Citizen oversight reports clean audits while board approves architects for Measure projects

The citizen bond oversight committee presented its annual report to the Monrovia Unified School District board during the Oct. 22 meeting, reporting that independent audits for 2022-23 and 2023-24 returned clean opinions and that $7.6 million was spent in 2023-24 on roofing, security cameras, vape sensors and elementary fencing.

"The bond can only be used for facilities," Janet Wall, chair of the citizen bond oversight committee and the city treasurer, told the board. She recommended the district provide more timely and detailed reporting, continue using bond-tracking software and schedule future oversight meetings farther in advance to ensure full attendance.

Staff also reported that the district successfully sold a Series B bond and refinanced a 2006 bond; staff estimated the refinance will save taxpayers more than $800,000 on next years property tax assessments. The bond sale carried an AA3 rating, district materials said.

The board approved architectural services for Plymouth Elementary (PBK Architects) to assess, design and administer Measure-funded work and approved architectural services for Wildrose Elementary with a different firm (not named in the transcript). Board member Trevante asked staff to ensure communications about upcoming construction are sent to parents and the community so they can plan for possible short-term parking or access changes.

The citizen oversight committees role is to ensure bond proceeds are spent on projects approved by voters and to oversee annual independent financial and performance audits. The committee recommended continued collaboration with the districts bond management team and better scheduling of its meetings to improve attendance and oversight transparency.