UPDATE: An urgent investigation by the Santa Clara County Office of Education reveals significant misuse of public funds, confirming over $135,370 in misallocated federal Head Start resources under former Superintendent Mary Ann Dewan. The shocking findings were presented during a heated board meeting on October 25, 2023, where conflicting narratives left many questions unresolved.
The board’s report, part of a protracted inquiry that began more than a year ago when Dewan was abruptly removed in a 4-2 vote, highlights serious financial misconduct. The allegations stem from the handling of complaints related to the county’s Head Start program, which provides vital resources to low-income children. Despite the gravity of the findings, the report did not specify instances of wrongdoing or identify the law firms involved in the investigation.
During the meeting, board members outlined 14 key findings, stating that Dewan’s administration misused public funds and breached various board policies. Notably, the report indicates that funds from a segregated account were redirected for unrelated purposes, including legal expenses related to the board itself.
A federal audit earlier this year had already flagged the misuse of Head Start funds, which the board characterized as a failed cover-up aimed at undermining their authority. Dewan, however, contended that these issues stemmed from communication errors, not intentional misconduct.
In response to the findings, Dewan condemned the board’s actions as “meritless” and “malicious,” asserting that she acted within her legal rights and duties. “This pattern of public attacks is harmful to the institution and discourages talented educators from serving our students,” she stated.
Community reactions mirrored the division within the board. Some, like Head Start office specialist Mercedes Hill, expressed gratitude for the investigation, stating, “The findings are astonishing but not surprising.” Meanwhile, Riju Krishna, president of the Association of County Educators, emphasized the systemic nature of the issues, arguing that the alleged misuse could not be attributed to a single individual.
The board proposed policy reforms aimed at preventing future misuse of funds, but not all members agreed on the direction. Tara Sreekrishnan raised concerns that new policies may centralize authority and limit transparency. “The findings raise serious concerns but lack concrete evidence, making it difficult for oversight bodies to evaluate them,” she said.
As the board continues to navigate this crisis, they are also facing several ongoing investigations into governance issues and previous management failures. Former board members Claudia Rossi and Kathleen King defended Dewan, criticizing the investigation as a “two-year witch hunt” without substantiated evidence.
Amidst the turmoil, current board member Don Rocha warned that the Santa Clara County Office of Education under Dewan was notably neglectful of community interests, stating, “The evidence speaks for itself unless you choose to look the other way.”
As developments unfold, all eyes are on how the board will address these findings and what measures will be taken to restore public trust. The community is left questioning the integrity of its educational leadership and the future of its critical programs. Stay tuned for more updates as this situation continues to evolve.
