Frequently Asked Questions

  • Mission Statement:
    The mission of the CBOC, as an independent Oversight Committee, is to oversee the proper expenditure of money for the construction, repair, and modernization of schools by the West Contra Costa Unified School District. The Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC) was established in accordance with Prop 39. 

    A Message from the Chair:
    The CBOC has evolved over the years. When established the committee had as many as 21 members, the current number of members is 14. The District has 54 schools, over 32,000 students and covers five cities with diverse populations and economic profiles. Voters have approved 6 Bond Measures, for a combined $1.6 Billion. The $1.6 billion dollars have been reduced to $480,000,000; there is approximately $200,000,000 in bond authority to be divided up amongst 21 schools. The CBOC has been asking the question, “What is the end game?” The CBOC has questioned how the District would keep the promises it made to communities as Bond funds are reduced and new Bond Measures may or may not be approved by voters. The question now is, will the District be able to complete the rest of the schools within the District with the available funds? That question has led the CBOC to recommend that the District create a New Long Range Facilities Master Plan. The Master Plan has not been updated since 2007. This New Master Plan will establish priorities in order to allocate remaining bond funds and determine how the District should use those bond funds amongst the 21 “priority schools”. According to district documents, priority schools are defined as those which have had “no or minimal improvement work done to them since they were originally built with minor exceptions for maintenance and site improvements.” School construction and modernization affects our children’s education and the communities, now and for generations to come. A good school District raises property values and encourages investment. The CBOC believes that the District’s construction policy and philosophies must be rethought and updated and a New Master Plan is the first step in that process. The CBOC looks forward to receiving the District’s new plan in the spring of 2016. 

    What is the Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee and what do you do?
    The WCCUSD Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee is an all-volunteer group whose mission is to oversee the proper expenditure of money for the construction, repair, and modernization of schools by WCCUSD, as legislated by Prop 39. 

    What is Proposition 39?

    Proposition 39, officially titled the “Smaller Classes, Safer Schools and Financial Accountability Act, was approved by California voters in 2000.
    The effect of the Proposition was to reduce the voter approval rate required for school districts to issue general obligation bonds from 66 2/3% to 55%.
    Proposition 39 limits the use of bond proceeds to school facilities projects listed or described in the language of the ballot measure approved by voters.
    Because of lower vote approval requirement, Proposition 39 contains a safeguard by ensuring public oversight and accountability concerning the expenditure of facilities bond revenues. Within 60 days following voter approval of a bond, the district is required to appoint “an independent citizens’ oversight committee.”

    What is the purpose of the CBOC?
    The CBOC reviews and reports its findings to the Board and the public to ensure that school bond funds are invested as the voters intended and that projects are completed wisely and efficiently.

    The purpose of the committee is to inform the public concerning the expenditure of bond revenues. To fulfill this responsibility the oversight committee is expressly required to “actively review and report on the proper expenditure of taxpayers’ money for school construction and to verify that the funds are being spent only for authorized purposes.”

    The oversight committee must promptly alert the public to any waste or improper expenditure of bond revenue.

    Who sits on the Oversight Committee?

    Where does the Oversight Committee meet?
     

    When does the Oversight Committee meet?
    Meeting Schedule 2023

    September 11, 2023

    October 9, 2023

    November 13, 2023

    December 11, 2023

    How are Oversight Committee members chosen?

    How can I apply to be on the CBOC?

    How much money are Oversight Committee members paid?
    The CBOC is an all-volunteer committee. Members are not compensated for their services.

    What Subcommittees does the CBOC have and what do they do?

    How do I find out about WCCUSDs building and renovation projects in my neighborhood or anywhere in the WCCUSD?
    WCCUSD Bond Projects 

    What are the Bond Measures being overseen by the CBOC?
    Measure D (2002), Measure J (2006), Measure D (2010) and MEASURE E (2012), MEASURE R (2020).
    MEASURE D (2002) $300,000,000
    MEASURE J (2005) $400,000,000
    MEASURE D (2010) $380,000,000
    MEASURE E (2012) $360,000,000

    MEASURE R (2020) $575,000,000

    Does the Oversight Committee issue reports of its findings and activities?
    Yes the Committee prepares and publishes an

    How can I contact the Oversight Committee?
    Please email the CBOC Chair Lorraine.humes@wccusd.net 

    What are the District's plans for new construction, renovation/upgrades to existing schools?
    View the WCCUSD Facilities Master Plan

    For additional ¶¹Ä̳ÉÈËÖ±²¥ about WCCUSD, click here to visit the District's main site.
    West Contra Costa Unified School District Website 

    Where is the District’s Information Repository?
    All ¶¹Ä̳ÉÈËÖ±²¥ and documents relating to the CBOC are available for public access at:
    Facilities Operation Center,
    1400 Marina Way South, Richmond, CA 94804