Public commenter alleges FPPC investigation and questions law‑firm ties to San Bernardino County superintendent

At the July 14 San Bernardino County Board of Education meeting, a public commenter said an open investigation by the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) involves County Superintendent Ted Alejandre and criticized the superintendent’s use of outside counsel and perceived political ties. Antoinette Jensen, who spoke during the public‑comment period, said the FPPC investigation covers “conflict of interest, political retaliation, and misuse of public money.” She also criticized the superintendent’s use of a private law firm and asserted the firm had contributed to the superintendent’s campaign and provided other connections between the firm and local board members. Why it matters: Allegations of campaign finance or conflicts of interest involving a public official can trigger investigations or require a public response from the district; in this meeting the statements were made as public comment and were not verified on the record. The board did not take formal action during the meeting. What the commenter told the board - Antoinette Jensen said she had filed complaints and that the FPPC had opened an investigation into Superintendent Ted Alejandre for “conflict of interest, political retaliation, and misuse of public money.” She asserted the superintendent was using counsel from the law firm AALRR and said the firm had made donations to the superintendent’s campaign. (Public comment, July 14.) - Jensen also named individuals and claimed the firm and certain contracts created “an empire to protect the political.” She asked for public notification of any meetings related to a county task force she said would be run by an SBCSS insider. Board response and context Board members acknowledged the comment but did not take action during the meeting. No board motion, staff report, or public‑record confirmation of the FPPC status was presented during the session. The transcript records the comment as an allegation made during public comment. What is and is not established The transcript records Jensen’s statements as public comment. The county board did not provide evidence on the record to confirm or deny the allegations, and Jensen did not show documents in the meeting that were accepted into the public record during the session.