Role of the Committee

The Role Of The Citizen's Oversight Committee And Its Structure (PDF)

The Role Of The Citizens' Oversight Committee And Its Structure

Following is a summary of the role of the Citizens' Oversight Committee and the structure of the Committee:

Duties

To carry out its stated purposes, the Committee shall perform the following duties:

1. The Committee shall inform the public concerning the District’s expenditure of bond proceeds. In fulfilling this duty, all official communications to either the Board or the public shall come from the Chair acting on behalf of the Committee. The Chair shall only release information that reflects the majority view of the Committee
2. Review Expenditures. The Committee shall review expenditure reports produced by the District to ensure that (a) bond proceeds were expended only for the purposes set forth in in the respective Measures; and (b) no bond proceeds were used for any inappropriate teacher or administrative salaries or other operating expenses, in accordance with Attorney General Opinion 04- 110 issued on November 9, 2004.
3. Annual Report. The Committee shall present to the Board, in public session, an annual written report, which shall include the following:
   1. A statement indicating whether the District is in compliance with the requirements of Article XIIIA, Section 1(b)(3) of the California Constitution; and
   2. A summary of the Committee's proceedings and activities for the preceding year.

Authorized Activities

In order to perform the duties set forth above, the Committee may engage in the following authorized activities:

1. Receive copies of the District's annual independent performance audit and annual independent financial audit, required by Prop. 39 (Article XIIIA of the California Constitution) (together, the “Audits”) at the same time said Audits are submitted to the District, and review the Audits.
2. Inspect District facilities and grounds for which bond proceeds have been or will be expended, in accordance with any access procedure established by the District's Chancellor.
3. Review copies of scheduled maintenance proposals or plans developed by the District.
4. Review efforts by the District to maximize bond proceeds by implementing various cost-saving measures.
5. Receive from the Board, within three months of the District receiving the Audits, responses to any and all findings, recommendations, and concerns addressed in the Audits, and review said responses.

Membership

The Committee shall consist of a minimum of nine (9) members appointed by the Board of Trustees from a list of candidates submitting written applications, and based on criteria established by Prop 39, to wit:

• One (1) student enrolled and active in a community college support group, such as student government.
• One (1) member active in a business organization representing the business community located in the District.
• One (1) member active in a senior citizens’ organization.
• One (1) member active in a bona-fide taxpayers association.
• One (1) member active in a support organization for the District, such as a foundation.
• Three (3) members of the community at-large.
• One (1) member who shall be retired District faculty member from the State Center Federation of Teachers (SCFT) and that meets the requirements of Section 5.2(ii).