California education leader took on additional work to cover expenses

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond has come under scrutiny for holding side jobs running Bay Area nonprofits while serving as California’s elected schools chief. Financial disclosures show that Thurmond has worked part-time for four different nonprofits since taking office in 2018, earning additional income ranging from $10,001 to $100,000 last year. While this practice is not illegal, it is highly unusual for someone in a statewide elected office, with no other statewide constitutional officers reporting compensation from outside jobs during Thurmond’s tenure.

Thurmond has 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 additional income. Despite these side jobs, Thurmond maintains that they have not impacted his work as superintendent and that the money raised for the nonprofits did not go towards his own salary.

The issue of elected officials holding side jobs raises ethical questions about how politicians allocate their time and whether they are being hired for access to their political contacts. While there are no laws preventing public officials from holding private employment, the rarity of this practice among statewide elected officials suggests that it may be viewed as a potential conflict of interest. Thurmond’s background in social services and nonprofit management has influenced his decision to work in the nonprofit sector, where he believes he can continue making a difference.

Thurmond’s involvement in soliciting donations for the nonprofits where he worked has also raised concerns. Behested payments, or donations made at the request of a public official, must be disclosed to the state if they exceed $5,000 in a single year. Thurmond solicited a $10,000 contribution to the Berkeley Food Pantry from a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, coinciding with his support for legislation requiring personal finance classes in California high schools. While Thurmond maintains that these contributions did not benefit him personally, critics argue that such practices could potentially lead to influence peddling.

Despite facing criticism for his side jobs and fundraising activities, Thurmond remains adamant that his actions have been above board and in line with ethical standards. He has reported all the money raised for the nonprofits he worked for and claims to have taken steps to avoid conflicts of interest. As Thurmond continues his role as superintendent of public instruction and pursues his gubernatorial ambitions, the debate over elected officials holding side jobs is likely to persist, prompting further discussions on transparency and accountability in government.