What We Do
According to state law (CA Education Code 15278-15282), our job is to inform the public about the expenditure of bond revenues by reviewing and reporting on “the proper expenditure of taxpayers' money for school construction". To do this, we review copies of annual independent financial audits, and provide feedback on cost-saving measures designed to reduce the costs of professional fees and site preparation.
As an advisory committee of OUSD, we can provide recommendation to District staff and board members on spending the bond money. We also serve as a liaison to the public, by publishing an annual report, highlighting questions about bond spending at public meetings and other venues, and bringing residents’ concerns to the attention of OUSD staff and elected leaders.
Some of the topics we pay close attention to include: staffing, construction management, consulting fees, design standards, the use of lease-leasebacks for construction, the solar rebate program, and the changes made to the approved bond project list.
We also tour school sites that are undergoing construction or renovation with bond money. These site visits are the first Friday of most months, and are open to the public.
