UPDATE: A bombshell report from the Santa Clara County Office of Education confirms significant misuse of public funds linked to former superintendent Mary Ann Dewan. This urgent investigation, unveiled at a heated board meeting on October 25, 2023, reveals that over $135,370 in federal funds intended for the Head Start program was mismanaged during Dewan’s tenure.
The board’s findings come after a tumultuous year that saw Dewan’s abrupt removal in a contentious 4-2 vote last year, described as “without cause.” However, the board is now connecting her removal to her handling of complaints regarding the vital Head Start program, which provides resources to low-income families with children under five.
The report highlights a staggering 14 findings including serious breaches of board policy, improper allocation of funds, and potential favoritism in contract awards. Alarmingly, it notes that public dollars were misused for legal expenses linked to investigations of the board itself.
Amidst these revelations, a federal audit earlier this year labeled the mismanagement as a “failed cover-up” by Dewan, who maintains that these errors were merely communication mishaps. “I have no knowledge of any wrongdoing,” she stated, adding that the board’s accusations are “meritless, malicious and baseless.”
The board, represented by president Maimona Afzal Berta and vice president Victoria Chon, claims the report’s findings stem from multiple investigations over the past two years. They assert that several contracts awarded by the county office showed signs of personal favoritism, undermining ethical standards.
Community members expressed their support for the board’s findings, with Mercedes Hill, a Head Start office specialist, stating, “The findings are astonishing but not surprising.” Conversely, critics like Riju Krishna, president of the Association of County Educators, argue that the alleged funding mismanagement cannot solely be attributed to one individual, calling for significant policy reforms from current superintendent David Toston.
At the meeting, board member Tara Sreekrishnan raised concerns about proposed policy changes aimed at preventing future misuse. She warned that the changes could centralize power and stifle transparency, urging a more comprehensive approach to governance.
As investigations into the county office of education continue, the board’s response to the findings includes suggested policy changes to restore trust and accountability. However, with community trust wavering, the question remains: how will the board effectively repair the damage and ensure such misconduct does not happen again?
The fallout from this investigation is poised to impact the future of the Santa Clara County Office of Education, as community members and educators await concrete actions to address these alarming findings. The urgency of reform is clear; failure to act could undermine the integrity of the educational system and the trust of those it serves.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
