Cuesta Oversight Board Apps Taken—By Neil Farrell

Fresh off winning a $275 million construction bond, Cuesta College now turns its efforts at putting together a citizens’ oversight committee to fulfill one promise it made during the campaign.
The Board of Trustees is “seeking qualified, interested individuals to serve on a committee of community leaders which will serve as the Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee [COC] for the implementation of the district’s Measure L school facilities bond program,” reads a news release from Cuesta. Applications must be submitted by Jan. 31 for consideration.
In the Nov. 4 election SLO County voters passed Measure L, a $275 million bond measure funding for needed repairs, upgrades, and new construction projects at Cuesta’s two campuses. After a bond authorized under Proposition 39 is passed, state law requires that the Board appoint a committee to work with the district.
In accordance with state Education Code (Section 15278(b)), the committee will:
• Inform the public concerning the District’s expenditure of Measure L bond proceeds;
• Review expenditure reports produced by the District to ensure that Measure L bond proceeds were expended only for the purposes set forth in Measure L; and,
• Present to the Board in public session, an annual written report outlining their activities and conclusions regarding the expenditure of Measure L bond proceeds.
• All appointments will be made by the Board from applications submitted to the District.
The committee will consist of at least seven members:
• One student enrolled and active in a community college support group, such as student government;
• One member active in a business organization representing the business community located in the District;
• One member active in a senior citizens’ organization;
• One member active in a bona-fide taxpayers association;
• One member active in a support organization for the college, such as a foundation; and,
• Two at-large members of the community.
Initial appointments will be staggered, in one and two year terms. For more information and to apply for the committee, see: www.cuesta.edu and click on the “Measure L” button.