UPDATE: A damning investigation into the Santa Clara County Office of Education has revealed significant misuse of public funds, prompting urgent calls for accountability. The board’s findings, disclosed during a contentious meeting on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, come over a year after former Superintendent Mary Ann Dewan was removed in a controversial vote.
The investigation, which spanned two years, uncovered that under Dewan’s leadership, the office misused more than $135,370 in federal Head Start funds. The board classified the removal as “without cause,” but now states it stemmed from Dewan’s failure to manage complaints about the Head Start program, which serves low-income children.
Despite the serious allegations, the report lacks specific examples of wrongdoing and does not disclose the names of the law firms involved in the review. Among the 14 key findings, it was noted that public funds were improperly redirected to cover legal expenses and investigations of the board.
Authorities confirm that there are currently no criminal charges filed against Dewan or any other officials involved. The board’s president, Maimona Afzal Berta, and current superintendent David Toston presented the findings, which have left many pressing questions unanswered. Community members, including staff from the Head Start program, expressed relief and gratitude for the investigation, labeling Dewan’s actions as “unethical.”
“It’s astonishing but not surprising,” said Mercedes Hill, a Head Start office specialist. “We’ve been raising these concerns for years.”
However, opposition voices surfaced during the meeting. Riju Krishna, president of the Association of County Educators, emphasized the systemic nature of the alleged misconduct, stating, “The amount of improperly misused funding cannot possibly be the work of one single superintendent.” He urged current leadership to implement reforms to restore trust and accountability.
In a passionate defense, Dewan condemned the investigation’s findings as “meritless” and “malicious,” asserting that she acted within the law and fulfilled her duties with integrity. She criticized the board’s attempts to frame employee free speech as misconduct, calling it a troubling precedent.
As the board proposes new policies to prevent future misuse of funds, concerns linger over the centralization of power and transparency. Tara Sreekrishnan, a board member, voiced skepticism, stating that the findings lack concrete evidence, complicating public evaluation.
The investigation’s fallout has not only exposed the challenges within the Santa Clara County Office of Education but has also sparked a broader conversation about governance and ethics in educational institutions. Former board president Claudia Rossi defended Dewan, alleging that the investigation has wasted public resources without yielding evidence of wrongdoing.
Current board member Don Rocha countered, claiming that the evidence speaks for itself, urging the community to recognize the severity of the issues at hand.
As the Santa Clara County Office of Education grapples with these revelations, stakeholders are left questioning the future of the office and the integrity of its leadership. The board’s next steps and how they will address the systemic issues raised by the investigation remain to be seen, making this an ongoing story to watch closely.
