UPDATE: Just revealed findings from the Santa Clara County Office of Education’s board expose significant misuse of public funds under former superintendent Mary Ann Dewan. The investigation, presented at a heated board meeting on Wednesday night, has ignited controversy and raised urgent questions about accountability in the county’s education system.
The board’s investigation spans over a year, following Dewan’s unexpected removal in a 4-2 vote classified as “without cause.” Officials now state that her handling of complaints related to the county’s Head Start program triggered this action. This program is crucial for providing low-income children under five access to essential resources.
The report outlines 14 findings, including allegations that Dewan misused public funds, mismanaged a segregated account, and diverted grant money for unrelated legal expenses. Notably, a federal audit earlier this year accused the county office of misappropriating over $135,370 in federal Head Start funds, leading the board to label it a “failed cover-up.”
At the Wednesday meeting, conflicting statements from board members suggested lingering uncertainty around the findings. Maimona Afzal Berta, board president, and David Toston, current county superintendent, were at the forefront of the discussion. They acknowledged multiple investigations conducted over the past two years but did not reveal specific examples of wrongdoing or disclose the law firms involved.
Community reactions were mixed. Supporters of the findings, including Mercedes Hill, a Head Start office specialist, voiced gratitude for the investigation, stating, “The findings are astonishing but not surprising.” Conversely, Riju Krishna, president of the Association of County Educators, criticized the report, suggesting that the alleged misuse of funds could not solely be attributed to Dewan’s actions, highlighting systemic issues requiring reform.
Dewan responded vehemently to the board’s allegations, labeling them “meritless, malicious, and baseless.” She defended her tenure, stating, “I have no knowledge of any wrongdoing and fulfilled all of my duties with integrity.” Dewan emphasized that the board’s portrayal of employee speech as misconduct was troubling and counterproductive, potentially deterring talented educators from serving the community.
Additionally, board member Tara Sreekrishnan raised alarms over proposed policy changes that could centralize authority and limit transparency. She indicated that many findings lack specific evidence, making it challenging for oversight bodies to evaluate their validity thoroughly.
The investigation’s fallout continues, with several other inquiries into the county office of education’s governance still underway. Former board members, including Claudia Rossi and Kathleen King, defended Dewan, denouncing the investigation as a “witch hunt” devoid of concrete evidence.
Current board member Don Rocha highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that in his extensive career, he has not witnessed such disregard for community interests as under Dewan’s leadership. “The evidence speaks for itself unless you choose to look the other way,” he warned.
The board is now tasked with implementing policy changes to prevent future misuse of funds, but the path forward remains fraught with tension and uncertainty. As the fallout unfolds, community members and stakeholders await further developments, raising critical concerns about governance, accountability, and the future of educational oversight in Santa Clara County.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, and join the conversation on social media to share your thoughts on these urgent findings.
