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Extracted from Consolidated Report

This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.

Alameda County Grand Jury • 2025-2026

Jail Inspections

86 pages
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Findings 60 findings

26-25 Page 53
In 2015, NUSD Board of Education members agreed with the Grand Jury’s report that identified systemic governance problems, and agreed to remedy them by adhering to state law, board bylaws, and policies.
F26-25 Page 53
In 2015, NUSD Board of Education members agreed with the Grand Jury’s report that identified systemic governance problems, and agreed to remedy them by adhering to state law, board bylaws, and policies.
26-26 Page 53
Some NUSD Board of Education members exhibit disruptive and disrespectful behavior during board meetings in violation of the NUSD Governance Team Handbook. For example, some members shout, make personal attacks, interrupt other Board members, and disparage staff at Board meetings.
F26-26 Page 53
Some NUSD Board of Education members exhibit disruptive and disrespectful behavior during board meetings in violation of the NUSD Governance Team Handbook. For example, some members shout, make personal attacks, interrupt other Board members, and disparage staff at Board meetings.
26-27 Page 53
The NUSD Board of Education’s Bylaw 9280 allows a majority of the board to censure board members for behavior that violates the NUSD Governance Team Handbook. The board has failed to use its censure power to prevent disruptive and unprofessional behavior at board meetings. 52(cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3) 2025-2026 Alameda County Grand Jury Final Report (cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:3) (cid:3)
F26-27 Page 53
The NUSD Board of Education’s Bylaw 9280 allows a majority of the board to censure board members for behavior that violates the NUSD Governance Team Handbook. The board has failed to use its censure power to prevent disruptive and unprofessional behavior at board meetings. 52(cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3) 2025-2026 Alameda County Grand Jury Final Report (cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:3) (cid:3)
26-28 Page 54
Not all NUSD Board of Education members have participated in the training sessions offered by the California School Board Association, which the NUSD Governance Team Handbook recommends.
F26-28 Page 54
Not all NUSD Board of Education members have participated in the training sessions offered by the California School Board Association, which the NUSD Governance Team Handbook recommends.
26-29 Page 54
NUSD’s Board of Education failed to formally evaluate the current superintendent during her two-year tenure, despite the NUSD Governance Team Handbook requiring annual evaluations.
F26-29 Page 54
NUSD’s Board of Education failed to formally evaluate the current superintendent during her two-year tenure, despite the NUSD Governance Team Handbook requiring annual evaluations.
26-30 Page 54
NUSD’s Board of Education failed to conduct an annual self-evaluation, despite the requirements of the NUSD Governance Team Handbook.
F26-30 Page 54
NUSD’s Board of Education failed to conduct an annual self-evaluation, despite the requirements of the NUSD Governance Team Handbook.
26-31 Page 54
In the past decade, student enrollment in NUSD declined by 25 percent, a higher rate than in neighboring districts.
F26-31 Page 54
In the past decade, student enrollment in NUSD declined by 25 percent, a higher rate than in neighboring districts.
26-32 Page 54
NUSD teachers have lower average pay than surrounding districts and receive no contributions towards their health insurance premiums from the district.
F26-32 Page 54
NUSD teachers have lower average pay than surrounding districts and receive no contributions towards their health insurance premiums from the district.
26-33 Page 54
Aggressive budget cuts will be necessary for NUSD to meet its required Reserves for Economic Uncertainty of 3 percent.
F26-33 Page 54
Aggressive budget cuts will be necessary for NUSD to meet its required Reserves for Economic Uncertainty of 3 percent.
26-34 Page 54
NUSD has experienced repeated superintendent turnover, hiring difficulties, staffing gaps, and budget pressures.
F26-34 Page 54
NUSD has experienced repeated superintendent turnover, hiring difficulties, staffing gaps, and budget pressures.
26-35 Page 54
NUSD has had instability in the Chief Business Officer position.
F26-35 Page 54
NUSD has had instability in the Chief Business Officer position.
26-36 Page 54
NUSD experienced inadequate fiscal oversight, particularly regarding hiring contractors and retirees.
F26-36 Page 54
NUSD experienced inadequate fiscal oversight, particularly regarding hiring contractors and retirees.
26-37 Page 54
The California State Teachers' Retirement System (CalSTRS) requires NUSD to report whether individuals hired through employment agencies, as independent contractors, or as employees are CalSTRS members or retirees. NUSD failed to comply with this requirement. 53(cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3) 2025-2026 Alameda County Grand Jury Final Report (cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:3) (cid:3)
F26-37 Page 54
The California State Teachers' Retirement System (CalSTRS) requires NUSD to report whether individuals hired through employment agencies, as independent contractors, or as employees are CalSTRS members or retirees. NUSD failed to comply with this requirement. 53(cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3) 2025-2026 Alameda County Grand Jury Final Report (cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:3) (cid:3)
26-38 Page 55
NUSD’s financial reporting has been irregular, including the identification of a $14 million budget deficit, followed by an abrupt recovery of $10 million without adequate explanation, and it would benefit from further oversight.
F26-38 Page 55
NUSD’s financial reporting has been irregular, including the identification of a $14 million budget deficit, followed by an abrupt recovery of $10 million without adequate explanation, and it would benefit from further oversight.
26-39 Page 55
NUSD is not regularly convening or making publicly available the agendas and minutes of two of the three parent and community advisory committees mentioned in the Governance Team Handbook, as necessary to achieve the 2025-2026 district goal of parent and community engagement and communication.
F26-39 Page 55
NUSD is not regularly convening or making publicly available the agendas and minutes of two of the three parent and community advisory committees mentioned in the Governance Team Handbook, as necessary to achieve the 2025-2026 district goal of parent and community engagement and communication.
26-40 Page 55
Community members regularly provide BOE members with information about the district obtained from Public Records Act requests, rather than BOE members obtaining information through the district superintendent, as recommended in the Governance Team Handbook.
F26-40 Page 55
Community members regularly provide BOE members with information about the district obtained from Public Records Act requests, rather than BOE members obtaining information through the district superintendent, as recommended in the Governance Team Handbook.
26-41 Page 55
The district office does not always give the public adequate time to review information to be discussed at regularly scheduled board meetings
F26-41 Page 55
The district office does not always give the public adequate time to review information to be discussed at regularly scheduled board meetings
26-42 Page 55
The NUSD district office is deteriorating and represents a safety hazard for staff and visitors.
F26-42 Page 55
The NUSD district office is deteriorating and represents a safety hazard for staff and visitors.
26-43 Page 71
The city of Alameda has an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) intended to be flexible enough for use in all emergencies.
F26-43 Page 71
The city of Alameda has an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) intended to be flexible enough for use in all emergencies.
26-44 Page 71
An update to the EOP was approved by the city council in April 2026. This is the first update in seven years. Best practice for updating EOPs is every five years. 70(cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3) 2025-2026 Alameda County Grand Jury Final Report (cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:3) (cid:3)
F26-44 Page 71
An update to the EOP was approved by the city council in April 2026. This is the first update in seven years. Best practice for updating EOPs is every five years. 70(cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3) 2025-2026 Alameda County Grand Jury Final Report (cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:3) (cid:3)
26-45 Page 72
The city of Alameda has failed to conduct any in-person disaster preparedness training since 2019.
F26-45 Page 72
The city of Alameda has failed to conduct any in-person disaster preparedness training since 2019.
26-46 Page 72
The city of Alameda maintains a voluntary database of residents in need of additional help during a large-scale emergency. The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services advises against such databases because they can create a false sense of security.
F26-46 Page 72
The city of Alameda maintains a voluntary database of residents in need of additional help during a large-scale emergency. The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services advises against such databases because they can create a false sense of security.
26-47 Page 72
The 2026 EOP recommends that the city create partnerships with community groups that represent individuals with disabilities in order to ensure an effective response to an emergency.
F26-47 Page 72
The 2026 EOP recommends that the city create partnerships with community groups that represent individuals with disabilities in order to ensure an effective response to an emergency.
26-48 Page 72
Unlike neighboring cities, Alameda does not have a siren system to warn residents of disasters.
F26-48 Page 72
Unlike neighboring cities, Alameda does not have a siren system to warn residents of disasters.
26-49 Page 72
The city of Alameda has the ability to send emergency alerts to residents via cell phone, land line, email, and text, and to post more detailed information on social media and city websites.
F26-49 Page 72
The city of Alameda has the ability to send emergency alerts to residents via cell phone, land line, email, and text, and to post more detailed information on social media and city websites.
26-50 Page 72
During tsunami warnings in 2024 and 2025, the city of Alameda’s social media sites contained little, no, and at times inconsistent messages.
F26-50 Page 72
During tsunami warnings in 2024 and 2025, the city of Alameda’s social media sites contained little, no, and at times inconsistent messages.
26-51 Page 72
The 2026 EOP includes emergency messaging templates for use across all communication platforms.
F26-51 Page 72
The 2026 EOP includes emergency messaging templates for use across all communication platforms.
26-52 Page 72
Over the past several years, the city of Alameda failed to conduct discussion-based and operations-based exercises to test its emergency plans, as required by its EOP.
F26-52 Page 72
Over the past several years, the city of Alameda failed to conduct discussion-based and operations-based exercises to test its emergency plans, as required by its EOP.
26-53 Page 72
The city of Alameda has failed to prepare written after-action reports after informal testing of its emergency response plans or after actual emergencies, missing opportunities to evaluate and improve its response.
F26-53 Page 72
The city of Alameda has failed to prepare written after-action reports after informal testing of its emergency response plans or after actual emergencies, missing opportunities to evaluate and improve its response.
26-54 Page 72
The 2026 EOP requires after-action reports for test exercises, but not for responses to actual emergencies. 71(cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3) 2025-2026 Alameda County Grand Jury Final Report (cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:3) (cid:3)
F26-54 Page 72
The 2026 EOP requires after-action reports for test exercises, but not for responses to actual emergencies. 71(cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3) 2025-2026 Alameda County Grand Jury Final Report (cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:890)(cid:3) (cid:3)

Recommendations 22