Superintendent of Schools Dr. Fred Maiocco announced today the formation of a citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee to assist the Hermiston School District in assuring stewardship and accountability for the $69.9 million bond program approved by voters on Nov. 4.

In October, the School Board directed the Superintendent to establish the Bond Oversight Committee. Comprised primarily of community members, the charge for this committee is to serve as an independent panel tasked to review bond program expenditures and report back to the Board and community regarding the use of taxpayer dollars.

“The wise and prudent use of our bond dollars is essential to maintaining trust in our community,” Dr. Maiocco said. “The Bond Oversight Committee provides additional transparency for the program and will help us to assure that we deliver all projects on time and within budget.”

The following community leaders have agreed to serve on the Bond Oversight Committee: Kelly Bissinger, Donna Bellinger, Dennis Barnett, Sally Anderson-Hansell, Don Daggett, Eric Reise, Jason Edmiston, Dr. George Clough and Jim Stearns.

The Bond Oversight Committee will meet quarterly throughout the life of the bond program, beginning in December 2008, to provide independent review of the major projects approved by voters. The role of the committee will include:

• Review the process to solicit, qualify and select general contractors and vendors for major projects;
• Review financial statements for congruence between the identified bond projects and spending;
• Review requests for major changes in the expenditure of funds (e.g., project change order proposals in amounts greater than $100,000, or any request to access district-wide contingency funds) and make recommendation for/against such proposals;
• Make recommendations to the Board of Education as to policies and procedures which will enhance accountability for bond dollars to district stakeholders;
• Assist in maintaining public trust and confidence in the district through active involvement in communications related to the bond projects; and
• The Committee will submit a written report to the school board at least annually each spring.