Santa Clara County Grand Jury
• 2025-2026
Alum Rock Union School District: Known problems, unfinished solutions
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 9 findings
F1a
The District has not followed through on commitments to address deficiencies in governance, financial management, and transparency identified in prior audits.
No recommendations for this finding
F1b
Many District officials were not familiar with the content and recommendations of the FCMAT, California State Auditor, and Harvey Rose audits.
No recommendations for this finding
F2a
The District’s website content on school operations frequently has obsolete or missing data.
No recommendations for this finding
F2b
The Board’s meeting videos, materials, and minutes are often missing from the District website or are not published promptly.
No recommendations for this finding
F3
Board-initiated superintendent turnover has undermined the Board’s ability to set goals and execute a coherent strategy for the District.
Related Recommendations (2)
R3a
The Board should hire an experienced superintendent to align the District around a shared strategic vision, strengthen administrative performance, and ensure the District has appropriate staff expertise. This should be implemented
R3b
The Board should strengthen its governance practices by establishing clear roles, expectations, and communication protocols with the superintendent to support a stable, effective, and long-term working relationship. This should be implemented
F4a
The District and Board were negligent in failing to maintain a functioning CBOC from May 2021 through December 2025.
No recommendations for this finding
F4b
The District spent $52.8 million in bond funds during the 2021-22 through the 2024-25 school years without required citizen oversight.
No recommendations for this finding
F5a
The District has not developed a long-term integrated capital and financial plan extending five years or longer.
No recommendations for this finding
F5b
The District faces a serious risk of financial insolvency unless it develops and implements a realistic plan to eliminate its annual budget deficits.
No recommendations for this finding