The Santa Clara County Office of Education, rocked by controversy over the recent firing of its superintendent, announced an investigation into allegations of embezzlement of public funds.
The SCCOE asked independent auditors to review evidence suggesting potential misuse of public funds, including “improper contract awards, unauthorized legal fee reimbursements, conflict waivers and security issues, including including computer monitoring.“, according to a press release Friday.
“Local law enforcement has been notified and SCCOE will cooperate fully with any federal investigation into its Head Start program, which remains under federal review,” the office said in the press release.
The Santa Clara County Office of Education provides educational, business and technology services as well as academic and fiscal oversight and tracking to the county’s 31 school districts. SCCOE also directly serves students through special education programs, alternative schools, Head Start and State Preschool programs, immigrant education, and the Opportunity Youth Academy.
“It is essential to maintain the financial and operational integrity of the SCCOE, which is why I am seeking experts to conduct comprehensive audits of our budgets, expenditures and operations,” Acting Superintendent Charles Hinman said in the press release .
Board chairwoman Maimona Afzal Berta said in the statement that “any potential misuse of public funds must be investigated immediately” and pledged to “ensure fiscal and operational oversight in accordance with state law and board policies, while being accountable to the citizens who elected.” us as trustees of the public interest.
Last month, Santa Clara County Schools Superintendent Mary Ann Dewan was abruptly fired and later filed a lawsuit against the county school board.
Dewan was removed from office by a vote of 4 to 2. Although the reason for his dismissal was not immediately revealed, reports later emerged suggesting that his dismissal was the result of alleged tensions with members of the board of directors. ‘administration.
