UPDATE: A shocking investigation has confirmed that former Santa Clara County Superintendent Mary Ann Dewan mismanaged public funds during her tenure, according to the Santa Clara County Office of Education. This revelation emerged during a heated board meeting on October 25, 2023, where the board unveiled findings from a lengthy inquiry into Dewan’s leadership.
The board’s report, which follows Dewan’s unexpected removal in a 4-2 vote over a year ago, claims misuse of public funds exceeding $135,370 from the federal Head Start program. This program provides essential resources for low-income children under five, raising urgent concerns about the impact on vulnerable communities.
The investigation revealed 14 findings, including allegations that Dewan redirected grant funding for unrelated purposes and misused public funds for legal expenses tied to investigations of the board itself. The board described Dewan’s actions as a failed cover-up aimed at undermining their authority. However, Dewan countered these allegations as a “communication error” and vehemently defended her record, stating, “I have no knowledge of any wrongdoing.”
Community reactions were mixed. Some, like Mercedes Hill, a Head Start office specialist, expressed gratitude for the investigation, stating, “The findings are astonishing but not surprising.” Conversely, Riju Krishna, president of the Association of County Educators, raised concerns about systemic issues, stating, “This cannot possibly be the work of one single superintendent.”
The board’s governance committee, comprising board members Maimona Afzal Berta, Victoria Chon, and Jessica Speiser, collaborated on the report. They acknowledged the need for significant policy reforms to prevent future misuse of funds. However, not all board members agreed on the proposed changes, with Tara Sreekrishnan warning that they might centralize authority in a way that undermines transparency.
During the meeting, current board member Don Rocha highlighted the need for accountability, stating he has never witnessed such disregard for community interests as he did under Dewan’s leadership. He urged the community to recognize the gravity of the findings, saying, “The evidence speaks for itself unless you choose to look the other way.”
Dewan’s response to the investigation has been resolute; she labeled the findings as “meritless, malicious, and baseless,” arguing they could deter skilled educators from serving in the district. She emphasized the independent authority granted to county superintendents to enter into agreements and contracts, asserting that the board’s framing of employee speech as misconduct is troubling.
As the fallout continues, the Santa Clara County Office of Education faces scrutiny not only from the public but also from ongoing investigations. The board’s next steps could reshape governance and oversight in the county, raising critical questions about accountability and ethical standards in education.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and the implications of these findings resonate throughout the community.
