Cypress School District Modernization Update

By Beverly M. Hempstead, Superintendent
February 2013

When our community passed the Measure M General Obligation Bonds, part of the accountability provided for by the law included forming a Citizens' Oversight Committee (COC). The committee's primary purpose is to inform the public at least annually in a written report regarding the expenditure of the bond proceeds.

At the last meeting of this committee, held February 6, 2013 at the District office, committee members presented and unanimously approved the Annual Report. Highlights of the report include activities of the COC during the 2011/12 school year, fiscal findings concerning expenditures, and the audit report for 2011/12. Based upon their review of the audit report, the committee found that expenditures of Measure M Bond funds by the District have been made for costs, expenses, construction, acquisition, and installation related to projects authorized by Measure M. No Measure M monies have been spent on non-construction related certificated teacher/administrator salaries or other school operating expenses. The Annual Report has been posted on the District's website at www.cypsd.k12.ca.us and anyone without access to the Internet can request a hard copy at the District office.

Through the hard work of District office staff and our modernization team, our modernization projects continue on schedule. Luther School students continue to meet on their interim site at Swain School, with the completed and beautifully modernized school scheduled to reopen on schedule for the 2013/14 school year. Modernization construction will begin this fall at Arnold School, with those students meeting on their interim site at Dickerson School.

Meetings of the Citizens' Oversight Committee are open to the public. The next meeting is scheduled for August 7, 2013, 4:00 p.m. at Luther School. The Cypress School District is appreciative of the community support we have received, and we will continue to provide updates about the progress of our school modernization projects using Measure M funds.