Santa Clara County Education Board Confirms Misuse of Funds

UPDATE: The Santa Clara County Office of Education’s board has confirmed alarming findings of **misuse of public funds** in a recent investigation into former Superintendent **Mary Ann Dewan**. This urgent report, released during a heated meeting on **October 25, 2023**, reveals significant financial mismanagement that has shocked community members and officials alike.

The board’s investigation, which began over a year after Dewan’s **unexpected removal** in a **4-2 vote**, uncovers a pattern of alleged financial misconduct, including the **misuse of more than $135,370** in federal Head Start funds. This misallocation, described as a failed cover-up, raises serious concerns about the integrity of the county’s educational leadership.

During the meeting, board president **Maimona Afzal Berta** and other board members presented **14 findings** that highlighted **violations of board policies** and misuse of funds for unrelated legal expenses. The report alleges that Dewan directed grant funding for inappropriate purposes and ignored ethical safeguards in contract awards. Despite these findings, specific examples of wrongdoing were notably absent from the report.

Dewan has vehemently denied the board’s accusations, calling them “meritless, malicious, and baseless.” In a statement, she asserted, “I have no knowledge of any wrongdoing and fulfilled all of my duties with integrity.” She further criticized the board for what she termed a pattern of public attacks that could deter talented educators from serving students.

Community reaction has been mixed. Some local residents and Head Start staff expressed gratitude for the investigation. **Mercedes Hill**, a Head Start office specialist, stated, “The findings are astonishing but not surprising,” reflecting sentiments shared by many who have raised concerns over the past two years. However, **Riju Krishna**, president of the Association of County Educators, questioned how such significant financial mismanagement could occur under a system designed with multiple checks and balances. He called for immediate policy reforms to prevent future issues.

The investigation’s findings also reveal a troubling culture within the Santa Clara County Office of Education, where **personal favoritism** in contract awards and misuse of public resources for personal gain were reportedly rampant. Current county superintendent **David Toston** is now tasked with addressing these issues, as the board presented several policy changes aimed at safeguarding against future misuse of funds.

Yet, not all board members agree on the proposed changes. **Tara Sreekrishnan** expressed concerns that the reforms centralize authority and stifle transparency. She emphasized the need for evidence to support the findings, mentioning that the lack of specific examples makes it challenging for oversight bodies to evaluate the situation comprehensively.

As investigations continue, former board members have come to Dewan’s defense. **Claudia Rossi**, a former board president, criticized the two-year investigation as a “witch hunt” lacking evidence, while **Kathleen King**, another former trustee, echoed similar sentiments. In stark contrast, current board member **Don Rocha** warned that the evidence of mismanagement is clear, stating, “The evidence speaks for itself unless you choose to look the other way.”

The Santa Clara County Office of Education is now facing increased scrutiny as it navigates this crisis. The community and educational stakeholders are eagerly awaiting Toston’s response and actionable steps to restore trust and accountability within the institution. With ongoing investigations and heightened public interest, this story is far from over.

Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available on this developing situation.