Less than two weeks into his new role, Santa Clara County Office of Education Interim Superintendent Charles Hinman announced the initiation of several investigations into alleged misuse of public funds within the county office. This announcement follows the recent dismissal of former Superintendent Mary Ann Dewan.

“I’ve received numerous internal accusations, which is typical. However, after reviewing various documents and contracts, I have questions,” Hinman stated during an interview with the Investigative Unit on Monday.

Hinman and his team are undertaking what they describe as extraordinary measures to conduct a thorough examination of the county office’s financial oversight. They claim to have uncovered potential evidence of fund misuse, including unauthorized contract awards, improper expenditure of public funds for personal legal fees, unauthorized waivers of legal conflicts and investigations related to the Board of Education, as well as unauthorized surveillance and internet monitoring.

Hinman expressed concern regarding certain activities observed within SCCOE’s IT department and has reported potential “illegal activity” to the San Jose police, seeking a deeper investigation. He also intends to collaborate with any federal inquiries concerning expenditures related to Head Start, a program SCCOE administers with federal funds to support at-risk children in South Bay. “It’s reassuring to know that action is being taken to thoroughly investigate the situation,” said Yadira Orozco, chair of SCCOE’s Head Start policy council, who suspects the issues may extend beyond just Head Start.

In August, an anonymous employee from SCCOE’s Head Start program had contacted the Investigative Unit, alleging retaliation against staff for raising concerns. Mercedes Hill has since come forward publicly, expressing relief and happiness that the situation is finally being examined properly.

Before Hinman’s appointment, SCCOE engaged an external investigator, Steven Hummel, to look into Hill’s claims and similar allegations. Hummel concluded that the claims were not substantiated.

“I have serious concerns regarding the outcome of that investigation. I believe I was among the first interviewed, and it seemed like the investigator had already formed a conclusion,” Hill remarked.

In a statement via email, Hummel, who has 40 years of experience and was unfamiliar with any SCCOE personnel, explained that the claims were not sustained due to inaccuracies in some reports. “I never assume findings before completing my investigation. The situation at SCCOE is certainly in turmoil, and I hope for a fair resolution for all involved,” Hummel stated.

In October, the SCCOE Board of Trustees voted 4-2, with one member abstaining, to terminate Superintendent Mary Ann Dewan without providing a reason, a decision that elicited mixed reactions from the community and some state legislators. Dewan has not commented on the allegations but previously expressed that it was an honor to serve Santa Clara County. Hinman was appointed shortly after her dismissal.

“I’m not here to fire or reassign anyone. My goal is to instill confidence in the community that we are dedicated to supporting our districts, schools, and educational programs, which requires transparency,” he said. “After 34 years in the field, I have significant concerns that need to be addressed.”

In July, the Investigative Unit spoke with Orozco regarding her complaint to federal Head Start officials about public fund misuse by SCCOE. NBC Bay Area was present that month when federal Head Start monitors conducted a review of the county office in San Jose, which Hinman believes is still ongoing and is taking too long to conclude and report. Earlier this year, SCCOE officials claimed the complaints stemmed from “an accounting error.”