Public commenters and trustees diverge over STEM center at UC Riverside, equity and bond priorities

Public comment during the workshop reflected sharply different views about the district’s long-range facilities priorities, especially the proposed UC Riverside STEM Education Center and the distribution of Measure O bond funds.
Several speakers urged the board to pursue a STEM center on the UC Riverside campus, emphasizing the benefits of proximity to research faculty and laboratory access. One commenter noted long-standing academic collaborations between UCR and the district and argued a UCR location would be advantageous for students.
Other commenters and at least one trustee warned that pursuing a UCR-based facility under a lease could expose the district to long-term risks: draft lease elements discussed during the meeting raised questions about RUSD funding initial construction while UC Regents could assume ownership at lease expiration. Critics also said Measure O had not touched some schools and argued districts should demonstrate equitable use of bond dollars before seeking new large projects. A few public speakers also argued that STEM’s programmatic rigor—rather than buildings—explains the academy’s success and said districtwide program investment should be a parallel priority.
Trustees responded in different ways. Some defended keeping the UCR option open because CEQA work has been completed and because the partnership could expand opportunity; others said they cannot support a UCR-centered approach that could leave a RUSD-funded facility outside district control and argued the board must preserve local stewardship of district assets. Trustee discussion about bond stewardship and the need for transparent prioritization tools echoed speakers’ equity concerns.
Why it matters: Public sentiment matters for board decisions about large capital projects and future bond measures. Divergent stakeholder views underscore the board’s repeated request that staff return with multiple paths that balance partnership opportunities, equity concerns and financial stewardship.
Next steps: Staff will continue outreach and return with refined project options, cost analyses and outreach plans that reflect community questions and concerns.