The Houston Independent School District is looking for volunteers to serve on its newly reorganized Bond Oversight Committee as the district embarks on its $1.89 billion bond program approved by voters in November.

Administrators decided in December to revise the committee charter to give the group of up to nine members a more active role in monitoring the district’s bond program and keeping the public informed on new construction and renovation projects.

“The new committee will work in conformance with the program approved by the Board and make recommendations to maximize available resources to achieve construction goals in the most effective and cost-efficient manner,” said Leo Bobadilla, HISD’s chief operating officer.  “Its focus will be oversight.”

In revising the group’s charter, the district has invited those members who served in 2012 to reapply for consideration on the new committee. The application process is also open to community members, with the goal of having a new committee formed and scheduled to meet before the end of March.

People with expertise in business, engineering, construction, and education are encouraged to apply, as are active HISD parents.  The positions are unpaid, and committee members must not have an active contract or be seeking a contract with the district if they wish to serve.

Duties of the Bond Oversight Committee include:

• Ensuring that bond revenues are spent appropriately
• Evaluating risks and controls of the bond program via an independent and periodic report to the Superintendent, Board, and general public.

Bobadilla said the goal is to have a committee that can actively serve as a watchdog over bond activities.

“We’ve promised a program that is responsible and accountable to HISD taxpayers,” Bobadilla said. “This committee is one more way for the district to ensure quality and transparency.”

To apply to serve on the committee, please fill out the Committee Membership Application Form.