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March 19, 2013 (El Cajon)--On Thursday, March 7, the Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC) presented their annual report to the GUHSD Governing Board. The CBOC is a group of 11 community volunteers who oversee the expenditure of Prop H and Prop U bond funds.
A cover letter from Chair Nancy Herbst raises concerns over finances in the wake of a recession and reduced state funds. Current funds will be exhausted by mid-2015, she warns, adding, "Further projects are planned, but will not be scheduled until future funding is more certain." A revised project schedule is included in the report. Prominent among projects placed on hold is the long-awaited 12th high school in Alpine.
"Thr recession has affected the building program, and has left the district in a state of uncertainty over the ability to issue bonds, how long it will take to pay bonds, and how much grant money to expect from the state," she writes, noting that reduced property values have also reduced district revenues. She adds, "Completion of bond projects depends on receiving $181 million from the state. Only $81 million has been received to date. Another $6 million is due in 2013."
The report provides a comprehensive review of challenges faced and accomplishments achieved by the Prop H/U building program across the district.The 2012 CBOC Annual Report also includes schedules for projects on all campuses. The report is available here.
Much controversy has revolved around the expenditure of bond funds previously, with the GUHSD board and earlier Oversight Committee memberships drawing criticism for approving use of funds for projects not included in Prop H or U, as well as lesser priority projects, while failing to use bond monies for the Alpine High School, the top priority project in both bond measures. A Grand Jury investigation has reportedly been initiated to look into allegations that bond monies were misappropriated.
For further information on CBOC activities, or to get involved, please visit the website.
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