Riverside Unified STEM Center audit request stays on call after community challenges and legal review

Senator Susan Talamantes Cervantes asked the Joint Legislative Audit Committee on June 24 to audit the Riverside Unified School District (RUSD) STEM Center project, citing concerns about the use of Measure O bond funds, transparency in board decision‑making, and possible conflicts of interest.

Why it matters: The STEM Center proposal would locate a new high school on the UC Riverside campus near an existing RUSD high school. Senator Cervantes and community members said the project was not on the list of Measure O projects provided to voters in 2016 and that the district later added it. Opponents said the change amounted to misuse of voter‑approved bond proceeds intended primarily for renovations and repairs.

Scope and audit objectives: The State Auditor described objectives to review whether the district followed applicable laws and regulations in selecting the STEM project for bond funding, to quantify Measure O funds allocated and spent on the project, and to review the draft or executed lease between RUSD and UC Riverside for material terms and public disclosure. The auditor noted that litigation over Measure O and recent rulings could limit review of matters pending in court and said the work would likely require about 2,300 hours.

Testimony and district response: Retired RUSD administrator and community representative Rich Davis testified that hundreds of homeowners and local organizations opposed the project and that the measure’s ballot materials did not disclose new‑school construction at UCR. Superintendent Dr. Renee Hill said the STEM Academy is an existing program (grades 5–12) and said fewer than $2 million have been spent to date studying a STEM Center; she noted the district had entered into a nonbinding lease term sheet with UC Riverside and that the matter is under appeal in court.

Committee action: A motion to audit the STEM Center was presented and seconded. The committee’s roll call recorded votes but the chair announced the audit would remain on call, reflecting the district’s pending litigation and committee interest in avoiding interference with court matters while still examining project finances and governance.

What’s next: If the audit moves forward, the auditor will review public records on Measure O project selections, bond expenditures, board meeting minutes and any available lease drafts. Community groups said they will provide documentary evidence and urged the committee to proceed; district officials urged deference to ongoing legal proceedings.

Quote: “If district leadership truly has nothing to hide, they should welcome an independent audit,” Assemblymember Gonzales said during earlier testimony on district governance matters related to Measure O and finances.