State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond has come under scrutiny for his involvement in side jobs running Bay Area nonprofits while serving as California’s elected schools chief. According to financial disclosures, Thurmond has worked part-time for four different nonprofits since his election in 2018, earning additional income ranging from $10,001 to $100,000. While this practice is not illegal, it is uncommon for someone in a statewide elected office.
Thurmond defended his decision to take on these side jobs, citing the need to support his children and family members with illnesses. He explained that the salary for the superintendent of public instruction is lower than in some other states and local school districts, prompting him to seek supplemental income. Despite his outside work, Thurmond maintained that it did not impact his duties as superintendent and that none of the money raised for the nonprofits went towards his own salary.
The issue of elected officials holding side jobs raises ethical questions, as it may lead to concerns about how politicians allocate their time and whether they are being hired for access to their political connections. While there are no legal restrictions on public officials holding private employment, they are prohibited from making governmental decisions that would benefit their financial interests. Thurmond’s case has sparked discussions about the balance between public service and outside employment.
Thurmond’s involvement in soliciting donations for the nonprofits where he worked has also raised eyebrows. Behested payments, or donations made at the request of a public official, must be disclosed to the state when they exceed $5,000 in a single year. Thurmond faced criticism for soliciting a $10,000 contribution for the Berkeley Food Pantry from a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, coinciding with his support for a legislative measure related to personal finance education.
Despite these controversies, Thurmond emphasized that he has reported all the money raised for the nonprofits he worked for and has taken steps to avoid conflicts of interest. He maintained that his actions were above board and aimed at supporting important charities. As Thurmond continues his role as superintendent of public instruction and pursues his gubernatorial ambitions, the debate over elected officials holding side jobs and soliciting donations is likely to remain a topic of discussion in California politics.
