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After making the decision to fund just one school resource officer in the city's two school districts, the Cupertino City Council has approved adding another such position for the 20042005 school year, thanks to a generous state grant.
The city, however, still needs additional funds to fully pay for all costs associated with the position. While a $100,000 Citizen Option for Public Safety grant made this decision possible, the full cost of the nine-month position is $120,000.
Both the Cupertino Union and the Fremont Union High school districts have since contributed $5,000 toward the position, leaving a $10,000 shortfall.
The school resource officers, working under the Santa Clara County Sheriff's West Valley Division, provide law enforcement in the schools and act as liaisons between schools and the sheriff's office.
Councilwoman Dolly Sandoval, who is a teacher in Los Gatos, said at the Sept. 20 council meeting that she wished the school districts and their foundations would contribute more. "The educational community needs to step up and fill in the gap," she said. "The [officers] are definitely worthwhile."
For now, the city will fund the position for eight months while pursuing other sources of revenue, possibly from an organization such as the Rotary Club. Two foundations that support the schools—the Cupertino Educational Endowment Foundation and the Fremont Union High School District Foundation—came up for discussion as possible sources.
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