The Joint Legislative Audit Committee of the California State Assembly convened on June 18, 2025, to discuss a contentious audit request concerning the Riverside Unified School District (RUSD) STEM Center project. Senator Cervantes presented the audit request, highlighting concerns over the project's funding and transparency.

The proposed STEM Center, intended to be built on the University of California, Riverside campus, aims to attract high-performing students from RUSD. However, Senator Cervantes expressed apprehension that the project could exacerbate inequalities among local high schools, particularly given its proximity to North High School. She emphasized that the project has sparked significant controversy within the community, with many fearing it would divert resources from existing schools.

Cervantes raised two primary reasons for the audit. First, she questioned the legality of RUSD's use of approximately $64 million from Measure O, a bond measure approved by voters in 2016, which was intended for refurbishing existing facilities. The STEM Center was not included in the original project list provided to voters, raising concerns about compliance with state law. Second, she pointed to potential violations of open meeting laws, suggesting that RUSD may have approved the project in a closed session without adequate public input.

Rich Davis, a retired RUSD administrator, supported the audit request, citing a lack of transparency and community engagement in the decision-making process. He noted that many residents have consistently opposed the project, arguing that it represents a misuse of taxpayer funds.

The committee also heard from RUSD Superintendent Renee Hill, who defended the project, stating that the existing STEM Academy has received national recognition and serves a diverse student population. Hill asserted that the district has complied with legal requirements and has conducted public meetings regarding the project.

The audit aims to evaluate whether RUSD followed applicable laws in selecting the STEM project for funding, how Measure O funds have been allocated, and whether the district's actions align with best practices for public transparency. The audit is expected to require approximately 2,300 hours to complete, and its findings could have significant implications for the future of the STEM Center project and the governance of local school funding.