Contra Costa County Grand Jury • 2014-2015

West Contra Costa Unified School District:

Published: June 10, 2015 33 pages
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Findings and Recommendations 12 findings

F1
The WCCUSD school board appoints CBOC members who oversee it, which may make CBOC members feel beholden to WCCUSD board members, which may result in an inherent conflict of interest.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
The School Board should eliminate the following six member positions from CBOC at the expiration of their terms, to eliminate any concerns about conflicts of interest.  Five members, one recommended by each member of the Board of Education  One member representing the Contra Costa Building and Construction Trades Council.
F2
CBOC membership is currently set at 19, which makes it difficult to reach a quorum or to get business done with so many voices to be heard at meetings.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
The School Board should change the School Board discretionary category of "Public Employees Union Local 1" to that of an "at large" position from the general community in order to allow for a greater pool of qualified candidates to apply.
F3
The School Board had added a discretionary category for a member of the Public Employees Union Local 1 on CBOC.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
The School Board should create an independent selection committee to select new nominees for CBOC, comprised of the CBOC Chair and a designated appointee from CBOC, two members from the Board of Education, and School Superintendent or designee, for a committee of five. Selection should be based on merit and be a transparent process to ensure public confidence in this vital selection process.
F4
WCCUSD did not agree to post CBOC’s meeting materials on its website when requested to do so by CBOC.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
WCCUSD should provide CBOC members with complete, detailed and comprehensive financial data relating to the expenditure of bond revenues and items put to vote on the board agenda at least 7 days in advance of the board meetings, in order to permit meaningful and effective review and oversight.
F5
WCCUSD has complete control over CBOC's website.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
WCCUSD should allow CBOC full access to the CBOC website.
F6
WCCUSD has denied CBOC’s requests for access to CBOC’s website and rejected CBOC’s suggestions.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6
WCCUSD should not change or add items to CBOC’s website without the permission of the CBOC chair.
F7
WCCUSD has not always timely furnished financial reports to CBOC, allowing CBOC very little time for any thoughtful analysis.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
WCCUSD should provide CBOC with accurate, understandable and timely financial and non-financial reports concerning bond funded projects as well as other relevant information requested on the bond construction program at least monthly.
F8
Financial reports provided by WCCUSD to CBOC are not always accurate and complete.
Related Recommendations (1)
R8
WCCUSD should provide CBOC with a comprehensive master plan for the school construction projects within the next three months and as requested by CBOC.
F9
WCCUSD and the School Board were not in compliance with law in refusing to support CBOC’s requests for public posting of CBOC agendas and minutes on WCCUSD’s website.
Related Recommendations (1)
R9
WCCUSD should provide timely and comprehensive training to all new CBOC members on a timely basis. The following training materials, at a minimum, should be provided to all new CBOC members within one week of their appointment: (a) California League of Bond Oversight Committee recommended Best Practices (b) San Diego County Taxpayers Association "Oversight Committee Best Practices" Guide (c) California Coalition for Adequate School Housing "Proposition 39 - Best Practices Handbook" (d) Little Hoover Commission 2009 Report "Bond Spending: Expanding and Enhancing Oversight" (e) California League of Cities "A Guide to The Ralph M. Brown Act" (f) State Controller's Office 2011 Audit Report on the Los Angeles Community College District's bond construction program
F10
WCCUSD has not consistently provided timely, adequate and independent training for new CBOC members. Recommended training manuals and pamphlets have not been furnished to CBOC members.
Related Recommendations (1)
R10
The School Board should follow all of its policies.
F11
CBOC had lacked a member who was active in a senior citizen's organization.
Related Recommendations (1)
R11
The School Board should ensure that the CBOC contains a member from each category required by California Education Code Section 15282.
F12
The School Board has not always required an application before approving CBOC members.
No recommendations for this finding