CVUSD state audit shot down, sparking strong reactions
Shay Lawson
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KESQ) – A push for a state audit of the Coachella Valley Unified School District has failed — after a vote in Sacramento today.
It comes after the district’s announcement of its now $60 million budget deficit, which News Channel 3 has been following since it was uncovered.
The vote split 3-3 was just one shy of green lighting an audit Coachella Valley Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez (R-Indio) requested.
“It’s disappointing that our request for an audit of the Coachella Valley Unified School District wasn’t approved,” Gonzalez said. “Especially when it had bipartisan support and the backing of countless parents, educators and concerned community members.”
He said he’s already asked for reconsideration.
“At the end of summer, right around that timeframe, we hope that it will be brought up again to the committee and then we’ll be able to present our case one more time,” Gonzalez said.
The push for an audit follows growing concerns over district spending, layoffs, contract buyouts and leadership turnover.
Superintendent Dr. Esparza stood her ground — pointing to a 90% graduation rate, improving test scores and efforts to stabilize the district’s finances.
“I think it’s good to know that there are assembly people and senators who seem to be able to read through the lines and understand that this was more political than anything,” Dr. Esparza said.
She acknowledged the mass layoffs, saying the decision hasn’t been easy as superintendent.
“We’re trying our best to provide systems of support,” Dr. Esparza said. “We’ve had the unemployment department working with us and giving some people some assistance in how to file for the applications.”
CVUSD’s full statement:
Today, the Coachella Valley Unified School District (VUSD) participated in the Joint Legislative Audit Committee (JLAC) hearing in Sacramento, where Superintendent Dr. Esparza delivered a statement highlighting the district’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and continuous improvement.
Dr. Esparza reported to JLAC on the technical assistance provided by the Fiscal Crisis Management & Assistance Team (FCMAT), along with supporting documentation reflecting the strong fiscal oversight and support received from the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE). She informed that this oversight has played a crucial role in supporting and guiding CVUSD through its financial and operational improvements.
In addition, Dr. Esparza announced that the most recent Federal Program Monitoring (FPM) Audit conducted by the California Department of Education resulted in zero findings, a clear indication of CVUSD’s adherence to compliance standards and effective governance.
Documentation provided at the hearing informed the public that the cost of a full State Audit of CVUSD would total approximately $650,940, requiring an estimated 3,426 audit hours. Dr. Esparza stressed that spending taxpayer dollars on such a costly audit is unwarranted, as the district is already actively implementing FCMAT’s recommendations and remains under ongoing oversight by RCOE.
“We recognize that we still have work ahead of us,” said Dr. Esparza. “But the steps we’ve taken in making strategic reductions, strengthening our systems, and staying focused on transparency, show we are on the right path. Most importantly, we are doing this with the future of our students and the CVUSD school community at the forefront of every decision.”
CVUSD remains committed to accountability, continuous improvement, and ensuring that every dollar is used wisely to servicing its students.
News Channel 3 has reached out to lawmakers who participated in the vote, and are waiting for answers.
The Joint Legislative Audit Committee (JLAC) is scheduled to meet again in August.