Completing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

Who needs an MOU?

• Any organization or individual providing services at school(s) - for students, families and/or staff - free of charge to SFUSD needs a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).  You may charge families a fee for services provided outside of the regular school day.
• If you will charge the site / SFUSD any fees you need to have a contract with the site(s), not an MOU.  
• The MOU must be approved by the Board of Education before services begin.

Before you get started:

• Read the FAQs to learn more about completing an MOU!  
• Check with the appropriate SFUSD contact to clarify your services and proposed locations. 
• Check these scenarios for providing services & confirm the forms you'll need.

Use these resources to avoid delays:

• Our Step by Step Guide provides instructions, examples and screenshots that walk you through the process.
• Avoid the Top Five Reasons MOUs Are Delayed:

1. Insurance certificate is missing required coverage - including $2 million in aggregate coverage for abuse and molestation.
2. The program description doesn’t clearly explain how services will be provided, or contradicts other details in the form.
3. MOU names an inappropriate SFUSD contact or administrator.

Check this list to clarify the term for an existing MOU (including when it will, or if it did, expire).

• Check the tab for MOUs in Process to see which are pending approval by the Board of Education.
• The list of MOUs includes links to the online platform to view details about services, including the locations - as well as to folders with PDFs of executed MOUs.
• Here’s how to create a user account to see online MOUs, if you don't already have a user / member account.

Find PDFs of Executed MOUs:

• Folders are organized by the Board of Education meetings where they were approved.

Service providers may add or change locations being served through an existing MOU (which does not require approval by the Board of Education). 

• Request that change by submitting a “Case” to us through the online system.   
• See the Step by Step Guide for detailed instructions on how to request changes to the locations on your MOU.

➪  Before you add or change locations for your MOU, be sure to check in with the SFUSD administrator who will need to approve the changes to your MOU.

Access to confidential student information is limited by federal law.  Be sure to read SFUSD's guidelines for sharing student data.

SFUSD's templates for parent/guardian consent, and for requesting student data (in multiple languages).

SFUSD template to request Directory Information for students/families.

Service providers who access student data must complete the Oath of Confidentiality (which service providers must keep on file)

DCYF grantees need an MOU with SFUSD only to provide services at a school site, and the services are for students, staff and/or families from that site only.

• Summer programs offered at an SFUSD school site, but that are open to the community & to students from any school, do not need an MOU.   (A Facility Use Permit is required!)

Read the FAQs with common questions for DCYF grantees.

Check out these scenarios for providing services & clarify which forms you'll need.

Be sure to review the overall FAQs for MOUs - to avoid common reasons MOUs are delayed. 

 COVID safety guidelines.

• All service providers are responsible for complying with San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) guidelines for schools, childcare and youth programs.  
• SFDPH updated their isolation and quarantine guidelines to align with guidance shared by the California Department of Public Health.
• Masking is not required at SFUSD schools and work sites.
• Requirements change throughout the year as the State of California & San Francisco Department of Public Health revise guidelines based on public health conditions.  Find current information at SFUSD's Health & Safety Guidelines website.

See what’s new with MOU terms for fiscal / school year 2024-25.

Read the standard MOU terms and conditions before you sign the MOU!

Check this flow chart to identify other forms you might need when providing services at SFUSD schools.

Review this flow chart to determine which permit(s) you need to use or provide services at SFUSD facilities

Learn more about using or renting SFUSD facilities. 

Apply for a Facility Use Permit through SFUSD's Real Estate office.

SFUSD prioritizes the wellbeing of our students and their families!  Service providers must follow SFUSD's Wellness & Nutrition Guidelines when providing snacks, refreshments and meals.  

Organizations providing food and/or beverages to students more than once a week as part of their programs must complete this Food Providers Application.   

Here's the video from a "MOU How-To's" workshop on July 7, 2021 - including questions asked by participants.

Check out other short videos that show you how to:

• Create an account in the new platform
• Find existing MOUs and data about services provided by community partners
• Get started on a new MOU.