Superintendent Roper introduced Larry Remer, consultant for the Primacy Group, and John Fairbank of Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin & Associates. Also present, was David Larsen, district counsel, to answer questions on legal issues.

Mr. Remer reviewed the activities since his report to the Board in January, including efforts to increase public awareness, develop strict safeguards, build a support coalition, conduct public opinion research and establish bond principles. To increase public awareness, the Board had hired a public relations firm, established press relations soliciting articles, conducted a "Repair Day" at all comprehensive high schools, contacted citizens by letter and provided repair oriented articles in school newsletters and through the publication of Currents. To develop safeguards, a Business-Community Leadership group was established which visited every school site. A thorough review of staff and architects reports took place and the repair list was "vetted." A Repair and Replacement Reserve Fund was developed and an Oversight Committee is being planned. Coalition building was advanced through the help of Assemblyman Scott Baugh.

John Fairbank presented the public opinion research polling results which indicate that while the public has become more informed of the need for costly repairs, at this stage the percentage required for passage of a bond has not been reached.

Larry Remer described the next steps. He stated that the district has begun to tentatively put together a Campaign Committee. Mr. Remer also discussed continuing to build the coalition and described focusing on absentee voting.

Staff recommended proceeding with a bond measure in November.

Dr. Patricia Koch reviewed the proposed resolution regarding a school bond election which will be brought to the Board for consideration at its June 8, 1999 meeting. She indicated that listed in the resolution are many of the repairs which would be taking place at the schools. The list has been vetted by business leaders and task force members. Dr. Koch stated that the district is seeking broad community support by involving many groups in all three cities. Safeguards have been built into the proposed bond resolution, including a provision that bond money be spent only on schools and not on administrator salaries. Additionally, an independent oversight committee will monitor the district’s spending, an annual audit will take place, and a repair and replacement reserve fund will be established.

Dr. Koch reviewed the statistics of the proposed $123 million bond, indicating that the total repair bill is $160 million and the district is eligible for $37 million in matching funds under the state-wide bond program. It is proposed that the $123 million shortfall be covered by a school bond. Taxpayers would pay $27 per year per $100,000 assessed valuation of their property.

Dr. Koch stated that the district has been criticized for allowing the schools to get into such a state of disrepair and has been asked how the district will keep this from happening again. The district plans to establish a set-aside fund so that repairs can be made in the future. These funds would be earmarked for major repairs and replacement only. The target is an annual allocation equal to four percent of the district’s general fund, to be phased in over seven years.

An Oversight Committee of 14 members will be created. These committee members would have experience in construction and finance, as well as representatives from business and community leaders. Dr. Koch described the intent of the committee, indicating that it would be subject to the Brown Act, deliberations would have to take place in public, and its recommendations and findings would be presented to the Board of Trustees for final decisions.

Board members asked questions and staff responded.

David Larsen described disclosure provisions.

Following much discussion, it was indicated that the ultimate responsibility and final decisions relating to expenditure of the bond funds lies with the Board of Trustees.

Mark Soden, President of Chapter 157, California School Employees Association, reported that CSEA had voted unanimously to support the proposed district effort to secure a bond.

Steve Bone, President, Waterfront Hilton Hotel, offered his support of a bond measure.

Jim Righeimer, citizen, expressed support for the proposed bond.

Tom Shaw, parent, reported the support of Huntington Beach Police Chief, Ron Lowenberg, for a bond measure. Mr. Shaw expressed his own support.

Jim Ball, parent, expressed concerns and stated he has not yet taken a position on the proposed bond.

President Bruce read a letter from Lyn Scott, parent, in support of a bond measure.

Dr. Simons indicated that he would like to agendize the bond resolutions on the June 8, 1999 Board agenda.

Dr. Simons asked that a letter of thanks be sent to Dean Crowley who is retiring as head of the California Interscholastic Federation, Southern Section.

Mrs. Bruce reminded members of the Town Hall meetings to be conducted by Assemblyman Scott Baugh on Saturday, May 29 at 10 a.m. at Ocean View High School and 12 noon at Westminster High School.

Mrs. Bruce reminded Board members of the Strategic Planning workshop to be held on Thursday, June 24. All members were invited to stay through lunch. The President and Vice President will stay for the entire day.