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  2. Citizens' Oversight Committee

Citizens' Oversight Committee

Citizens' Oversight Committee

About This Committee 

The Citizens' Oversight Committee ensures that bond funds are used responsibly for school improvement projects. This includes:

  • Building new schools
  • Rebuilding existing schools
  • Repairing and upgrading current schools
  • Replacing outdated facilities
  • Furnishing and equipping new or upgraded schools
  • Buying or leasing land for future schools


The committee verifies that funds are allocated for appropriate capital expenses and not for everyday operational costs, ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of public resources. This means funds cannot go towards:

  • Teacher salaries
  • Administrative staff salaries
  • Other ongoing school expenses
     

Roster of Members

To reach members of the Oversight Committee, please call 707-935-4249 or email mludlow@sonomaschools.org

  • Jurine Biers - Senior Citizens' Organization  
  • Mark Bodenhamer, President - Business Organization 
  • Andy Curotto - Parent of a SVUSD Student
  • Daniel Dwyer, Secretary - At-Large Community Member  
  • James P Hagstrom, Representative - Bona Fide Taxpayers' Organization  
  • Dulce Silvi - Parent and Active in a School Organization, such as the PTA or school site council 
  • Vacant Seat - At-Large Community Member

One seat is currently open. Apply to be on the committee & turn your application in.

Committee Documents & Information

  • Annual Reports

    This folder contains annual reports from the Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee, detailing the oversight of bond expenditures for Measures H and E. These reports provide transparency on how bond funds are allocated and spent, ensuring they are used for the purposes outlined in the measures.

  • Bond Audits

    This folder contains financial reports for the Measures E and H Bond Funds. It includes independent auditor's reports, financial statements, and supplementary information. The documents provide a comprehensive overview of revenues, expenditures, and internal controls, ensuring transparency and accountability in the use these bond funds.

  • Agendas & Minutes

    This folder contains agendas and minutes from the Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee meetings. These documents provide detailed records of discussions, decisions, and actions taken regarding the expenditure of bond funds for Measures H and E. Access past meeting agendas, minutes, and updates on bond fund projects.

Join Us!

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible to serve on the committee, you cannot be employed by, hold an official position within, or be a vendor, contractor, or consultant for the Sonoma Valley Unified School District (SVUSD) as outlined in California Education Code §15282(b).

 

How to Apply:

We currently have one vacancy on the committee. We encourage interested community members to apply.

Mail: SVUSD Business Department, 17850 Railroad Ave., Sonoma, CA 95476

Email: mludlow@sonomaschools.org

Sonoma Valley Schools Bond Oversight

Voters in our district overwhelmingly approved Measure H to fund important school improvements. Following this successful vote, a Citizens' Oversight Committee was formed to ensure transparency and responsible spending of these funds.

 

Your Watchdog Committee

This committee plays a vital role:

  • Informing the Community: We keep the public updated on how bond money is being spent.
  • Ensuring Proper Use of Funds: We make sure these resources are used for the projects outlined in Measure E and H (available for review).
  • Diverse Representation: The committee includes members from various community groups, including parents, businesses, seniors, and taxpayers.

We currently have an opening on the committee. We encourage interested community members to apply and help ensure our schools receive the improvements they deserve. The Citizens’ Oversight Committee is required to have representatives from the following: 

  • One member active in a business organization representing the business community located within the District. 
  • One member active in a senior citizens’ organization. 
  • One member active in a bona fide taxpayers' organization.
  • One member who is the parent or guardian of a child enrolled in the District.
  • One member who is the parent or guardian of a child enrolled in the District and who is active in a parent-teacher organization, such as the PTA or school site council.
  • Two other members, selected from the public at large.