UPDATE: The Santa Clara County Office of Education has just released a startling report detailing the alleged misuse of public funds by former superintendent Mary Ann Dewan. The findings, presented at a heated board meeting on October 25, 2023, come over a year after Dewan’s unexpected removal from her position.
The investigation concluded that under Dewan’s leadership, the county misused more than $135,370 in federal Head Start funds, a program vital for low-income children. The board characterized the misuse as part of a “failed cover-up” to undermine its authority, while Dewan defended herself, claiming the issue stemmed from a “communication error.”
The report revealed a total of 14 findings, including allegations that public funds were diverted for unrelated legal expenses and investigations involving the board itself. It also stated that contracts were awarded based on favoritism, ignoring essential ethical safeguards.
In a statement, Dewan condemned the report as “meritless, malicious, and baseless,” asserting she fulfilled her duties with integrity. “This pattern of public attacks is harmful to the institution,” she added, emphasizing that the superintendent has independent authority to enter agreements and contracts.
Community reactions were mixed during the board meeting, with some Head Start staff members expressing gratitude for the investigation. “The findings are astonishing but not surprising,” said Mercedes Hill, a Head Start office specialist. Meanwhile, Riju Krishna, president of the Association of County Educators, argued that the amount of funding misused “cannot possibly be the work of one single superintendent,” calling for reforms to prevent future issues.
The board’s governance committee, led by Maimona Afzal Berta, Victoria Chon, and Jessica Speiser, along with current superintendent David Toston, has proposed policy changes to enhance oversight and prevent future misuse. However, board member Tara Sreekrishnan raised concerns that these changes could centralize authority and restrict transparency.
The board’s findings come amid ongoing investigations into the office and highlight a troubling history of tension between leadership and board members. Former board president Claudia Rossi and trustee Kathleen King defended Dewan, criticizing the investigation as a “two-year witch hunt” without evidence of wrongdoing.
Current board member Don Rocha stated he has never witnessed such a lack of concern for community interests in his 30 years of public service. He urged the public to consider the evidence before dismissing the findings.
As this situation continues to evolve, the community is left questioning the integrity of the Santa Clara County Office of Education and the future of its leadership. The board’s next steps will be crucial in restoring trust and accountability within the system.
