Bond Oversight Committee

Charge for the Newport School District Bond Oversight Committee (BOC)

1. Overview: The Board of Directors for Newport School District requests the Superintendent to establish a “Bond Oversight Committee.” Comprised of approximately 10 community members, the BOC’s core purpose will be to carefully monitor the delivery of the proposed Bond program to ensure accountability, fiscal transparency, and community trust of the entire operation. The Superintendent will serve as the direct liaison to the group.

2. Type and Composition of the Committee: The BOC is deemed an Administrative Committee, reporting to the Superintendent and his officials; with periodic updates to the community and Board of Directors. The Committee shall be comprised of the following members:

• At least one member who is active in a business organization representing the local business community; (e.g. member of the Greater Newport Area Chamber of Commerce or similar);
• At least one member who owns, operates, or represents senior leadership in a local business;
• Two members who work in the financial field or who maintain financial expertise or experience;
• Two members with construction, architect, engineering, or associated expertise;
• At least one member who is the parent or guardian of a child enrolled in the school district; and,
• One or more representatives who served on the Community Facilities Advisory Committee.

Committee Members must be a resident of the district, may not include any officer, agent, employee or official of the school district, and may not represent any vendor, contractor or consultant of the school district.

3. Charge: Newport School District desires ongoing, independent review of the bond project proposed to voters on the February 10, 2026 election. The Committee should meet at least quarterly and plan to provide annual progress reports to the community and Board of Directors. The Committee will be responsible to:

• Review, and when applicable, participate in the process to solicit, qualify and select general contractors, architects, vendors, and consultants for major projects;
• Review financial statements, project scope, construction documents, and bid solicitations to ensure that bond dollars are only being spent on projects approved by voters;
• Regularly inspect school facilities and grounds to ensure bond revenues are expended appropriately;
• Make recommendations to the Superintendent as to policies and procedures which will enhance accountability for bond dollars to district stakeholders;
• Assist in maintaining public trust and confidence in the district through active involvement in communications related to the bond projects; and

4. Reporting: The committee is to provide an annual report to the community each spring in addition to maintaining consistent communication about its progress via the district’s website.

5. Authority: The committee will have no independent authority to obligate district funds. The committee’s recommendations will be used to inform program decisions made by the Superintendent and/or Board.

6. Staff Cooperation: The committee is to be granted access to reports, construction sites and documents pertinent to their charge. Staff members and service providers shall also be made available to the committee when appropriate. The committee will work directly with the Superintendent who will make necessary resources and staff available to the committee.

7. Duration of Charge: The committee will sunset following the substantial completion of all major bond projects, but no earlier than the expensing of 95 percent of all bond proceeds.

8. Committee Appointments:   Appointments to the committee will be made through an application process used by the district and approved by the Superintendent.