BY AMELIA BISCARDI
Daily Post Staff Writer
The Las Lomitas School Board has appointed an interim superintendent — however, it remains unclear whether the district’s controversial superintendent is on leave.
Board President Paige Winikoff announced on Wednesday after a two-hour closed session that Assistant Superintendent Valerie Park is now interim superintendent, effective immediately.
Winikoff also affirmed that Superintendent Beth Polito is officially retiring on Aug. 30, and thanked Polito for her service.
Polito was not at last night’s board meeting when it resumed at 7 p.m.
Winikoff was unable to confirm to the Post whether Polito is being paid until her retirement or if she is on any type of leave.
Polito did not respond to a request for comment.
The District Attorney’s office is investigating a claim made just before Thanksgiving that Polito has been misusing district funds.
The board revoked Polito’s district credit cards on Dec. 18 while the DA’s office looks into her spending.
After Winikoff’s announcement last night, the meeting erupted into confusion. Audience members went to the microphone to ask what had happened behind closed doors.
“I think I just heard that Beth Poltio has been put on leave and I think that Dr. Park is in the interim, fantastic, thank you,” said Jennifer Montalvo, teacher’s union co-president.
The teachers union co-presidents said they have not received information about Polito’s potential leave. However, in an email to the Post, they said they are hopeful this decision to have Park take over signifies a turning point.
“Transparency and accountability in budget oversight will be key to rebuilding confidence and setting the district on a sustainable path forward,” the union said in the email.
Polito has faced fierce parent and teacher opposition, which has led to parents digging through district finances and finding receipts for stays at luxury hotels and expensive dinners.
Polito previously told the Post that she often places group meals or group hotel stays on her card and that “total charges on my card often don’t reflect my consumption.”
The San Mateo County Office of Education hired a third party to audit the Las Lomitas School District’s credit card spending after the county performed an initial audit, according to a letter posted to the district’s website on Jan. 10. Last night, a representative from the San Mateo County of Education presented an update of its initial review of the district’s 16 credit cards. Deputy Superintendent of Business Services Kevin Bultema was unable to answer questions for the board as the SMCOE has hired an expert in school district fiscal management to take a deeper dive into the charges.
After the review is completed, the county superintendent has 45 days to report any findings or recommendations to the school board. The school board then has 15 days to respond with a plan of action.
The board was slated to hear about a potential parcel tax on Wednesday but unanimously voted to remove the item from the agenda. Board member Jason Morimoto said he wanted to reschedule it for a later date.
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