UPDATE: A shocking investigation by the Santa Clara County Office of Education has just confirmed the misuse of public funds under former Superintendent Mary Ann Dewan. This revelation comes after a heated meeting on October 18, 2023, where board members disclosed findings from a lengthy inquiry into Dewan’s unexpected removal last year.
The board’s vote to dismiss Dewan, classified as “without cause,” was initially shrouded in mystery. However, the investigation now links her removal to mishandling complaints regarding the county’s critical Head Start program, which serves low-income children. This urgent update raises serious concerns about the integrity of public funds and oversight in Santa Clara County.
The report, which documented 14 findings, highlights significant violations, including misappropriation of over $135,370 in federal Head Start funds. A federal audit earlier this year indicated that these funds were misused, and the board characterized the situation as a failed cover-up aimed at undermining its authority. Dewan, however, described the alleged misconduct as a mere communication error.
During the meeting, board president Maimona Afzal Berta and other leaders revealed that the investigation’s findings were crafted by the board’s governance committee, including Victoria Chon and Jessica Speiser. They reported that Dewan’s segregated account was utilized inappropriately, showing favoritism in contract awards and using public resources for personal gain.
In a bold statement, Dewan labeled the board’s findings as “meritless, malicious, and baseless.” She asserted, “I have no knowledge of any wrongdoing,” and emphasized her commitment to integrity in her role. Dewan also raised alarms about the board’s attempts to frame employee free speech as misconduct, emphasizing the importance of First Amendment rights.
Community members reacted passionately, with some expressing gratitude for the investigation. Mercedes Hill, a Head Start office specialist, stated, “The findings are astonishing but not surprising given that I and Head Start staff have been saying this for the last two years.”
However, not all voices agreed with the board’s conclusions. Riju Krishna, president of the Association of County Educators, challenged the notion that such extensive misuse of funds could stem from one individual’s actions. He called for significant policy reforms to ensure accountability and transparency moving forward.
While the board proposed several policy changes aimed at preventing future misuse of funds, concerns lingered. Board member Tara Sreekrishnan cautioned that the recommended changes might centralize authority and limit transparency. She stated, “The findings raise broad and serious concerns but are presented without evidence or specific examples, making it difficult for the public to fully evaluate them.”
As the investigation continues to unfold, the Santa Clara County Office of Education remains under scrutiny, with several other probes investigating leadership dynamics and policies. Former board president Claudia Rossi defended Dewan, insisting no evidence has been presented to support the allegations, labeling the situation a “two-year witch hunt.”
Current board member Don Rocha cautioned that the agency’s past actions under Dewan have severely impacted community trust. He emphasized, “The evidence speaks for itself unless you choose to look the other way.”
The board’s findings and proposed reforms represent a critical turning point for the Santa Clara County Office of Education. As the community awaits further developments, the implications of this investigation could reshape the county’s educational oversight and governance. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
