The Lompoc Unified School District (LUSD) Board of Trustees has appointed community members to serve on the Independent Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (COC) for the implementation of the Measure M bond.

LUSD voters approved the $160 million general obligation bond on the Nov. 5 ballot. Measure M authorizes funding for needed repairs, upgrades, and new construction projects to the district’s schools and facilities.

State law requires that the LUSD Board of Trustees appoint a COC, composed of at least seven members, meeting Proposition 9 representation criteria, to work with the district on a bond authorized under Proposition 39.

The LUSD Board appointed the following members to the COC:
● Martin Bender, parent/guardian of a child enrolled in LUSD
● Lanny Ebenstein, bona fide taxpayers association representative
● Gillian Esparza, parent/guardian of a child enrolled in LUSD and an active member in a parent-teacher organization
● Rick Fridrich, local business representative
● Robert Holloway, at large representative
● Johana Kinard, parent/guardian of a child enrolled in LUSD
● Laurie Lee, at large representative
● Ann McCarty, at large representative
● Robert Murphy, at large representative
● Michelle Robertson, at large representative
● Steve Straight, senior citizen representative

In accordance with Education Code Section 15278(b), the Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee shall:
● Inform the public concerning the district’s expenditure of the bond proceeds.
● Review expenditure reports produced by the district to ensure bond proceeds were expended only for the purposes set forth in the measure.
● Present to the board in public session, an annual written report outlining their activities and conclusions regarding the expenditure of bond proceeds.

“The district currently has vast facilities needs estimated at $439 million,” said Board President Franky Caldeira. “The $160 million proceeds from Measure M will make a meaningful difference for our 9,000 students and 1,000 staff in Lompoc Unified School District; not to mention the positive impact it will have on our community.

“We are doing everything we can, including pre-appointing a COC, to demonstrate to our community our commitment to maintaining the highest level of fiscal responsibility,” he said.

Detailed information about the Independent Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee and LUSD facilities needs can be found at lusd.org/bond.

Lompoc Unified School District serves pre-kindergarten through high school students living in the city of Lompoc, Vandenberg Village, Mesa Oaks, Mission Hills, Vandenberg Space Force Base, and adjacent rural areas.