LAUSD Board on Tuesday unanimously passed a resolution to create an Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee to report on the spending of any funds generated by measure EE, the proposed school parcel tax that voters will consider on June 4.

The committee will be tasked to report on whether parcel tax funds are spent for the purposes outlined in the measure, whether they’re spent equitably and whether they lead to better student achievement, more college readiness and fiscal stability at LAUSD. An independent audit firm will report on how funds are spent by the district and independent charter schools.

The resolution calls for a panel selected by the Board, the mayor and other local government agencies to choose nine committee members with expertise in academia, school/public finance, parent and family engagement, and performance measurement and management.

The resolution is an attempt to address concerns from parents and taxpayers who are skeptical that LAUSD will use the money to help students. Employee unions insisted that language be struck from the parcel tax resolution preventing the funds from being used for retiree pensions and healthcare instead of for current classroom teachers, kids and schools. Speak UP strongly supports Measure EE, but we believe there needs to be rigorous oversight to make sure the funds get to the classroom, and we believe that new funding must also be combined with financial reforms.

— This story was updated after the resolution passed.

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AT THE BOARD

LAUSD Board Creates Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee To Make Sure Parcel Tax Funds Are Spent To Help Kids