State law requires that an independent Citizens' Oversight Committee be established by the School Board if a successful school bond election takes place in the District under the provisions of Proposition 39. Since Proposition O has been placed on the March 5 ballot, it is appropriate for the Board to initiate the process for establishing the Committee and approve its By-Laws.

According to State law, the Committee must consist of at least seven (7) members, and must include:

• One member who is active in a business organization representing the business community located within the school district;

• One member active in a senior citizens' organization;

• One member who is the parent or guardian of a child enrolled in the school district;

• One member who is both a parent or guardian of a child enrolled in the school district and active in a parent-teacher organization; and

• One member who is active in a bona fide taxpayers' organization.

The Committee may not include any employee or official of the District or any vendor, contractor or consultant of the District.

The Administration proposes that each Board member nominate a member to the Committee. In addition, the Administration recommends that each of the following organizations be asked to nominate a Committee member: Vista Chamber of Commerce; Oceanside Chamber of Commerce; City of Vista Seniors Commission; Del Norte PTA Council; DPAC; DELAC; San Diego Taxpayers Association; and San Diego Chapter, American Institute of Architects. As described above, the Committee would include a total of 13 members. At its meeting on April 11, the Board would be asked to appoint the nominated Committee members.

Attached to this agenda item are the proposed By-Laws for the Committee. Greg Moser, District legal counsel, will review these By-Laws in detail and answer questions.

FISCAL IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCE:

None

RECOMMENDATION:

Approve Process for Establishing Citizens’ Oversight Committee and Approve Committee By-Laws

Respectfully submitted,
Dave Cowles
Superintendent of Schools

Prepared by:
Mike Vail, Assistant Superintendent
Facilities Planning & Governmental Relations