New information is coming to light this week about multiple internal investigations conducted by the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) into allegations of misuse of public funds involving former County Superintendent Mary Ann Dewan and members of her past administration. On Wednesday, SCCOE board members are expected to publicly review these newly released findings.

Although the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office ultimately determined there was not enough evidence to file criminal charges, independent investigators hired by SCCOE identified at least 14 major violations. A summary posted on the agency’s website outlines several key issues, including:

• Use of public funds for personal, non-SCCOE purposes without Board awareness.
• Redirecting grant money—through mechanisms such as a segregated superintendent account—for purposes unrelated to the grant and without public transparency.
• Awarding contracts in ways that suggested personal favoritism rather than serving the public interest.
• SCCOE employees misusing public resources to demonstrate support for their superior, bypassing ethical standards.

“These matters are extremely serious—serious in a way that undermines the very integrity of a public agency,” said former SCCOE board member John Di Salvo, who served for 16 years and was on the board during the period in question. He added that he felt his oversight role was “eviscerated” due to a lack of transparency from the superintendent’s office.

Former board member Grace Mah, who also served during that time, said she felt “relieved” to finally see the extent of the issues publicly acknowledged after being unable to disclose them earlier.

NBC Bay Area’s Investigative Unit has spent more than a year reporting on concerns involving Dewan, including allegations that federal Head Start funds for underserved young students were used, in part, to cover the salary of an unrelated employee. Dewan’s administration characterized that issue as an “accounting error.”

In October 2024, the SCCOE board voted 4–2 to remove Dewan. She declined an interview about the new findings but said in a text message that the board’s conclusions are “malicious and baseless,” claiming there is no evidence of wrongdoing and asserting she fulfilled her duties appropriately. She further suggested the actions appear aimed at “silencing dissenting voices.”

Alongside presenting the investigation findings, current board members will also consider potential policy changes—reforms Dewan argues raise questions about intent, transparency, and the future governance of the agency.

SCCOE Board President Maimona Afzal Berta defended the proposed reforms, stating they are grounded in best practices and crafted directly in response to the investigation’s findings. She emphasized that the policies strengthen the board’s oversight role and ensure more transparent, student-focused management moving forward.