Citizens' Oversight Committee
First Annual Report to the Community

Year 1: July 1, 2002 - June 30, 2003

Executive Summary:

This is the first annual report to the community by the Citizens’ Oversight Committee (COC) concerning the status of the school improvement bond measures approved by Eureka voters in March 2002. Bond Measure S authorized $32.5 million for the middle and high schools, while Bond Measure T authorized $10.6 million for the elementary schools. In August 2002 the first series of bond sales resulted in $21.6 million of proceeds for Measure S and $6.5 million for Measure T. The next bond issuance is expected to occur in June 2004.

Three months after the bond election, nine committee members were appointed by the Eureka City Schools Governing Board. The Committee began holding monthly meetings, adopted by-laws, learned about their duties, and toured ECS facilities scheduled for renovation. Committee members provided input in the selection of two architectural/engineering firms and a project management firm. As of the end of the District’s most recent fiscal year (June 30, 2003), spending plus commitments totaled $440,000 for Measure S and $566,000 for Measure T. Most of the spending covered work done during the summer vacation period.

The COC believes that expenditures of Measures S and T bond proceeds have been properly made, and only for projects identified in the bond measures, and no bond monies have been spent on District operating expenses as of June 30, 2003. These expenditures are subject to required independent financial and performance audits to be completed by this December and reviewed by the COC. Audit results will be communicated to the community in a subsequent report. The COC, in its advisory and oversight capacity, will continue to work closely with District staff and the Project Manager in developing project priorities and financial performance reporting.

Read the complete report. (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)