Perris Union trustees hear asset‑management update after records show Panther Park and Vista Verde title discrepancies

Perris Union High School District trustees heard an update June 2 after consultants flagged apparent title discrepancies for two district‑related sites and recommended a chain‑of‑title review.

Serene, a consultant from Orbacup and Henderson, told the board that county and public records show the district listed as the owner of Panther Park, an approximately 5.52‑acre site zoned multifamily residential (MFR14) and surrounded by homes, and also list Vista Verde Middle School (about 20.06 acres) as district‑owned despite the school lying within Val Verde Unified School District boundaries. Serene said the findings came from the asset‑management study that followed a January presentation to the board.

The consultant said the differences likely reflect recording or transfer issues rather than an immediate change in control. Serene described a 2003 easement granted to the city for street and highway purposes at Panther Park and noted an easement presupposes the grantor owned the property at the time—making clarity on fee title important. "Don't put the for sale sign up yet," Serene said in a lighthearted aside while describing outreach to former district officials and neighboring districts to trace the history.

Why it matters: ownership status affects whether the district must follow statutory surplus procedures to sell or lease property, who has a right of first refusal, and what limits apply to disposition proceeds. Serene reminded trustees that declaring property surplus typically requires a 7‑Eleven committee recommendation and that different statutory paths (Naylor Act exceptions, joint‑use or long‑term lease options, RFQ/P processes under Education Code 17515) carry different procurement rules and limits on use of proceeds.

What trustees asked and what staff will do: trustees asked whether the board should act now on Panther Park or wait. Staff and consultants recommended standard due diligence first: search district archives, obtain a professional chain‑of‑title review, and coordinate with Val Verde Unified School District and the Riverside County Recorder. Staff noted a recent proposal quoted review costs on the order of "$250 per document or something like that"; trustees were told the district team would vet the proposal and move forward as appropriate, returning to the board with recommendations based on the title research.

Other details from the presentation: Serene said Panther Park records include a Sun City residential mailing address, which the chain‑of‑title work should help explain. Consultants reported they had contacted former and current local officials, including a former superintendent with historical knowledge and the Riverside County Office of Education, which produced recorded documentation indicating a transfer to Val Verde in the 1990s that had not yet been reflected in some public search results.

There was no motion to sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of either site at the meeting. The board concluded the study session and then adjourned the special meeting; Trustee Garcia moved to adjourn, Trustee Annayia seconded, and the board voted four in favor with one member absent.