Santa Clara County Office of Education Investigates Misuse of Funds

UPDATE: The Santa Clara County Office of Education has confirmed serious allegations of misuse of public funds by former superintendent Mary Ann Dewan. This urgent development follows a contentious board meeting on September 27, 2023, where findings from a lengthy investigation were presented, revealing potential violations impacting the county’s Head Start program.

The board’s investigation, spanning over two years, determined that under Dewan’s leadership, the office misappropriated over $135,370 in federal funds, with findings indicating improper allocation of resources and potential favoritism in awarding contracts. Despite the serious nature of these allegations, the board stated that no criminal charges have been filed against Dewan as of now.

A report presented by board counsel highlighted 14 key findings, including claims that the office’s funds were used for unrelated legal expenses and investigations against board members. During the meeting, board president Maimona Afzal Berta and other board members underscored the importance of accountability, despite conflicting narratives surrounding Dewan’s removal.

Dewan was ousted in a 4-2 vote last year, a decision described as being made “without cause.” The board had previously refrained from clarifying the reasons for her dismissal, leading to speculation and concern among community members. In her defense, Dewan condemned the findings as “meritless, malicious and baseless,” claiming she acted within the law and fulfilled her duties with integrity.

Community reactions were mixed. While some expressed gratitude for the investigation, citing longstanding concerns over Dewan’s conduct, others questioned the validity of the findings. Riju Krishna, president of the Association of County Educators, emphasized that the alleged misuse of funds could not solely be attributed to one individual. He called on current superintendent David Toston to implement substantial reforms to restore trust and integrity within the educational system.

During the meeting, several community members, including Mercedes Hill, a specialist in the Head Start program, voiced their support for the investigation. Hill remarked, “The findings are astonishing but not surprising given that I and Head Start staff have been saying this for the last two years.”

However, board member Tara Sreekrishnan raised concerns over the proposed policy changes aimed at preventing future misuse of funds. She warned that these changes could centralize authority and reduce transparency, which could further alienate the board from the community it serves.

The investigation’s findings have not only raised questions about ethical governance but have also sparked a broader dialogue on the need for structural reforms within the Santa Clara County Office of Education. Former board president Claudia Rossi criticized the investigation, labeling it a “witch hunt” and asserting that no evidence of wrongdoing has been substantiated.

Amid this turbulence, the board’s next steps will be crucial. They are tasked with implementing suggested policy changes to ensure financial accountability and restoring public trust. As the situation continues to develop, residents are left questioning how the board will address these serious allegations and what measures will be put in place to prevent future misconduct.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds. The implications of this investigation could resonate throughout the educational community, affecting how public funds are managed and monitored in the future.