Citizens' Oversight Committee Community Report December 2003

ACCOMPLISHMENTS DURING 2003

The first 12 months since the passage of Proposition U have been filled with activities directed at organizing the program and project management teams; establishing cost control systems; implementing project schedules from the voter-approved master plan; and, initiating design development for the first four schools. Specific accomplishments include:

The Citizens' Oversight Committee (COC)

The PUSD Board of Education established the Proposition U Citizens’ Oversight Committee and appointed seven (7) members. Members of the committee were selected within 60 days of certification of election results , through a process open to the public. The Board, in its discretion, may increase the number of members of the committee at any time, provided that the committee will always have an odd number of members. The Board complied with the California Education Code and has appointed at least one member of the committee representing each of the following categories: business representative, senior citizen, taxpayer organization member, PUSD parent, and a parent active in the PTA.

First Bond Issuance

The first bond sale in June 2003 resulted in $75 million from the $198 million authorized under Proposition U. Standard & Poor’s assigned an excellent underlying rating of A-plus to the District. These local bond monies are independent of the estimated $63 million in eligible funds from the state. Proposition U funds are not subject to the current State budget crisis. Additionally, school bond money from Proposition U will not be used to build schools funded with Mello Roos taxes.

Completed Projects

Communication and data upgrades, including telephones, and intercoms have been installed at all of the schools in the program except Midland, which is being completely rebuilt. High efficiency air mixing systems were installed at Mt. Carmel High School to maximize system efficiencies and reduce current energy costs. Title IX improvements (equity in opportunity in athletics) have been made to the women’s softball facility at Mt. Carmel High.

Educator and Community Involvement in Project Design

Architectural design teams held numerous meetings with principals and school faculty members for Poway and Mt. Carmel High Schools and Midland and Westwood elementary schools. The Midland meetings were expanded to include the interested local community and city leaders in a two-day design symposium. The design and construction planning process is proceeding towards a Summer 2004 start for the major construction projects of these four schools.

Public Communications and Public Outreach

The Proposition U Bond program is also titled “Building for Success”. The new program Web page contains information about project schedules, type of work that will be performed, and information for the business community seeking opportunities to participate in the construction and modernization program. The Citizens' Oversight Committee maintains a separate Web page which contains meeting dates, agendas, meeting minutes, annual reports and audit findings.

Accomplishments in 2003 | Program Timeline | Group One Project Status | 2004 Expectations
Objectives & Challenges | Budget Overview
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