Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute a retroactive Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Monterey County Office of Education to support the goals of the Behavioral Health Student Services Act (“BHSSA”) Grant awarded to the County of Monterey in the total Agreement amount of $12,698 for the term beginning July 1, 2026 through August 31, 2026; and
b. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to approve up to three (3) future amendments to the MOU that do not exceed 10% ($1,270) of the original MOU amount, do not significantly change the scope of services, and do not increase the total not to exceed amount of $13,968.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the County Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute a retroactive Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Monterey County Office of Education to support the goals of the Behavioral Health Student Services Act (“BHSSA”) Grant awarded to the County of Monterey in the total Agreement amount of $12,698 for the term beginning July 1, 2026 through August 31, 2026; and
b. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to approve up to three (3) future amendments to the MOU that do not exceed 10% ($1,270) of the original MOU amount, do not significantly change the scope of services, and do not increase the total not to exceed amount of $13,968.
SUMMARY:
In 2021, the Behavioral Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (BHSOAC) awarded the County a five-year Behavioral Health Student Services Act (BHSSA) grant to provide mental health support services within Monterey County public schools. The County, as the lead agency, partnered with Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE) to provide support of the grant through the implementation of the Interconnect Systems Framework (ISF) and training on topics aligned with the goals of the grant and ISF implementation. The Memorandum of Understanding extends this work for an additional time-limited period based on identified need of the County. The Memorandum of Understanding identifies mutual indemnification and insurance provisions.
DISCUSSION:
The County of Monterey entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE) on November 1, 2021 after the County was awarded a Behavioral Health Student Services Act (BHSSA) grant to provide mental health support services integration within Monterey County public schools by the Behavioral Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (BHSOAC). The County, as the lead agency, partnered with Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE) to provide support of the grant through the implementation of the Interconnect Systems Framework (ISF) and training on topics aligned with the goals of the grant and ISF implementation. The ISF integrates Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports and school mental health into one comprehensive model.
This MOU was in place from November 1, 2021 through June 30, 2026, during which MCOE provided a variety of support to the grant, from direct oversight of the ISF implementation within participating schools and districts to coordinating and working with other subcontractors supporting the BHSSA grant implementation. After the MOU termed on June 30, 2026, it was determined by the County that MCOE’s continued support through the end of the grant year - August 31, 2026 - would be key in achieving the goals of Grant Year 5. It was determined that additional grant funding was available after a review of the grant expenditures year-to-date, and the County and MCOE mutually determined that a new, short-term MOU would be the most appropriate way to ensure that goal was met. The MOU is being presented retroactively to the Board of Supervisors due to the uncertainty around additional grant fund availability.
This work supports the County of Monterey Health Department 2025-2028 Strategic Plan Goal: 2. Build community power and partners’ capacity to increase equity and improve health. It also supports the ten essential public health services, specifically: 3. Inform, educate, and empower people about health issues and 7. Link people to needed personal health services and assure the provisions of health care when otherwise unavailable.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of County Counsel, Risk Management, and Auditor-Controller have reviewed and approved this MOU as to legal form and fiscal provisions, respectively.
FINANCING:
This Agreement is funded by the Behavioral Health Student Services Act (BHSSA) Grant (100%). The funds for this Agreement are included in the Health Department’s Behavioral Health Bureau (Fund 1310, Department 400005) Fiscal Year 2026-27 Adopted Budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
This recommendation supports and advances the Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goal of Well-Being and Quality of Life by supporting the goals of the Behavioral Health Student Services Act (BHSSA) grant, including the integration of mental health and school systems to ensure holistic student support.
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals:
_X_ Well-Being and Quality of Life: (Services: Provide service enhancements to support well-being and quality of life.)
____Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
____Safe and Resilient Communities:
____Diverse and Thriving Economy:
____Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice:
Prepared by: Ashley Schafer, Management Analyst II, 755-4924
Approved by: Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health Services, 755-4526
Attachment:
Board Report
Memorandum of Understanding