John Paramo, former BUSD Superintendent, photo courtesy BUSD.
The Burbank Police Department is investigating an alleged contract scheme in the Burbank Unified School District, which has already claimed one high-profile victim. John Paramo is no longer the superintendent of BUSD. Last Thursday night, the school board accepted Paramo’s resignation during closed session. Absent from that closed-door meeting was board member Charlene Tabet.
In a statement emailed out to “Our Burbank Unified School District community” last Friday, an alleged contract scheme was detailed. It involves a $90,000 contract that the District approved on September 5, 2024, with a vendor called Specialized Support Services. The name of Boardmember Tabet’s daughter, BreeAnn M. Weist, appeared on the contract. Tabet reportedly did not recuse herself from the contract vote and failed to disclose the conflict of interest.
Also listed on the BSUD website are the statement and other relevant documents, some of which show Tabet as the principal in Specialized Support Services. An internal investigation is underway as well.
Anyone with information that might assist the criminal investigation is asked to contact Burbank Police Detective John Voorhis at jvoorhis@burbankca.gov or phone number (818) 238-3278.
Also, last Thursday, the school board members unanimously voted to appoint Dr. Oscar Macias as the acting superintendent. Marcias has held several positions in the school district, most recently as Interim Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services.
