The school district recently added the last two members to the
Measure P Citizens’ Oversight Committee, rounding out the panel of
11 Gilroyans who will oversee the expenditure of $150 million of
taxpayer money.
The school district recently added the last two members to the Measure P Citizens’ Oversight Committee, rounding out the panel of 11 Gilroyans who will oversee the expenditure of $150 million of taxpayer money.
Under the provisions of Measure P, which authorized the district to sell $150 million worth of general obligation bonds to be paid off over the next 40 years with local property tax revenue, the district must appoint a committee of at least seven people to make sure the district spends the money on what it said it would – mainly Christopher High School, which will open in August.
Though the school board considered using the same members who sit on the Measure I oversight committee, they voted 6-1, with former trustee and current committee member Jaime Rosso dissenting, to choose new members.
Rosso argued a more experienced committee might have a better grasp of the “big picture” issues with school facilities and take up fewer staff resources familiarizing themselves with the district’s finances. But he was happy that the residents selected represent a cross-section of the community.
Rosso, who still attends board meetings and is very much involved in Gilroy’s schools, said having newer members who ask tough questions will reassure the public.
“It’s good to have people who naturally question what’s going on,” he said.
Committee member Karin Clements, the mother of two Glen View Elementary School students, the Glen View Home and School Club president and a member of Glen View’s school site council, said she wishes more parents would get involved and volunteer, and looks forward to having a say in the development of Gilroy’s schools.
Members must serve a term of two years, without compensation, for no more than two consecutive terms.
Measure P oversight committee members
Jaime Rosso, Business Representative
Tim Day, Business Representative, Chamber of Commerce
Jane Howard, Member of Taxpayer Organization
Phillip Taves, Parent Active in Gilroy PTA/Home School Club
James Pace, Parent Active in Gilroy PTA/Home School Club
Rita J. Delgado, Senior Citizen
Karin Clements, Parent of Gilroy School Student
Evelyn Hudson, Parent of Gilroy School Student
Mary E. Humphrey, At-Large Community Member
Matt Morley, Parent of Gilroy School Student
Charles Waller, At-Large Community Member
