The Palo Alto school board is seeking applicants to serve on a citizens' committee overseeing expenditures under the school district's "Strong Schools" facilities bond program.

The $378 million bond measure, approved by nearly 78 percent of voters in June 2008, is funding major renovations to modernize and boost capacity at Palo Alto's two high schools, three middle schools and 12 elementary schools. The district also is considering using bond funds to add a 13th elementary school.

The Strong Schools Bond Citizens' Oversight Committee is an independent group charged with reviewing bond expenditures and reporting to the public.

New buildings, funded under the bond, have been completed at Gunn High School and Ohlone Elementary School.

Additional major construction is under way or about to begin at Gunn, Palo Alto High School, Jordan Middle School, JLS Middle School, Terman Middle School, Fairmeadow Elementary School and Duveneck Elementary School.

Current members of the oversight committee, who volunteer their time, are Ray Bacchetti, Todd Collins, Scott L. Darling, Gary W. Hornbeek, Catherine Garber, Mary Marth and Bruce Whitson.

Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 15, for seven upcoming vacancies on the committee. Four current members are re-applying to continue their committee service, school district staff said.

Applicants must live within the boundaries of the Palo Alto Unified School District and may not be an employee, contractor, consultant or vendor to the district.

Applications may be downloaded and submitted by email attachment or print to Liat Baranoff, lbaranoff@pausd.org, Superintendent's Office, Palo Alto Unified School District, 25 Churchill Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94306.

For more information, call Liat Baranoff at 650-329-3737.

— Chris Kenrick

Are you receiving Express, our free daily e-mail edition? See a sample and sign-up for Express.