Existing Bond Background Information:
On June 3, 2014, voters passed two Bond Measures:
Petaluma City (Elementary) School District Measure E, a $21 million bond issue
Petaluma Joint Union High School District Measure C, a $68 million bond issue
The purpose of these measures is to enhance the quality of education by funding critical facility upgrades. Bond proceeds are being used to repair plumbing and sewer systems, upgrade outdated electrical infrastructure, expand access to 21st-century technology, renovate P.E. fields and facilities for school and community use, and modernize classrooms, restrooms, and other school facilities.
On November 5, 2024, voters approved two new bond measures:
- Petaluma City (Elementary) School District Measure Z, a $70 million bond issue
- Petaluma Joint Union High School District Measure AA, a $159 million bond issue
The purpose of these measures is to enhance the quality of education by funding critical facility upgrades. Bond proceeds are being used to repair and modernize classrooms, science labs, libraries, and learning technology; improve fire, earthquake safety, and campus security; remove hazardous materials such as lead and asbestos; replace leaky roofs and outdated portable classrooms; upgrade HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems; renovate and expand athletic fields and multipurpose facilities for school and community use; and support sustainable energy and climate-resilient infrastructure.
On September 9, 2014, the Board of Education adopted Resolution 1415-13, establishing the Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (COC). The COC was tasked with ensuring transparency and accountability in the expenditure of Measure E and Measure C funds. The committee’s responsibilities included reviewing expenditures and advising the public on whether such funds were used in compliance with legal requirements.
Committee Consolidation
On March 11, 2025, the Board of Education approved a new Resolution consolidating the Bond and Parcel Tax Citizens' Oversight Committees into a single Citizens’ Oversight Committee. This unified committee now oversees both bond expenditures and parcel tax revenues to streamline oversight efforts and improve efficiency.
Role of the Citizens’ Oversight Committee:
The Citizens’ Oversight Committee serves a critical accountability function. Its responsibilities include:
- Informing the public about the use of bond and parcel tax revenues
- Actively reviewing and reporting on the proper expenditure of taxpayer funds for school construction, modernization, and educational support
- Advising the public on district compliance with Article XIIIA, Section 1(b)(3) of the California Constitution, which mandates specific accountability measures for bond-funded school facility improvements
In accordance with California Education Code Section 15282, no employee, official, vendor, contractor, or consultant of the district may serve on the committee.
The committee issues at least one report annually, which is made publicly available via the district’s website.
