An investigation into the expenditures of an East San Jose school district has trustees exhaling — after holding their breath for months.
The Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) completed its audit of Alum Rock Union School District following a “comprehensive review” of all reimbursements to determine whether district funds have been used appropriately and followed reimbursement policies. The report concluded there is insufficient evidence to indicate fraud, misappropriation of funds, or other illegal fiscal practices.
Trustee Minh Pham said he is relieved the district wasn’t found to have unlawfully used public funds.
“This verdict from FCMAT should allow us to move on to the important issues facing the district: to increase revenues, maintain programs for our kids and keep as many schools open as possible,” he told San José Spotlight. “I’m hoping we can close this chapter and work on the issues that truly matter for our kids and our families.”
The audit request, made by the Santa Clara County superintendent of schools in September, followed concerns raised by parents, community members and district employees regarding potential questionable board member reimbursements — specifically where district funds may have been used to reimburse board members for college-level coursework or other similar training.
This stemmed from a complaint raised that the district reimbursed Board Vice President Andres Quintero $22,700 for college classes toward a doctorate. Parents and community advocates had called for Quintero, who teaches at Evergreen Valley College, to return the money, or resign. Quintero defended himself, saying board members can use professional development funds for coursework at accredited colleges or universities — and said critics should take it up with the district attorney if they felt there was improper behavior.
In response, parents and advocates filed complaints with the school district, as well as the county office of education, Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury, District Attorney’s Office and California Fair Political Practices Commission.
Parents spoke out at March 26 board meeting.
“Whether or not what you did was legal or not, Trustee Quintero, it wasn’t ethical,” parent Chrystine Villarreal said. “The community is asking you to … pay back your personal Ph.D. and not hold it on the backs of our kids.”
David M. Toston, Santa Clara County superintendent of schools, presented the audit results to the board.
“The review examined whether reimbursements were generally appropriate, served an allowable educational purpose and complied with the district reimbursement policies,” he said. “Based on the work performed, FCMAT concluded that insufficient evidence exists to indicate fraud, misappropriation of funds or assets or other illegal fiscal practices. Accordingly, in the power of the county superintendent of schools, we consider this matter closed.”
Trustee Corina Herrera-Loera said the investigation was limited to determining whether any laws were broken.
“It did not examine whether the actions in question met the ethical standards expected of public officials or reflected responsible stewardship of public funds,” she told San José Spotlight. “The report makes evident that Andres Quintero used public funds for personal benefit by paying for expenses related to obtaining a doctoral degree. While this may not have met the threshold for illegal activity, it raises serious concerns about judgment, accountability and the use of taxpayer resources.”
Herrera-Loera said the community expects more and deserves leadership that upholds the highest ethical principles, not just legal compliance.
Quintero said the investigation was thorough, unbiased and didn’t push any agenda.
“They looked at every single expenditure and made sure that if there was fraud, they would identify it and they would notify the district attorney’s office, much like I told the same folks that have stood up here that if they had concerns … based upon the lies, the attacks by a disgruntled former superintendent … they should take it up with the DA,” he said at the meeting.
Parent Natalie Abal said clear policies and integrity from the board are needed.
“Exploiting legal rules shows a clear lack of integrity and morality,” Abal said. “This is a Title I low-income district, which makes it even more unjustifiable.”
Contact Lorraine Gabbert at [email protected].
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