Feb 27th Bond Advisory Committee Update

At the Bond Advisory Committee’s third meeting on Feb. 27, committee members heard an update about the results of the State Auditor’s Accountability Audit, listened to a presentation about the district’s enrollment data, learned about the implications of the Clean Buildings Act, and more.

The volunteer committee members are being asked to evaluate facility needs and cost data through active engagement to provide an informed proposal to the superintendent, who will then craft a recommendation to the School Board for consideration.

Brian Cawley of Hargis Engineers shared about the Clean Buildings Act, which created the Clean Buildings Performance Standard in an effort to reduce grid emissions. Compliance with the act is required by 2026 based on the square footage of buildings; by 2028, most buildings in the district will need to comply. The Clean Buildings Act requires changes that the committee will consider in its evaluation, along with other factors related to the district’s facilities.

Chief of Finance and Operations Martin Turney shared the timeline of the recent Accountability Audit, as well as the findings from the State Auditor’s Office. The timeline began in the fall of 2022, when district administrators were reviewing bond spending and determined that some capital project bond funds from the 2016 bond measure were used for previously approved capital projects outside the scope of the applicable School Board resolution. The district proactively self-reported the issue to the auditor’s office, which began its own independent review. The findings were released by the state on Feb. 20, and are available on the district website, along with frequently asked questions and answers, and a form for community members to submit additional questions.

The district has taken steps to enhance the financial management and oversight of the Capital Projects Fund, Turney said, including staffing changes, enhanced reporting, improved checks and balances, ongoing professional development and training and establishment of a Future Bond Oversight Committee.

Turney also shared with committee members updates about enrollment data, the status of the 2016 bond and the new high school. Committee members asked good questions about each of the topics addressed during the meeting, some of which were answered on the spot, and others that district staff will follow up on.

The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for 5:30-7:30 p.m. on March 12 at the District Administration Building. All of the committee meetings are open for the public to observe. Details about the committee, meeting materials and other information about the process are available on our website.