The Santa Clara County Board of Education voted Wednesday night to terminate without cause Superintendent of Schools Mary Ann Dewan, according to a statement to all staff release Thursday. The vote came at the end of the board’s regular meeting, and no clear reason was provided. The vote was close with three board of trustees voting yes on the motion, two voting no and one abstaining. The motion passed and Superintendent Dewan was immediately placed on paid administrative leave. Her official termination date is set for November 2. Dewan will be receiving around $400,000 in severance pay, according to her contract. “I believe in doing what’s right and getting justice for any wrongdoing,” said Yadira Orozco, a parent of an SCCOE student. Orozco is also the Policy Council Chair for SCCOE’s Head Start program. Head Start is a federal program has helps support low-income students with early development. Orozco was one of the individuals whose complaints sparked a federal review of the Santa Clara County Office of Education over concerns it misused some federal funds. “I’m just satisfied [about Dewan’s termination], and I just want parents to know that it is very important for them to advocate,” Orozco said Thursday. Over the summer, NBC Bay Area’s Investigative Unit first reported on these complaints. The complaints also included staff retaliation allegations during a related federal review. Investigative Unit Jul 15 Exclusive: Santa Clara Co. Office of Education under review over misuse of Head Start funds Santa Clara County Aug 5 A closer look: Retaliation claims at Santa Clara County Office of Education Dewan provided the following statement for Thursday’s release. “It has been a complete honor and privilege to serve Santa Clara County, its schools, community, staff and students. I have dedicated my life to service of our community and hold the work of the County Office of Education in high esteem. I am incredibly proud of all we have done together to advance equity, inclusion, diversity and partnership.”