Pajaro Valley Unified School District has formed a citizens committee to oversee expenditure of funds from Measure M, the $315 million facilities bond district voters approved in November.
Measure M provides funding to repair, modernize, and upgrade school facilities across the district. Under California law, school districts that pass bond measures must establish a citizens oversight committee to monitor and report on the use of bond proceeds, helping to ensure transparency and accountability.
The responsibilities of the committee include reviewing quarterly expenditure reports to make sure bond funds are used only for projects allowed by Measure M, informing the public about the district’s expenditure of bond revenues and presenting an annual report to the Santa Cruz County Board of Education summarizing the committee’s activities and findings. Committee members are appointed by the board of education to serve two-year terms, with their meetings being open to the general public.
The newly appointed committee includes the following community members:
- Lourdes H. Barraza, a representative of business within the district and the parent/guardian of a district student.
- Bill Beecher, a representative of business within the district and current member of the Measure L bond citizens oversight committee.
- Colleen Bugayong, parent/guardian of a district student and active in a parent-teacher organization.
- Jessica Clements, parent/guardian of a district student and active in a parent-teacher organization.
- Adriana Mata, parent/guardian of a district student and active in a parent-teacher organization.
- Maria Meade, representative of a senior citizens organization.
- Murry Schekman, representative of a taxpayers organization, who also served as PVUSD’s interim superintendent.
- Luz Sotelo, parent/guardian of a district student.
“[The committee’s] oversight will help ensure that the promises made to voters are fulfilled with transparency, integrity, and accountability,” said PVUSD Superintendent Heather Contreras.
The first meeting of the Measure M citizens oversight committee will be scheduled later this summer after all members are trained. Agendas and meeting materials will be available on the district’s website.
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