Senator Cervantes has initiated an audit of the Riverside Unified School District's (RUSD) STEM Center project, a controversial initiative that has sparked significant debate within the community. The proposed STEM Center, intended to be built on the University of California, Riverside campus, aims to attract high-performing students but has raised concerns about equity and resource allocation among existing schools, particularly North High, which is located nearby.

During the Joint Legislative Audit Committee meeting on June 18, 2025, Senator Cervantes expressed apprehension that the project could exacerbate disparities within the district, potentially diverting funds from other schools. The audit request is driven by two main concerns: the use of approximately $64 million from Measure O, a bond measure approved by voters in 2016 for refurbishing existing educational facilities, and the transparency of RUSD's decision-making process regarding the project.

Cervantes highlighted that the STEM Center was not included in the original list of projects presented to voters when Measure O was approved, raising questions about compliance with state law. Furthermore, there are allegations that RUSD may have conducted closed-door meetings to approve the project, limiting public input and transparency. The senator noted that attempts to gather information from RUSD were met with delays, further fueling concerns about the district's accountability in managing public funds.

Rich Davis, a retired RUSD administrator, echoed these concerns, stating that the community has consistently opposed the project due to perceived misappropriation of taxpayer funds and a lack of transparency. He emphasized the need for the audit to ensure that the district adheres to its fiduciary responsibilities.

The audit will focus on several objectives, including evaluating RUSD's compliance with laws regarding project selection and funding, determining the amount of Measure O funds allocated to the STEM Center, and assessing the transparency of the lease agreement between RUSD and UC Riverside. While a recent court ruling allowed the use of Measure O funds for new construction, this decision is currently under appeal, which may limit the audit's scope.

As the audit progresses, it aims to clarify the financial and procedural integrity of the STEM Center project, addressing community concerns and ensuring that taxpayer funds are used appropriately. The outcome of this audit could have significant implications for RUSD's future projects and its relationship with the community it serves.