The purpose of the Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC) 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 (Education Code Section 15278 (b)).

Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committees are required through Proposition 39, officially titled the “Smaller Classes, Safer Schools and Financial Accountability Act.” It was approved by California voters in November 2000. The effect of the proposition was to reduce the voter approval rate required for school districts to issue general obligation bonds from 2/3 to 55%. Proposition 39 limits the use of bond proceeds to school facilities projects listed as described in the language of the ballot measure approved by the voters.

Additionally, because of the lower voter approval requirement, California Education Code (Education Code) Sections 15264-15282 contains provisions ensuring public oversight and accountability concerning the expenditure of facilities bond revenues. The district board is required to appoint a Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (Education Code Section 15278 (a)). Membership requirements and procedures are specified in the Education Code and in the board approved bylaws.