FLEMING ISLAND – The school board approved its wording of an advertisement for its half-cent sales tax citizen’s committee.

This move brings the watchdog-like committee one step closer to becoming a reality on Feb. 4.

“A Citizens Advisory Committee, consisting of Clay County citizens, the purpose of which is to monitor and advise the Board and District staff on the expenditure of sales surtax funds, is hereby established,” School Board Policy 1.14 reads. “The appointment of Committee members and the rules governing the Committees organization and operation are set forth in this Policy.”

The policy will be advertised following a 5-0 vote in its favor during a special school board meeting held Dec. 17 and it will be revisited during a public hearing next February. This committee will be made entirely of Clay County citizens, including the business sectors and other sectors of Clay County life.

The policy outlines how the committee will provide general oversight, but not final decisions, on the expenditures of the half-cent sales tax recently approved by voters. The members won’t be paid or remuneration for their work, according to the policy. They won’t be able “direct District staff, attempt to control the operations department staff, or attempt to establish or dictate project priorities which are binding on the direct administrators in carrying out their duties.”

The committee can, however, research, interview and investigate as necessary to fulfill its duties and responsibilities to the county and the district’s spending of half-cent sales tax.

“The committee shall make non-binding recommendations to the Board and Staff (through the Superintendent and Senior Administrators as appropriate) when their feelings suggest the need for such recommendations,” Policy 1.14 reads. “The Committee shall work cooperatively with the Board, the Superintendent of Schools, and District employees to accomplish its goals and objectives.”

There will be 11 active committee members. Each school board member will nominate and appoint two active committee members and one alternate member. Superintendent David Broskie will nominate and appoint one active member and an alternate as well.

“Prospective members shall have no direct or indirect conflict of interest in any past or present contract with the Board or a financial interest in any projects that are funded by the Sales Surtax or any other District capital project funds.”

One of each of the school board members’ active committee members will serve for three years while the other committee member will serve two years. The alternate members will serve indefinite terms. These committee members will meet on the first Tuesday following their official appointment and during that meeting, they’ll elect a chair and vice chair who will preside over the meetings and serve as the liaisons between the committee and the school board.

The committee will meet once a quarter and they will always be public meetings open to all. The school board approved this policy during its Dec. 17 meeting and Policy 1.14 is expected to pass during the Feb. 4 meeting. The school board decided that it will begin its search sooner rather than later so that when the committee is official, it can get the ball rolling.