Joint Legislative Audit Committee approves Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez’s request to consider audit of CVUSD
INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) - Local Republican State Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez announced Wednesday the Joint Legislative Audit Committee has approved his request to consider an audit of the Coachella Valley Unified School District.
"This has to do with right and wrong. And wrong is taking place and we want answers!" Gonzalez said.
The announcement comes in the wake of the district's announcement of its now $60 million budget deficit, which News Channel 3 has been following since it was uncovered.
The district is laying off hundreds of staff members in an effort to balance its budget, with Assemblyman Gonzalez saying local communities deserve answers.
"What do you hope a state audit will accomplish?" News Channel 3's Peter Daut asked Gonzalez.
"Transparency," The Assemblyman answered. "An audit of financials, shouldn't be a controversial issue if there's nothing to hide."
CUSD Superintendent Dr. Frances Esparza has attributed the deficit to the end of federal COVID relief funds, lower-than-expected state funding, and cost-of-living adjustments as contributing factors.
"This may be something that really doesn't have to do with our finances. Unfortunately, I have to say that because but that's really what I feel," Esparza said.
"What do you mean by that?" Peter Daut asked.
Esparza answered, "I feel like this is more political. A political stunt to grab some attention."
Peter followed up, asking, "But if the district has nothing to hide, why not support an audit by the state for full transparency?"
"We're not saying no to it. We're not saying no to it, but at what point does the Assemblyman have a conversation with the district, have a conversation with the board 'Hey I'm concerned,'" Esparza said.
"So you're saying Assemblyman Gonzalez has never reached out to the district or contacted anyone there about his concerns?" Peter asked.
"No. Never," Esparza said.
Gonzalez said this is not a political stunt.
"They are tone deaf because the community has been asking for answers. You're firing 300 people. I don't need a question-and-answer session to tell me that. You're doing that. We need answers, and we need them today! This is not a political stunt," Gonzalez said.
Esparza shared a message to the community on the issue.
"What I want the community to know is I don't think some of our politicians understand school finance or school districts, and it would be best for them to come and ask to sit down with us to ask those questions of us. But we're not hiding anything. We're not afraid of a state audit," Esparza said.
Gonzalez told News Channel 3 he is willing to sit down and have a conversation with Esparza or a district representative.
"I'd love to have that conversation when they come up here for the audit," Gonzalez said.
The Joint Legislative Audit Committee hearing is scheduled for June 18 in Sacramento, where legislators will formally review the audit request and next steps.
Stay with News Channel 3 for any new developments.
