Santa Clara faculties physique misused preschool funds of $135,370 over ‘bank card purchases’, reveals federal investigation
A federal investigation has revealed that greater than $135,370 in funds allotted for the Head Begin preschool program have been improperly used to cowl wages and bank card bills unrelated to this system, based on the Santa Clara County Workplace of Schooling (SCCOE). Based on a report by SanJoseSpotlight.com, the misuse of funds came about between January and June of final yr.
The audit, performed by the Administration for Youngsters and Households, discovered that SCCOE charged Head Begin funds for the wages of a non-Head Begin supervisor and numerous bank card purchases. The report additionally highlighted earlier management’s failure to adjust to federal pointers, together with the shortage of correct parental engagement and oversight procedures.
The findings have intensified scrutiny over the tenure of former Superintendent Mary Ann Dewan, who was dismissed in October following allegations of monetary mismanagement. Whereas SCCOE has since corrected the misallocation, Board of Schooling President Maimona Afzal Berta criticized the delay in compliance, calling it a part of a “failed cover-up.”
How the management responded?
Interim Superintendent Charles Hinman acknowledged that SCCOE has taken proactive measures to rectify the mismanagement and guarantee full compliance with federal laws. “We stay dedicated to finishing our personal investigations so we will absolutely perceive how this stuff occurred and guarantee they by no means occur once more,” Hinman stated.
Board members who supported Dewan’s dismissal declare that the audit justifies their resolution, arguing that earlier directors disregarded oversight mechanisms and mismanaged public sources meant for weak youngsters.
Nonetheless, Dewan defended her report, stating that when the problem was recognized, she acted instantly to right it. “These assaults on me are pointless. I urge the Santa Clara County Board of Schooling to deal with the wants of the group and use the restricted public sources for the youngsters and households who want their assist,” she stated.
Political divide over SCCOE’s governance
Not all board members agree with the findings. Trustee Tara Sreekrishnan, a supporter of Dewan, known as the allegations “politically motivated” and famous {that a} current unbiased audit gave SCCOE an A+ ranking. She emphasised that no funds have been in the end misplaced, and no providers have been affected.
The controversy highlights ongoing governance challenges inside SCCOE, as officers debate whether or not Dewan’s dismissal was justified or politically pushed. In the meantime, the Head Begin Coverage Council, led by chair Yadira Orozco, has pressured the necessity to transfer ahead by addressing previous challenges and specializing in program enchancment.
What’s subsequent?
SCCOE has pledged to reinforce oversight and forestall future misallocation of funds. Federal authorities will proceed monitoring the implementation of corrective measures to make sure Head Begin funds are used appropriately. As investigations proceed, the SCCOE management stays underneath stress to rebuild public belief and make sure that early childhood schooling funds are protected against misuse.
