Money Mix-Up: Santa Clara County's Head Start Funds

The Santa Clara County Office of Education has been accused of misusing federal funds. The report, released on Friday, revealed that over $135, 000 was used incorrectly. The funds were meant for the Head Start program. This program helps low-income children under five get important resources. The money was used to pay a manager's wages and credit card expenses. The manager was not involved with the Head Start program. The Office of Education is in chaos. The board removed the former superintendent, Mary Ann Dewan, in October. This led to lawsuits and investigations. The current interim superintendent, Charles Hinman, asked for investigations into the office's finances and operations. The federal audit was conducted by the Administration for Children and Families. They found that the county failed to meet standards for the Head Start program. This includes engaging parents, providing training, and giving information to the board and staff. The Office of Education blamed former leadership for the misuse of funds. They said staff delayed correcting the error and ignored grant rules. They also rejected calls for oversight.

The governing board president, Maimona Afzal Berta, said the county only corrected the error after months of a failed cover-up. She said the misuse validates the board's concerns and proves intentional efforts to undermine their authority. The report does not mention a cover-up by former superintendent Dewan. It does not indicate the error was intentional. The Office of Head Start informed county officials of the misuse on April 9. Additional letters were sent through June 6. The office staff investigated the error and reversed the charges on June 11. Dewan said the delay was due to an issue with the Office of Head Start's communication system. She said there was no malicious intent. Dewan and board member Tara Sreekrishnan confirmed that Head Start staff reported no findings of financial wrongdoing. Sreekrishnan called the county's press release announcing the error a politically motivated attack against Dewan and her supporters. She said the issue was corrected immediately and no funds were lost or services impacted.

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