The Citizens' Oversight Committee

HISTORY The Salida Union School District Board of Trustees has placed Measure U, a general obligation bond, on the November 3, 2020, Presidential Election Ballot.   Measure U is a general obligation (GO) bond measure.  If approved by 55% of District votes cast, Measure U will authorize $9.24 million to improve student access to technology, renovate classrooms, and increase student safety. Measure U’s average annual tax rate is estimated to be less than 2¢ per $100 of assessed valuation. In addition, Measure U may qualify the District for state matching funds, if the bond is approved by voters.  TAXPAYER PROTECTIONS

• Funds are prohibited from being used for administrators’ salaries, pensions or benefits
• An independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee and a third-party auditor must review and audit all bond expenditures
• All funds will benefit ONLY Salida Union Elementary School District’s projects

COMMITTEE PURPOSE AND RESPONSIBILITY

The purpose of the Citizens' Oversight Committee (COC) as stated in the legislation of Prop. 39, is limited to informing the public concerning the expenditure of bond revenues and actively reviewing and reporting on the proper expenditure of taxpayers' money for school construction. The committees will make sure that bond funds have been spent in accordance with state law on projects specified on the Project List.  Additionally, the COC may engage in any of the following activities:

• Receive and review copies of the annual, independent performance and financial audits;
• Inspect school facilities and grounds;
• Receive and review copies of any deferred maintenance plans or proposals developed by the district;
• Review efforts by the district to maximize bond revenues by implementing cost-saving measures.
   

COMMITTEE SELECTION

The Citizens' Oversight Committee members represent a diverse group of the community and were originally appointed by the Board of Education on March 12, 2018, pursuant to Proposition 39 regulations.
 

Citizens' Oversight Committee current membership:

• Lana Moore, Salida Chamber of Commerce and Senior Citizen
• Joe Rizotto, Salida Fire Chief
• Kiah Applegate, Parent and Volunteer
• Dennis Thompson, Taxpayer Association and Former Salida Postmaster
• Manny Soriano, Parent and Volunteer
• Lisa Zwart, Parent and Volunteer
• Position Open - (Local Establishment Owner)

District staff members serve as support to the committee in an ex-officio capacity and are non-voting members

• Twila Tosh, Superintendent
• Agustin Mireles, Assistant Superintendent
• Jaime Towe, Chief Business Officer
• Kalin Kent, Executive Assistant
   

MEETING DATES, TIMES, AND LOCATIONS

Meetings of the COC are called, noticed, held, and conducted subject to the Ralph M. Brown Act, and are open to the public. Meetings are held at 3:00 p.m., unless stated otherwise, at the District Office, Zoom, or at one of the schools that have benefited from Measure U funds.
All COC activities including meeting dates, agendas, and meeting minutes are posted on the Salida Union School District website under Our District, Measure U Bond.