Urgent Update: Santa Clara County Investigation Reveals Fund Misuse

UPDATE: An urgent investigation by the Santa Clara County Office of Education has uncovered significant misuse of public funds, leading to a contentious board meeting on October 25, 2023. The findings are tied to the unexpected removal of former Superintendent Mary Ann Dewan, who was ousted in a 4-2 vote over a year ago.

The board’s lengthy investigation confirmed that under Dewan’s leadership, the county office mismanaged more than $135,370 in federal Head Start funds, violating several board policies. This revelation comes after a federal audit accused the office of a failed cover-up, further complicating the narrative surrounding Dewan’s removal—classified as “without cause.”

In a heated meeting, board president Maimona Afzal Berta and other officials presented the report’s findings, which included misuse of segregated funds and ethical lapses in awarding contracts. “This pattern of public attacks and mischaracterizations is harmful and discourages talented educators,” Dewan stated in response, labeling the board’s claims as “meritless” and “baseless.”

Community members voiced their support for the board’s investigation, highlighting that concerns about fund misuse and unethical requests had persisted for years. “The findings are astonishing but not surprising,” said Mercedes Hill, a Head Start office specialist. However, Riju Krishna, president of the Association of County Educators, emphasized that such financial mismanagement could not solely be attributed to one individual, urging current Superintendent David Toston to implement necessary reforms.

The investigation revealed that several county contracts exhibited favoritism, with allegations that employees used public resources to support Dewan. Current board member Don Rocha expressed serious concerns about the board’s previous management under Dewan, stating, “The evidence speaks for itself unless you choose to look the other way.”

Despite the board’s findings, there remains considerable confusion and conflicting responses from board members. Tara Sreekrishnan criticized proposed policy changes, arguing they centralize authority and restrict transparency. She noted, “The findings raise broad concerns but are presented without evidence, making it challenging for oversight.”

This urgent investigation continues to unfold, with multiple other inquiries into the county office’s operations still ongoing. The board is expected to present strategies aimed at preventing future misuse of funds while community members and educators await significant changes to restore trust within the office.

As developments progress, stakeholders are urged to remain vigilant and engaged—this situation is far from resolved, and the implications for the Santa Clara County education system are profound.