Overpayment of Vice President’s Benefits in East San Jose School District

The vice president of the East San Jose School District’s board will be returning over $4,500 after a payment error on the district’s part led to an overpayment.

Andres Quintero, the Vice President of the Alum Rock Union School District, is set to repay $4,527.90. On August 28, the Council unanimously accepted an 18-month repayment plan, with Quintero abstaining from the vote. Business Services Deputy Principal Teresa Decelles noted that he had been in contact with district attorneys around late April or early May to draft the repayment agreement, which Decelles informed him about in a letter dated July 3.

During a recent meeting, Decelles clarified, “The district acknowledges that the overpayment related to Vice President Quintero’s health benefits resulted from administrative oversight. He wasn’t negligent. Once notified, he cooperated fully during the repayment process.” In response to this incident, the district has taken steps to improve its billing processes.

The issue of overpayment gained attention after the termination of a former supervisor, who alleged that improper reimbursements had taken place. Quintero mentioned that this former employee had raised concerns over a refund exceeding $27,000 meant for an online doctoral program, in addition to the health benefits premium. The board confirmed that Quintero’s refund request had been authorized by prior administration or staff members in business services.

After these claims, the Santa Clara County Education Department initiated an audit to review district expenses and reimbursements.

“Mr. Celda claimed he hadn’t contributed the required 15% for his health benefits, which is misleading and contradicts statements from his administration,” Quintero stated when speaking to the San Jose Spotlight.

Board Chairman Linda Chavez and council member Corina Herrera Loera voiced the need for enhanced transparency regarding district finances, especially following allegations of dubious expenses. Besides Quintero’s situation, Celda hinted that several trustees owed hundreds for usage of district funds.

Chavez remarked on the tendency for board members to face public scrutiny without a thorough investigation into issues raised. “How often does this happen?” she questioned. “Accusations fly without anyone taking a second to uncover the truth. That lack of transparency—it creates problems.”

Herrera-Loera also expressed concern, noting she had previously asked for a detailed list of board refunds and hoped for legal and ethical conduct from board members amid the allegations. “The optics don’t look good during serious claims,” she added.

Superintendent Sandra Garcia emphasized the district’s commitment to rebuilding trust within the community, stating, “We’re investigating these matters.”