School to Community Connection
Sept. 8, 2005

Issue 95

Bonds G & H Citizens Oversight Committee

The plans have been approved, the contractor hired, and site development is underway for the largest expenditure of HUSD Bond Measure H, construction of a new Fitch Mountain school. There is an important way Healdsburg residents can contribute to this project’s success – become a member of the Citizens Oversight Committee.

The next committee meeting will be Wednesday, September 28 at 6:00PM at the Van Pelt Construction office, 459 Healdsburg Avenue. People who might be interested in serving on the committee are welcome to attend and observe to get a sense of how we go about our business.

The oversight committee is a requirement of bond measures G and H. Committee members represent the bonds’ constituents – parents with children or active in Healdsburg schools’ parent organizations, taxpayers, seniors, and business people. The committee reviews and reports on the proper expenditure of taxpayer money for school construction. Bond funds may only be spent on specific school facilities listed in the bond measure.

This is an excellent time to be involved in the oversight committee because the largest bond project is scheduled to be completed in the next year. Fitch Mountain School is scheduled to open in the fall of 2006.

The committee typically meets monthly during the school year with the HUSD Superintendent and Business Manager, and construction manager Mark Van Pelt. Members review expenditures and encumbrances, construction progress reports, and the committee addresses concerns raised by the public. The committee produces an annual report addressing the appropriateness of the district’s use of the bond funds, but has no power in determining how much money is spent for each project nor the priority for each allowable project.

Members serve a two-year term and may serve not more than two consecutive terms. They may not be employed by the district or be a vendor, contractor, or consultant to HUSD. Members apply through the district and are appointed by the school board. There is no compensation.

For more information contact Oversight Committee chair Nancy Carlson, 431-2963 or carlson5@sonic.net.  To apply, contact the HUSD Office of the Superintendent, 431-3488.