Bond Oversight Done Right – – -----=- - Issue 52 • April 3, 2023
Editor: Linda Ruiz-Lozito • info.caboc@gmail.com
Are You Passionate About School Bond Oversight?
The passage of the Proposition 39 school bond measure lowered the voting threshold from 2/3 to 55% but mandated that all Proposition 39 bond programs must be subject to independent citizen oversight.
-- In theory, that requirement seems sound but practical experience has shown that such oversight is often less than fully effective.
-- Nothing in the public venue is more important than our students attending schools in safe and efficient facilities, but every tax dollar must be spent wisely and hundreds of billions are at stake.
-- CABOC is recruiting members (voting) who will enjoy a unique opportunity to help shape and launch a training program for CBOC members. 

Founding Membership is free and has these benefits:
  • Elect the CABOC Board of Directors.
  • Make decisions on the purpose and role of CABOC.
  • Priority access to the Help Desk.
  • Peer review of FAQs.
  • Input on Best Practices.
  • Review online training videos.
  • Participation in weekly “Ask the Experts” seminars.

Will you join us in this effort as a Founding Member? 
FAQ: Issues that May Show the District Does Not Want Real Oversight or May Lack Transparency
Ask these questions (Partial list):
  1. Does the CBOC operate as an independent entity that conducts its own business and oversight activities?
  2. Is the CBOC prevented from scheduling its own meetings or setting its own meeting agendas and/or otherwise are there attempts to control the CBOC actions?
  3. Does the CBOC prepare and approve its own bylaws or other rules of procedure and conduct?
  4. Are all the required CBOC seats filled with members within the stipulated Education Code qualifications or only District board allies who are not supportive of CBOC independence are appointed instead of reaching out to the communities for members inclined to exercise independent judgment?
  5. Does the CBOC have access to its own independent legal counsel or other resources that the CBOC requires to properly conduct its oversight responsibilities?
  6. Does the CBOC have access to auditors and their reports, information or individuals?
  7. Do the CBOC members have access to district personnel and contractors?
  8. Does the district provide complete and correct information on a timely basis?
  9. Does the district provide the CBOC with its own website that is controlled by the CBOC, that is the CBOC members have sole control over what is on the CBOC website, what is added, and what is deleted?
  10. Does the district’s own website provide more than just summary information on construction bond finances and projects? Other facilities information could include the size and composition of facilities staff, table of organization, contact information, maintenance, repairs policies, and budget.
  11. Are complaints from district’s construction bond employees, contractor’s employees, project neighbors, district staff, student parent/guardians, etc. provided to CBOC members for review and discussion?  Sources of complaints can include: appearances at district board and CBOC meetings; letters, emails, and phone calls; and press/media/social media.
  12. Does the district staff include an experienced and capable facilities team, particularly on the capital improvement side, a detailed facilities improvement plan along with strong facilities processes and procedures, including working and accessible information technology systems that are readily accessible by members of the public (for summary level information)?
  13. Does the district employ an internal auditor? 
  14. Does the district comply with the audit rotation requirements for annual audits per Education Code § 41020(f)(2)?
  15. Does the district extend “hold harmless” liability coverage to CBOC members?
CABOC | California Association of Bond Oversight Committees | E-mail | BondOversight.org