Case #0121

Below is a timeline of The Record’s coverage of alleged misconduct at Stockton Unified — from a 2021 grand jury report that first raised red flags about the district’s rapid turnover in superintendents, to the latest on the November 2023 Flores search.

“ Stockton Unified was accused of having a “revolving door” of superintendents in a 2021 San Joaquin County Civil Grand jury report, citing trustee behavior as the reason it is “difficult, if not impossible,” for any lasting, positive changes to take hold at the district.”

“There were clear (policy) violations according to the grand jury,” Board President AngelAnn Flores said at a May 2 policy meeting. “We can change that and ensure that we are following proper code of ethics and policies. It starts with us reviewing (policies). That’s why we’re here to listen and learn together.”

Stockton Unified is being investigated by the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office following two scathing grand jury reports and a state audit that found evidence of fraud in the school district’s financial dealings.

The Feb. 14 report on likely fraud at Stockton Unified will serve as a “launching point,” but District Attorney Ron Freitas said he’ll look into “any and all wrongdoing” at the school district.

… Battle was hired in 2021 against board policy without a search, screening process or interviews, according to a June 2022 San Joaquin County Grand Jury report that found financial mismanagement and dysfunction at Stockton’s largest school district.