at the gaps and different partnerships, including Jed.
Assistant Superintendent of Equity and Student Affairs Conaway commented that the committee should
define the problem to be resolved and the issue to be addressed. There should be a broader
conversation between the City entities and the District before bringing anyone in.
Board Member Kamhi expressed that she wants to know the definition of the problem to be solved. It is
urgent. The cost is not the dollars but the time, and time should be spent in the right way.
Chair Stone remarked that there will be benefit to having Jed at the table with the committee and in
collaborations. It will not be an additional time commitment if the intention is to create another
committee.
Assistant Superintendent of Equity and Student Affairs Conaway noted that the committee already
meets. It is a matter of expanding the scope of the discussion. There may be an entry point for Jed that
is not such a big commitment, such as conducting the assessment and then the committee deciding
what to do with the information. Staff is in the middle of doing assessments and planning around steps
for the next year. It potentially could be disruptive for those who are in the middle of their work.
Board Member Kamhi mentioned that buy-in is key.
City Manager Shikada added that the full Council needs to discuss how to proceed. There should be
clarity on the scope of services envisioned and the sequence between the City and the School District.
CSLC’s recommendation will go to Council. There will be a level of project management by staff in the
work going forward, which will need to dovetail into the City’s priorities, and it needs to be determined
how best to resource that effort.
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Chair Stone stated he is prepared to advance this to Council. He does not support additional discussion
by another committee. There is benefit in bringing Jed to the table.
Councilmember Lu voiced that the City should partner with the School District to do the assessment,
recommendations, and best practices. He wants to move quickly. There is merit in looking at other
options to dial in the scope of work, which there is time to do. The differences in the Jed Foundation and
other experts will not be big if there is a good contract and scope of work. He inquired what the City
should do immediately to be impactful.
Chair Stone replied that the CSLC is limited to making a recommendation to advance this to Council for
consideration. He wants to advance it with a recommendation that Council direct staff to engage with
Jed in formulating the master agreement/contract.
City Manager Shikada noted that at this point it may be a discussion for Council to refine the scope of
work and sequences that will integrate with the School District.
Chair Stone voiced that he wants to agendize it as an action item.
Board Member Kamhi commented that she understands there is support for a board member joining
the committee. The data needs to be looked at. She does not want to slow down the effort by involving
stakeholders
Board Member Segal expressed there is urgency. She wants to work with the City Council and work in
partnership with the City. She queried if the City moving forward in a quicker timeline will prevent
partnership work.
Assistant Superintendent of Equity and Student Affairs Conaway responded there is always an
opportunity to partner even if the City moves forward. There is urgency, and the youth mental health
crisis is being responded to. This entity is trying to refine the work by doing an assessment to identify
gaps.
JED Foundation Hurley noted they work in phases and are highly collaborative, so they are able to align
quickly. Different start dates should not be a worry. The assessment piece is not the primary goal of
their work but the beginning of the work. The primary goal is implementation and shoring up
programming, resources, etc., based on what is found in the assessments.
JED Foundation Walker expressed that is important to have discussions with staff and community
partners. The Foundation can help look at the entire system and connect the dots. If other sorts of
interventions are going to be considered, due diligence should be done around impact. There is an
impact study showing that Jed’s program model has led to a 25-percent reduction in suicide attempts on
the campuses they work with. He offered to send the study/any data to the CSLC.
Chair Stone moved to refer the proposal for a for a City-Jed Foundation partnership to Council for
discussion and potential direction.
City Manager Shikada noted that having an ongoing connection with PAUSD will be an important part of
Council discussion.
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Chair Stone questioned if work could move forward if the City forms a relationship with Jed but the
School District does not.
JED Foundation Walker answered that it is possible but would require detailed project planning to
determine how the time lines would map up. There would be a gap in the planning phase. If the District
should decide not to move forward now but to move forward at a later date, Jed would have to consider
their options at that point.
Chair Stone noted that he wants to continue the partnership and a closer collaboration with the School
District.
Councilmember Lu questioned if what is being referred to Council is what has been discussed today or if
staff will speak with PSN and other groups and refine the scope of work before going to Council.
Chair Stone answered that he and Councilmember Lu could engage with community partners before
going to Council.
City Manager Shikada remarked that to whatever extent that scope can reflect this discussion would
help Council see clarity.
Discussion ensued concerning the motion addressing refining the scope with stakeholders and
continued collaboration with the School District.
MOTION: Chair Stone moved, seconded by Council Member Lu, to have the City Schools Liaison
Committee refer the Jed Foundation proposal and further refine the scope with stakeholders to the City
Council for Council discussion and potential direction and for continued collaboration with the School
District.
MOTION PASSED: 4-0
D. Future Business
Public Comment:
1. Rika Y. stated she is encouraged by the School District the City coming together. She spoke of
the recently hired accessibility coordinator within the Community Service Department providing
an opportunity to build on the partnership of the School District, the City, and the parent
community. A future opportunity is to create afterschool and enrichment programs for students
with disabilities.
NO ACTION
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:17 p.m.
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Regular Meeting
September 11, 2025
Present: City of Palo Alto Representatives
Greer Stone, Councilmember (Chair)
George Lu, Councilmember
Chantal Gaines, Deputy City Manager, Staff Liaison
Ed Shikada, City Manager
Palo Alto Unified School District Representatives
Alison Kahmi, Board Member
Rowena Chiu, Board Member
Board Member Chiu arrived at 7:04 P.M.
Guillermo Lopez, Associate Superintendent
Absent: None
CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Stone called the meeting to order on this date in virtual teleconference at 7:02 P.M.
REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Open Forum/Public Communications
Public Comment:
1. Lee P. invited everyone to attend the ATHENA awards on October 9.
B. Approval of Minutes
Chair Stone explained there were no minutes to approve and will come at the next meeting in October.
NO ACTION
C. City and District Reports
City/School Liaison Committee
Regular Meeting
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Chair Stone asked for any updates relevant for the City and school operations.
Associate Superintendent Guillermo Lopez said the first weeks of school were going well.
City Manager Ed Shikada mentioned the police department had been out with the start of the school
year. The third Cubberley community meeting will be held next Wednesday for the consultants and
team to discuss the master plan concepts with the community.
Board Member Kamhi noted the celebration at Hoover Elementary on August 19 to complete the
erection of the prefabricated building and roof panels. Bicyclists have been seen using the new bike
paths on El Camino. There was an open house on August 15 for the employee housing project Acacia at
231 Grant.
Board Member Chiu visited the ongoing construction at Greene Middle School and spoke with the
principal. Board Member Chiu attended the first meeting of the property subcommittee, got updates on
the HVAC improvements being made, and went through the newly renovated playgrounds.
NO ACTION
E. Discussion of Partnership with the JED Foundation
Director of Community Services Kristen O’Kane gave background on the nationwide nonprofit
organization the JED Foundation, which is devoted to emotional health and suicide prevention for teens
and young adults. Director O’Kane explained the history of the proposed partnership. The contract
amount is for $149,000 over a 24-month term. Director O’Kane noted JED provides services, input, and
guidance throughout the contract term to set the community up for success but does not stay in the
community.
The draft scope of work includes five tasks: provide postvention support, strengthen prevention efforts,
facilitate youth engagement, advise on Palo Alto’s Citywide campaign/communications, and trainings to
build knowledge and skill. Some key deliverables are to conduct a gap analysis, provide guidance and
education on lethal means restriction, develop a peer task force consisting of youth from the
community, do focus groups, provide support so people have easy and convenient access to resources
and tools on the webpage, and trainings for youth, educators, parents, and staff, to be further worked
out.
Deputy City Manager Chantal Cotton Gaines said the current scope includes components related to
PAUSD. First, PAUSD will provide local schools’ data related to mental health. Second, as appropriate,
PAUSD will be asked to share progress updates with PAUSD families. Third, PAUSD will review the JED
high school survey tool and, if concurred by PAUSD, then PAUSD will assist in sharing the survey with
PAUSD youth. The next steps are to receive feedback from City Schools Committee members and to
advance the contract to Council for approval on September 29, 2025.
Public Comment:
1. Allyson R. is a private citizen, parent, and licensed and board-certified clinical neuropsychologist
who has worked with people with depression and PTSD for the last decade. Allyson R. was very
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impressed with the JED Foundation and encouraged everyone to vote yes to enter into a
partnership. Allyson R. felt it was important to give schools the measure of predictions of
suicidality and asked that those predictors be very clearly identified so the school can monitor
and parents can be aware.
2. Ken H. expressed disappointment the partnership was not developed at the April meeting and
that one student was lost in August. Ken H. brought approximately 10 pages of notes that relate
to gaps that exist at PAUSD. Ken H. wanted to see PAUSD formalize an agreement with JED and
contribute financially to maximize the work, to the benefit of everyone in Palo Alto.
3. Jane H. encouraged the School District to approve the partnership with the JED Foundation. Jane
H. shared the experience of being a parent with a child who went through a mental health crisis
and was unprepared and had difficulty finding information on what to do and getting resources.
Jane H. referenced a recent presentation which emphasized strong postvention efforts and felt
that component was lacking.
4. Tom C. is the president of the Palo Alto Educators Association, the union representing the 800
educators at PAUSD. Tom C. supported the partnership with the JED Foundation, noting the
issues of teen mental health and suicide prevention are of great interest to the members.
5. Shashank J. is a parent, Stanford professor, and National Advisory Board Member to JED High
Schools. Shashank J. highlighted the importance of a partnership with the JED high school
program. Shashank J. noted the program offered a proven, comprehensive framework that was
evidence-based, strengthened mental health systems, trained staff, and created a culture of
care and connectedness. Shashank J. said partnering with JED would allow access to expert
guidance, data-driven strategies, and national best practices based on experiences with other
communities. Shashank J. felt joining the network will make a statement that mental health is
part of overall health.
Chair Stone thanked everyone for the comments and efforts to move the partnership forward. The City
had been working with JED since April to finalize the proposal and scope of work. During the June
meeting with JED and staff, it was realized there was a lot of information JED would require that the City
did not have access to but the School District did. Chair Stone stated the community deeply cares about
the mental health and wellbeing of youth and takes suicide seriously. The School District spends
approximately $24M per year on mental health. Chair Stone opined a partnership with JED is a no regret
action that can only help. The goals for the evening were to discuss the extent the School District was
willing to provide information to JED through the partnership with the City as referenced in JED’s
September 4 proposal and potentially formalize the commitment into a motion. Chair Stone also wanted
the Committee to review and recommend that Council approve the proposal. Chair Stone suggested
exploring if the School District wanted a partnership with the JED Foundation.
Board Member Chiu asked if the deliverables would change with a District partnership. Board Member
Chiu asked if the $149,000 over the 24 months covered only the proposed partnership between JED and
the City and if a three-way partnership would require additional funding.
Chair Stone opined even after Council passes the current proposal, if it needed to be changed to better
accommodate a three-way partnership, it would be possible. Chair Stone clarified the School District
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would work with the JED Foundation to craft a proposal that meets the District’s needs. Chair Stone said
there would be a separate agreement between the District and JED Foundation.
Senior Director of Clinical Advising and Community Programming Dr. Katie Hurley, of the JED
Foundation, confirmed the deliverables currently on the table were specific to the City but the
organization would be willing to make changes to accommodate a three-way partnership. Dr. Hurley
believed the estimated cost for a partnership with the District would be $67,000.
Board Member Chiu noted the School District spends a lot of money on mental health services and
wondered if one of the suggestions JED would have is to look at what is already there and consider how
to better utilize or communicate resources to the school community and community at large. Board
Member Chiu asked to what extent there will be practical follow-up after the two years is completed,
will there be practical ways to leverage what there already is to result in better outcomes, and whether
there is a support system to ensure the changes were effectively embedded.
Dr. Hurley explained there are different programs for working with School Districts, including one called
the District Mental Health Initiative. All programs begin with a strengths and gap analysis. Efforts are
never duplicated. JED is a technical assistance program that provides strategic programming. There are a
team of experts to help guide the District through the work. After the program is completed, JED backs
away but is still available. There is an alumni program with contacts in place should continued
assistance, policy checks or updates, etc., be needed.
Board Member Chiu asked for an example of gap analysis for a similar school district and what
happened to ensure those gaps were filled successfully. Board Member Chiu wondered if there was a
standard preventative check-in to ensure the District continues on the right trajectory. Board Member
Chiu said the concern was not only having a strong strategy but that the strategy be appropriately
operationalized and properly embedded in the resources the District already has and is sustainable
beyond the contract.
Dr. Hurley confirmed interval check-ins were part of the alumni programming. Dr. Hurley suggested
putting together a case study in writing but mentioned working closely with the school district in
Scarsdale, New York; Lawrenceville school in New Jersey after a series of losses; and Harvard-Westlake.
Students in Lawrenceville asked for more mental health wellness days, a new mental health wellness
center, and more education around what to do if a friend was struggling. Dr. Hurley emphasized each
program was individualized per school. Dr. Hurley clarified JED creates a strategic plan in collaboration
with School District representatives.
Council Member Lu was impressed with the level of flexibility JED has and felt there was a lot of tailoring
the School District and City could have about the durability of the programs. Council Member Lu noted
the seminars were focused on training leaders in the different City programs.
Chair Stone emphasized the organization’s responsiveness and commitment with the recent proposal
update.
Board Member Kamhi noted the prevention and postvention scenarios being discussed were not
hypothetical and highlighted the support the District currently has. Board Member Kamhi thought the
District already agreed to provide data, enabling the City to move forward. The Committee does not
have the power to bind the School District in any further matter.
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Board Member Chiu said that student mental health is of huge concern within the District and felt staff,
teachers, parents, etc., were unified by the frustration of being unable to help the mental health crisis in
the District.
Associate Superintendent Lopez mentioned that Stanford has worked with JED for the past 4 years and
asked to find out how successful it had been and if there were any recommendations or findings based
on the work at Stanford. Associate Superintendent Lopez wondered why JED was the only provider
brought forward and if there was a bidding process. Associate Superintendent Lopez wanted to ensure
the District could explore all options to partner with the best provider.
Dr. Hurley agreed to get data and disaggregate the specific data for Stanford. Dr. Hurley will email the
10-year impact data to Deputy City Manager Cotton Gaines.
Chair Stone explained there was no formal bidding process. The JED Foundation came out of the work of
the youth mental health and wellbeing taskforce convened last year. Through the task force,
recommendations were made regarding the JED Foundation as one of the leading nonprofits in the
space. With additional research and follow-up conversations, it was recognized JED would be the best
fit. JED has operated for 26 years. Chair Stone felt the most impressive statistic was that there was a 25
percent reduction in suicide attempts in communities JED has worked in. Chair Stone confirmed the
motion was written in such a way as to allow exploration of other third party providers.
Board Member Chiu encouraged moving forward in a timely manner, noting impetus in the community
to see the School District answer the need given the recent losses.
Deputy City Manager Cotton-Gaines asked if the Committee wanted to include a note supporting the
City moving forward with the proposed draft scope as shared, to be included in what was taken on
September 29.
Chair Stone agreed to make a separate motion. The wording of the motion was clarified.
MOTION: Board Member Kamhi moved, seconded by Board Member Chiu to refer to the school board
the consideration of:
1. Potential partnership between the JED foundation (and/or other third-party mental health
consultants) and the school district;
2. Continued collaboration between the City and the school district, beyond the components
currently in the JED proposal.
MOTION PASSED: 4-0
MOTION: Council Member Stone moved, seconded by Council Member Lu to recommend the JED
proposal to the City Council for approval.
MOTION PASSED: 4-0
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D. Future Business
Deputy City Manager Cotton Gaines noted the next meeting is planned for October and will work with
the Chair on agenda items and specific dates.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:17 P.M.
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City Schools Liaison Committee
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Lead Department: City Manager
Meeting Date: November 13, 2025
Report #:2510-5379
TITLE
Update on JED Foundation Implementation
RECOMMENDATION
This item is to briefly update the City Schools Liaison Committee on the first steps taken related
to implementation of the contract with the JED Foundation.
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
The City Schools Liaison Committee recommended that the City Council approve and authorize
the City Manager or their designee to execute a contract with the JED Foundation to provide
technical assistance, evaluation, and support regarding youth and young adult mental health
programs for a term of two (2) years and a total not to exceed amount of $149,000.
The City Council approved this contract on September 29, 2025. The report and full contract
can be found online.1 For context, the Jed Foundation (JED) is a nonprofit devoted to emotional
health and suicide prevention for teens and young adults nationwide.
To keep the City Council, School Board of Trustees, and community updated on progress, staff
will bring these brief updates to the City Schools Liaison Committee as updates are available.
This first update is just sharing information about the project team and that the teams are
working together to progress this very important work.
Implementation Updates
Since the contract was approved, City staff held a kickoff call with the JED Foundation team.
The initial call included introductions, basic information about how the teams will work
together to progress the work, and clarification around project goals and initial conversations
around timing. The next steps include mapping stakeholder engagement and planned project
1 September 29, 2025 City Council Meeting, Item #12
Link: https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/Weblink/DocView.aspx?id=83610
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milestones. The JED team is eager to work on this important topic in Palo Alto. The JED project
team includes the following individuals (with biographies also included here):
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and real estate management and development industries. She holds a bachelor’s in
accounting from the City University of New York and is a certified public accountant in
New York.
The City‘s staff project team includes: Kojo Pierce (Wellness and Belonging Program Manager),
Kristen O‘Kane (Director of Community Services), and Chantal Cotton Gaines (Deputy City
Manager).
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
This information was included with the contract in the September 29th report to City Council
but also repeated here as context on the project funding. The total not-to-exceed amount for
this contract is $149,000, which includes $140,000 for services and $9,000 for travel for up to
six (6) visits. This contract funding will be split over two (2) fiscal years (FY) with $79,000 of the
services provided in FY 2026 and $70,000 in FY 2027. The FY 2026 Adopted Budget includes the
first-year contract costs in the General Fund Community Services Department budget for youth
mental health. Funding in FY 2027 is subject to City Council approval as part of the annual
budget process.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
The next steps in the project will involve stakeholder engagement. Staff is mapping out this
next step with JED based on the contract and JED’s engagement practices. At the next project
update to this Committee, staff should have more information on engagement conducted to-
date at that point.
APPROVED BY:
Ed Shikada, City Manager
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