UPDATE: A shocking investigation by the Santa Clara County Office of Education has confirmed alleged misuse of public funds by former superintendent Mary Ann Dewan, raising urgent questions about governance and accountability within the county’s education system. The findings were announced at a highly contentious board meeting on October 25, 2023.
The board revealed that under Dewan’s leadership, the office mismanaged over $135,370 in federal funds intended for the Head Start program, which provides essential resources to low-income children. This misuse was classified as a failed cover-up, according to board officials. The board’s report, however, did not provide detailed examples of wrongdoing or the names of the law firms involved in the independent review.
In a surprising turn, the board’s decision to remove Dewan in a 4-2 vote last year was deemed “without cause,” following complaints about her handling of the Head Start program. This revelation has sparked outrage and concern among educators and community members, who are demanding accountability and transparency.
Mercedes Hill, a Head Start office specialist, expressed relief at the board’s investigation, stating, “The findings are astonishing but not surprising, given the complaints we’ve raised for the last two years.” However, Riju Krishna, president of the Association of County Educators, challenged the investigation’s conclusions. He noted that the scale of the alleged misuse “cannot possibly be the work of one single superintendent,” calling for significant policy reforms from the current superintendent, David Toston.
Dewan has vehemently denied the allegations, labeling the board’s findings as “meritless, malicious, and baseless.” She defended her actions, claiming she acted within the law and fulfilled her duties with integrity. “This pattern of public attacks is harmful to the institution and discourages talented educators,” Dewan stated.
The board’s investigation also revealed that several contracts awarded by the office indicated favoritism and that employees allegedly misused public resources to support Dewan. Board member Tara Sreekrishnan raised concerns about the proposed policy changes stemming from the investigation, describing them as centralizing power and potentially punitive.
Despite the board’s findings, several former leaders, including ex-board president Claudia Rossi, stood by Dewan, arguing that the investigation was a “two-year witch hunt” lacking evidence. Current board member Don Rocha countered these claims, asserting that the evidence against Dewan is clear and cannot be ignored.
As the community grapples with the implications of these findings, many are calling for immediate reforms to prevent future misuse of funds. The board’s proposed changes aim to increase oversight and accountability, but skepticism remains high among educators and community members.
With ongoing investigations and a history of tension within the Santa Clara County Office of Education, the future of the district hangs in the balance. The board’s next steps will be closely monitored as they work to rebuild trust and ensure that such incidents do not happen again.
