Santa Clara County Education Board Confirms Misuse of Funds

UPDATE: The Santa Clara County Office of Education has confirmed serious allegations of misuse of public funds by former Superintendent Mary Ann Dewan during a heated board meeting on October 25, 2023. A lengthy investigation has revealed that the county’s education office mismanaged over $135,370 in federal Head Start funds, raising urgent questions about accountability and governance.

In a 4-2 vote over a year ago, Dewan was removed “without cause,” a decision that has since been scrutinized amid ongoing tensions between the board and former leadership. The investigation’s findings indicate that Dewan allegedly redirected grant funding for unrelated purposes, violating multiple board policies and ethical safeguards.

Board president Maimona Afzal Berta and vice president Victoria Chon presented the report on Wednesday, outlining 14 findings that included serious claims of impropriety. The report criticized the management of the Head Start program, which is crucial for children under five from low-income families.

Mercedes Hill, a Head Start office specialist, expressed relief, stating, “The findings are astonishing but not surprising given that I and Head Start staff have been saying this for the last two years.” However, dissenting voices, including Riju Krishna, president of the Association of County Educators, questioned how such misuse could occur under a single superintendent, calling for comprehensive reforms.

“What is your plan to rebuild the school oversight, repair the damage and ensure that this never happens again?” Krishna implored.

While the board proposed several policy changes in response to the findings, board member Tara Sreekrishnan raised concerns about centralizing authority and limiting transparency. “These findings are presented without evidence or specific examples, making it difficult for oversight agencies to fully evaluate them,” she explained.

Earlier this year, a federal audit confirmed the misuse of funds, which the board described as a “failed cover-up.” Dewan refuted these claims, calling the allegations “meritless and baseless” while asserting her commitment to ethical governance.

As the investigation continues, community members are closely watching the board’s next steps. Current board member Don Rocha highlighted a stark contrast in priorities under Dewan’s leadership, emphasizing the need for accountability: “The evidence speaks for itself unless you choose to look the other way.”

With significant implications for future governance, the Santa Clara County Office of Education faces calls for reform and accountability in the wake of these troubling findings. The community remains on alert as more developments are expected in this ongoing story.