Camarillo, CA – Ventura County Superintendent of Schools Cesar Morales admitted on Friday, May 15th, to receiving an unauthorized over $15,000 increase in “other pay”. This unauthorized pay spike is on top of his record-breaking $375,000 compensation package. (For context, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction makes $213,617). According to members of the County Board of Education, this spike likely violates state law and is fueling growing calls for accountability and transparency at the Ventura County Office of Education.
As concerns continue to mount, support for Morales has begun to erode, with public endorsements now being withdrawn and questions intensifying over compensation practices and public trust.
Dr. Karen Sher, candidate for Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, issued the following statement:
“When questions arise about how taxpayer dollars are being spent, transparency is not optional. It is essential. The appointed incumbent has admitted to spiking portions of his pay by more than $15,000 without authorization from the Ventura County Board of Education, while directing tens of thousands of dollars in perks to his executive staff. When the Superintendent improperly takes taxpayer dollars, it betrays our students. Those dollars belong in the classroom, not in administrators’ back pockets. It is time to end the culture of self-dealing at the Ventura County Office of Education.”
In response to these findings, Dr. Sher is calling for immediate action on four fronts:
- End political delays surrounding investigations into the alleged misappropriation of funds at VCOE.
- Conduct a forensic audit of the Ventura County Office of Education.
- Suspend individuals involved in the misappropriation of funds, as well as those who may have provided misleading information to the County Board of Education.
- Review the significant delays in fulfilling public records requests. A process currently overseen by the Deputy Superintendent for Fiscal Services, who is also the fiancé of Superintendent Dr. Morales.
Statements by major education leaders regarding the misuse of public funds by Dr. Morales:
Trustee Rachel Ulrich, President of the Ventura County Board of Education shared:
“The public has a right to expect transparency, accountability, and integrity from its elected officials. I have not endorsed any candidates in the race for County Superintendent and am guided not by politics, but by my sense of duty and responsibility to the public. Any action that undermines confidence in public education should be taken seriously and addressed transparently.”
Trustee Mike Teasdale, Vice President of the Ventura County Board of Education:
“I am deeply disappointed and shocked by the recent disclosure that Superintendent Cesar Morales received compensation that was not approved by the Ventura County Board of Education in an open meeting. This raises grave concerns about a violation of the California Education Code that governs the California school system.
I am also troubled by the hesitation and delay in disclosing this violation during an election period. Such conduct is unbecoming of a public servant. At a time when public trust in our institutions, schools, and educators is already strained, it is imperative to remain vigilant.”
Dr. Chuck Weis, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools (1993-2008) shared:
“County Superintendents should never independently provide themselves a raise. The current county superintendent of schools admitted to taking this illegal salary increase without Board approval. If he did not know that this was an illegal act, he should not be a county superintendent charged with overseeing the legal use of funds in all 20 school districts in Ventura County. If he also provided stipends exceeding $10,000 to one or more County Office cabinet members without bringing those actions to the County Board, that may be a violation of Education Code 1302.”
Trustee Dianne McKay, Ventura County Community College District (ret.) shared:
“Being sadly and completely disappointed by our current county superintendent’s ethics and lack of accountability, I rescinded my endorsement on May 3rd. The printed mail by Dr. Morales was already in process by then, and it sent a confusing message to voters. To be clear, the only candidate qualified and ready to restore this position’s integrity and professionalism is Dr.Karen Sher.”
Trustee Mike Teasdale, Superintendent Dr. Chuck Weis, and retired VCCCD Trustee Dianne McKay have withdrawn their endorsements of Dr. Morales.
Superintendent Weis and Trustee McKay have endorsed Dr. Karen Sher.
