A federal investigation has revealed that more than $135,370 in funds allocated for the Head Start preschool program were improperly used to cover wages and credit card expenses unrelated to the program, according to the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE). According to a report by SanJoseSpotlight.com, the misuse of funds took place between January and June of last year.
The audit, conducted by the Administration for Children and Families, found that SCCOE charged Head Start funds for the wages of a non-Head Start manager and various credit card purchases. The report also highlighted previous leadership’s failure to comply with federal guidelines, including the lack of proper 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 financial mismanagement. While SCCOE has since corrected the misallocation, Board of Education President Maimona Afzal Berta criticized the delay in compliance, calling it part of a “failed cover-up.”
How the leadership responded?
Interim Superintendent Charles Hinman stated that SCCOE has taken proactive measures to rectify the mismanagement and ensure full compliance with federal regulations. “We remain committed to completing our own investigations so we can fully understand how these things happened and ensure they never happen again,” Hinman said.
Board members who supported Dewan’s dismissal claim that the audit justifies their decision, arguing that previous administrators disregarded oversight mechanisms and mismanaged public resources meant for vulnerable children.
However, Dewan defended her record, stating that when the issue was identified, she acted immediately to correct it. “These attacks on me are unnecessary. I urge the Santa Clara County Board of Education to focus on the needs of the community and use the limited public resources for the children and families who need their support,” she said.
Political divide over SCCOE’s governance
Not all board members agree with the findings. Trustee Tara Sreekrishnan, a supporter of Dewan, called the allegations “politically motivated” and noted that a recent independent audit gave SCCOE an A+ rating. She emphasized that no funds were ultimately lost, and no services were affected.
The controversy highlights ongoing governance challenges within SCCOE, as officials debate whether Dewan’s dismissal was justified or politically driven. Meanwhile, the Head Start Policy Council, led by chair Yadira Orozco, has stressed the need to move forward by addressing past challenges and focusing on program improvement.
What’s next?
SCCOE has pledged to enhance oversight and prevent future misallocation of funds. Federal authorities will continue monitoring the implementation of corrective measures to ensure Head Start funds are used appropriately. As investigations continue, the SCCOE leadership remains under pressure to rebuild public trust and ensure that early childhood education funds are protected from misuse.