Support Measure Q - the 2008 school bond in Scotts Valley, California

Measure Q requires a clear system of accountability including an Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee and annual independent audits to ensure that the money is spent properly. By law, money from the bond measure must stay local and can only be used to complete specific facility projects within the Scotts Valley Unified School District. The board must appoint the oversight committee within 60 days of the final election results. It must consist of at least seven members representing the business community, senior citizens, taxpayers organizations, parent-teacher organizations, and a parent. Employees and officials of the district may not serve. Meetings must be open to the public and held in accordance with the Brown Act.The committee must ensure that bond funds are properly spent as proposed on the ballot and that none are spent on school district salaries or operating expenses. It must issue annual reports available on the Internet. The committee can appeal to a judge to stop the expenditures and halt construction projects if the committee believes funds are being improperly spent.The school district must also order annual performance and financial audits of the bond funds. The board must provide the audits to the oversight committee along with other information.