Scrutiny of draft agreement for police to be at GHS
A draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Seattle Public Schools and the Seattle Police Department was presented to a community forum held at Garfield July 17, 2025. Such an agreement is needed as part of the process for stationing a police officer at Garfield (first, as a pilot program) and possibly at other schools in the future.
The “School Engagement Officer” would be required to have special training, and take on a role that differs from a regular officer in several ways outlined in the MOU. [See further background on the issue.]
Attendees spent about 30 minutes in small-group discussions and then came together to provide feedback, which is to be compiled by SPS. Acting Superintendent Fred Podesta said that additional engagement sessions will occur, including one online. Garfield Principal Tarance Hart said the question of police at Garfield will also be discussed during the “Reclaiming the Village” summit for Black families on Aug. 16.
The draft refers to several planned appendices that were not available at the forum.