Roles & Responsibilities

Proposition 39 specifies the purpose, minimum membership, and term for the Citizens' Oversight Committee.

A. Purpose of the Committee - The purpose of the Committee shall be to inform the public at least annually in a written report concerning the expenditure of the bond proceeds. In carrying out this purpose, the Committee shall:

  1. Actively review and report on the proper expenditure of taxpayers' money for school construction;
  2. Advise the public as to whether the College is in compliance with the requirements of Article XIIIA, Section 1(b)(3) which provides that:
    • Bond revenues are expended only for the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement of school facilities, including furnishing and equipping of school facilities, or the acquisition or lease of real property for school facilities;
    • No funds are used for any teacher or administrative salaries or other school operating expenses;
    • A list of projects to be funded was included on the ballot;
    • An annual independent performance audit is performed; and
    • An annual independent financial audit is performed.

B. Activities of the Committee - The Committee may engage in any of the following activities in furtherance of its purpose:

  1. Receive and review copies of the annual performance audit.
  2. Receive and review copies of the annual financial audit;
  3. Inspect College facilities and grounds;
  4. Receive and review copies of any deferred maintenance proposal or plans developed by the College;
  5. Review efforts by the College to maximize bond revenues by implementing cost saving measures, including, but not limited to:
    • Mechanisms designed to reduce the cost of professional fees;
    • Mechanisms designed to reduce the costs of site preparation;
    • Recommendations regarding the joint use of core facilities;
    • Mechanisms designed to reduce costs by incorporating efficiencies in school site design; and
    • Recommendations regarding the use of cost-effective and efficient reusable plans
  6. The Committee shall issue regular annual reports of the results of its activities.

C. Membership of the Committee - The Committee members shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees. It shall consist of at least seven members to serve for a term of two years without compensation and for no more than two consecutive terms. The Committee may not include any employee or official of the College or any vendor, contractor, or consultant of the College. The Committee must include:

  1. One member who is active in a business organization representing the business community located with the College district;
  2. One member active in a senior citizen's organization;
  3. One member active in a bona fide taxpayer association;
  4. One student who is currently enrolled and active in a student organization; and
  5. One member of a College Advisory Council or Foundation.