URGENT UPDATE: The Santa Clara County Office of Education has just released damning findings from a lengthy investigation into the alleged misuse of public funds by former superintendent Mary Ann Dewan. This revelation comes after Dewan’s controversial removal from her position more than a year ago and adds fuel to ongoing community concerns about financial mismanagement.
During a heated board meeting on October 25, 2023, officials confirmed that the investigation uncovered significant violations, including the misuse of over $135,370 in federal Head Start funds, aimed at supporting low-income children under five. The board’s report states that Dewan’s administration redirected grant money for unrelated purposes and used public dollars for legal expenses linked to board investigations.
Despite these serious allegations, the report did not provide specific examples of wrongdoing or name the law firms involved in the review. Maimona Afzal Berta, board president, acknowledged that conflicts remain regarding the findings, underscoring the need for further clarity. Community members and Head Start staff expressed both relief and astonishment regarding the report’s conclusions, which they say confirm concerns they have raised for years.
In a fiery response, Dewan condemned the board’s findings as “meritless, malicious and baseless,” asserting her adherence to ethical standards and asserting that the allegations stem from a pattern of personal targeting. “This pattern of public attacks is harmful to the institution,” she stated.
The investigation’s report detailed 14 critical findings, including claims that several contracts were awarded under suspicious circumstances suggesting personal favoritism. Current board member Don Rocha cautioned that the Santa Clara County Office of Education has appeared unresponsive to community needs under Dewan’s leadership, stating, “The evidence speaks for itself unless you choose to look the other way.”
Community backlash is mounting, with local educators calling for immediate reforms to prevent future mismanagement. Riju Krishna, president of the Association of County Educators, emphasized that such financial discrepancies cannot be attributed to a single individual, urging current superintendent David Toston to implement comprehensive policy changes.
The board has proposed several policy adjustments to enhance oversight and transparency, but concerns linger about potential centralization of power. Tara Sreekrishnan, a board member, criticized these changes for potentially limiting transparency and restricting free speech.
As investigations into the Santa Clara County Office of Education continue, the community is left questioning the integrity of its leadership. With multiple inquiries ongoing, the full implications of this investigation remain to be seen. Stakeholders are urged to stay informed as the situation develops and to advocate for meaningful reforms to restore trust within the educational system.
This urgent situation reflects broader issues of governance and ethics that resonate across educational institutions nationwide. As the board navigates the fallout from this investigation, the impact on children and families relying on these essential programs cannot be overstated. The community’s voice will be crucial in shaping the future of the Santa Clara County Office of Education.
