UPDATE: The Santa Clara County Office of Education has confirmed serious allegations of public fund misuse linked to former superintendent Mary Ann Dewan. The findings, disclosed during a heated board meeting on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, reveal significant violations that could impact the community’s trust in local educational leadership.
The board’s report, stemming from a lengthy investigation, indicates that under Dewan’s administration, the county misused over $135,370 in federal Head Start funds. This program aims to provide essential resources to low-income children under five but has now become embroiled in controversy. The board characterized the fund misuse as part of a failed cover-up, with Dewan asserting it was merely a communication error.
Despite the board’s claims, many questions remain unanswered. The report failed to identify specific instances of wrongdoing or disclose the names of the two law firms involved in the investigation. Board president Maimona Afzal Berta and vice president Victoria Chon led the presentation of findings that suggest personal favoritism in contract awards and the misuse of public resources for legal expenses.
Dewan, who was removed from her position in a 4-2 vote last year, condemned the board’s conclusions as “meritless, malicious and baseless.” She emphasized her commitment to integrity and the responsibilities of her role. “This pattern of public attacks is harmful and discourages talented educators from serving our students,” she stated.
Community members reacted strongly to the findings. Mercedes Hill, a Head Start office specialist, expressed gratitude for the investigation, saying, “The findings are astonishing but not surprising.” However, Riju Krishna, president of the Association of County Educators, challenged the notion that one superintendent could be solely responsible for the alleged misuse of funds, urging current superintendent David Toston to implement significant policy reforms.
In light of these revelations, the board proposed several policy changes to prevent future fund misuse. However, board member Tara Sreekrishnan voiced concerns that these changes could centralize power in the board president and limit transparency. “The findings raise broad and serious concerns but are presented without evidence,” she stated.
As investigations into the Santa Clara County Office of Education continue, the board is under scrutiny for its governance practices and how it has handled oversight. Current board member Don Rocha remarked on the lack of accountability, stating, “The evidence speaks for itself unless you choose to look the other way.”
The implications of these findings could reshape the future of educational governance in Santa Clara County. Watch for ongoing updates as investigations unfold and the community demands accountability and reform in the wake of these serious allegations.
