Citizens' Oversight Committee
The Citizens’ Oversight Committee (COC) was established from the onset of the CIP to provide guidance and support to the program team. Selected by the Superintendent and approved by the Board of Education, members of the COC are volunteers who are appointed for staggered two or three year terms. The committee may not include any current District employee or any current vendor, contractor or consultant of the District. Members are not compensated for their participation.
“This group of individuals is essential because they will help guarantee that the Capital Improvement Project is doing what it is designed to do and that all the work and records are transparent,” said former Superintendent Melody Johnson. “We are very grateful to these citizens for volunteering their time and effort as we work for the future of the District.”
The COC reports at least quarterly to the Superintendent and the Board of Education on CIP topics that may include, but are not limited to:
- Overall finance, schedule and budget status
- Program management and construction issues
- Environmental stewardship
- Historically underutilized businesses status
- Compliance with District polices

COC Members:
- Construction Experts –
James (Jim) DeMoss (January 1, 2008 – November 5, 2012)
The DeMoss Company
Harold Hebson (January 1, 2008 - November 5, 2012)
Senior VP, Linbeck
- Engineers –
Victor M. Garcia (January 1, 2008 - November 5, 2012)
CEC Electrical Inc.
Willett R. Stallworth (January 1, 2008 - November 5, 2012)
Director of Physical Plant, TCU
- Labor & Construction Law –
Maryellen Whitlock Hicks (January 1, 2008 - November 5, 2012)
Visiting Judge, State of Texas
Jack E. Larson (January 1, 2008 - November 5, 2012)
Mellina & Larson, P.C.
- Financial Management –
Daniel C. Villegas (January 1, 2008 - November 5, 2012)
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
- Public Agency Coordination –
Dionne Bagsby (January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2010)
Retired Tarrant County Commissioner
- Land Development -
Isaac H. Manning (January 1, 2008 - November 5, 2012)
Trinity Works
- City Leaders –
Dr. Dan Short (January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2010)
Dean, Neeley School of Business, TCU
Bob Bolen (January 1, 2010 - November 5, 2012)
Senior Advisor to Chancellor, TCU and former Fort Worth Mayor
- Parent Leaders –
Paula Batts (January 1, 2008 - November 5, 2012)
FWISD Council of PTAs
Lisa Savage (January 1, 2008 - November 5, 2012)
FWISD Council of PTAs
- Employee Representative –
Larry Shaw (January 1, 2008 - November 5, 2012)
United Educators Association
Citizens' Oversight Committee Recognition

The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) has reached a major milestone by fulfilling a 2007 promise to the public to complete proposed work on time and on budget. Through the combination of good fortune, effective management, efforts of architects, contractors and the Citizens Oversight Committee's counsel, the program was completed on time with significant savings. The savings has allowed the Board to extend the program through the end of 2012 to address critical needs identified in an extensive post-construction evaluation.
COC Updates:
COC Meeting Minutes: