Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee

In November, 2000, the voters of the State of California approved an amendment to the California Constitution (Proposition 39) lowering the voter approval requirement from 2/3rds to 55% for school districts that provide voters a specific list of projects, a committee of appointed citizens to oversee the expenditure of funds and an annual performance audit and financial audit of the bond funds and bond projects. Proposition 39 provides that the Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee shall have at least seven (7) members who shall serve up to two (2) terms of two (2) years each. Initially, three (3) members were appointed to one-year terms, and four (4) members were appointed to two-year terms. All appointees, regardless of the original term of appointment, are limited to a second term not to exceed two (2) years.

Because the District elected to pursue two bond elections under the provisions of Proposition 39, State law requires the District to establish a Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee appointed by the District's Board of Trustees. The Committee's purposes are:

• To actively monitor all projects and expenditures approved by the voters.
• To provide proper oversight and accountability to ensure that Measure O and Measure RS funds are used as they were intended.
• To report to members of the community on the progress of Measure O and Measure RS projects.

Duties of the Committee will include:

• Ensure Bond funds are spent only on projects listed in the Bond Project List and no funds are used for salaries or general operating expenses.
• Monitor the progress of Bond projects.
• Receive and review copies of the annual performance and financial audits of Bond projects as required by California State law (Proposition 39).
• Provide information to the public on the progress of Bond projects and expenditures of Bond funds.

The Committee must consist of at least seven (7) members, 5 of whom must meet the following criteria:

• 1 member must be an active member of the business community
• 1 member must be active in a senior citizens' organization
• 1 member shall be active in a bona fide taxpayers' organization
• 1 member shall be the parent or guardian of a student enrolled in the District's schools
• 1 member shall be the parent or guardian of a student enrolled in the District's schools and active in a parent-teacher organization

No employee or officer of the District may serve on the Committee, nor may any vendor, contractor, or consultant of the District serve on the Committee. (Education Code Section 15282)