Santa Clara County Investigation Reveals Misuse of Funds

UPDATE: A shocking investigation by the Santa Clara County Office of Education has uncovered serious allegations of misuse of public funds, leading to urgent calls for reform. The findings were revealed during a contentious board meeting held on **October 25, 2023**, where officials disclosed that former superintendent Mary Ann Dewan mismanaged over $135,370 in federal funds allocated for the vital Head Start program.

The investigation, which has been ongoing for more than a year, culminated in a decisive meeting where the board voted **4-2** to remove Dewan without cause. Officials have now linked her removal to her handling of complaints regarding the program that provides essential resources to low-income children under five. Despite the gravity of the accusations, the report did not disclose specific examples of wrongdoing, raising further questions about the transparency of the board’s findings.

Authorities report that under Dewan’s leadership, there was a blatant misuse of funds and violations of several board policies. The investigation highlighted that public funds were improperly redirected to cover legal expenses and investigations involving the board itself. This revelation follows a federal audit earlier this year, which indicated that the misuse of Head Start funds amounted to a failed cover-up and an intentional effort to undermine the board’s authority.

Dewan has vehemently denied these allegations, labeling the board’s findings as “meritless, malicious, and baseless.” In her statement, she defended her actions, asserting, “I fulfilled all of my duties with integrity.” She further emphasized the importance of protecting employees’ First Amendment rights, criticizing the board’s framing of employee speech as misconduct.

Community responses have been mixed. At the meeting, some members expressed gratitude for the investigation, while others, like Riju Krishna, president of the Association of County Educators, highlighted the systemic nature of the alleged misuse, stating, “This cannot possibly be the work of one single superintendent.” Krishna urged current Superintendent David Toston to implement significant policy reforms to restore trust.

The board has proposed several policy changes to prevent future misuse of funds. However, board member Tara Sreekrishnan raised concerns that these changes could centralize authority and reduce transparency. “The findings raise broad and serious concerns but are presented without evidence, making it difficult for public trustees to evaluate them,” she stated.

As multiple investigations continue to unfold, former board members have come to Dewan’s defense, with former board president Claudia Rossi criticizing the two-year investigation as a “witch hunt.” Meanwhile, board member Don Rocha cautioned the community to recognize the seriousness of the situation, stating, “The evidence speaks for itself unless you choose to look the other way.”

The implications of this investigation are vast, potentially affecting the future governance of the Santa Clara County Office of Education. As the community awaits further developments, the board faces increasing pressure to address these allegations and restore confidence in their leadership.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.