San Francisco schools appoint Bree Mahorder to Citizens Bond Oversight Committee

The San Francisco Board of Education took a significant step towards compliance with state regulations by appointing Bree Mahorder to the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC) during their recent meeting. This appointment is crucial as it marks the first move to reconstitute the committee, which has been inactive since 2018, leaving the district without the required oversight for nearly four years.

Deputy Superintendent Myung Lee introduced Mahorder, highlighting her qualifications as a parent of two students in the district and her professional background in financial and capital planning with the city. The CBOC is mandated under Proposition 39, which requires oversight for general obligation bonds issued by the district. The lack of an active committee has raised concerns among community members regarding the management of approximately $744 million in taxpayer funds.

Public comments during the meeting reflected a strong sentiment of urgency and frustration. Several speakers emphasized the legal obligation to maintain a functioning CBOC and expressed concerns about potential mismanagement of funds in the absence of oversight. They pointed out that the district's failure to appoint committee members for years could undermine public trust and accountability.

In response to these concerns, district officials acknowledged the oversight and committed to appointing additional members to the CBOC. They aim to have a quorum of four members by May, allowing the committee to convene and fulfill its oversight responsibilities. The board is actively seeking more candidates to fill the remaining seats, ensuring a diverse and representative committee.

The meeting underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in managing public funds, with board members recognizing the need for improved communication and compliance moving forward. As the district works to restore the CBOC, it aims to rebuild trust with the community and ensure that taxpayer money is used effectively and responsibly.