WHITTIER – East Whittier City School District has appointed nine members to its Independent Citizens Bond Oversight Committee, which will review bond spending under the District’s $70 million Measure R and $24 million Measure Z, approved by voters in November to provide funding to modernize the District’s 10 elementary and three middle schools.

The selection of committee members was approved by the Board of Education on Feb. 27. The members’ duties will be reviewing bond expenditures and reporting their findings to the Board and the community. Their first meeting is slated for March 13.

The District is currently in planning stages for the first round of construction projects, which will include roofing and asphalt improvements at La Colima, Laurel, Mulberry and Orchard Dale elementary schools. Construction is expected to take place over the summer break and be completed before the start of the 2017-18 school year.

“Enhancing the safety and security of our learning environments is part of our mission to provide the best educational experience possible,” East Whittier City Superintendent Mary Branca said. “We are thankful to our community for their support of these bond measures and are thrilled to begin improving our school facilities.”

Citizens Oversight Committee selection was based on criteria established by Prop. 39, which mandated the inclusion of a parent, a school volunteer, a business organization member, a senior citizen association member, a taxpayer association member and two community members.

East Whittier City parents Patricia Pocock, an accountant, and Jason Zuhlke, a police officer, were selected for their knowledge and experience in their respective fields. Henry Apodoca, who served on the bond election committee, will represent school volunteers involved in parent-teacher organizations.

In addition, community members appointed to the committee include Joseph Dzidrums, business representative; Whittier City Councilmember Cathy Warner; Estela M. Rivera, senior citizen group representative; Dr. Lorayne Horka, a former teacher; Vickie Roy, a retired EWCSD teacher; and Emily Hanna, a lifelong Whittier resident.

Parents and community members are welcome to attend the committee’s first meeting at 5 p.m. on March 13 in the District’s Staff Development Center.

The District is still searching for a representative of a taxpayers association to serve on the Citizens Oversight Committee. Applications are available on the District’s website at www.ewcsd.org. For more information, please contact Chief Business Officer Rick Holash at (562) 907-5915.