Democrats Demand Tolleson Superintendent, School Board Step Down
Tolleson School Board to Vote on Tax-Hike Measures Without Public Input
State 48 News has learned a new watchdog group—led by prominent Democrats—is demanding sweeping resignations in Tolleson. Citizens for Schools Accountability wants the superintendent and school board out, and they’re bringing the fight public.
Among those turning up the pressure: State Sen. Eva Diaz and Councilman Adolfo Gamez—Democratic leaders demanding answers from their own backyard.
This is scheduled to happen just minutes before the board meets in a Special Meeting to consider a tax override and bond election. No public comment allowed.
The newly formed watchdog group calls out the Tolleson Union High School District over spending and transparency—demanding resignations and a full audit of how taxpayer dollars are used. Their mission? Oversight, accountability, and a hard look at special elections continually raising taxes.
Citizens for Schools Accountability can no longer rely on nor trust this school board with the future of our students and the management of the district’s funds and demand the immediate resignation of the following TUHSD school board members: Leezah Sun, Steve Chapman, Devin Del Palacio, Miguel Ortega-Romero and Supt. Calles.
-Citizens for Schools Accountability | May 20, 2025
THE HEADLINES FOR TUHSD HAVE BEEN BRUTAL, STATE 48 NEWS HAS BEEN FIRST TO MANY OF THESE STORIES.
$25 Million Loan Approved: In January, the Tolleson Union High School District Governing Board approved a $25 million agreement it said would provide immediate financial relief to its neighboring Isaac Elementary School District. State 48 broke that story, you can read it here.
Republican Matt Gress took exception to the bailout after our reporting disclosed the financial arrangement.
Under Fire for $491K Earning Potential, School Superintendent Defends Pay and Unveils Affordable Housing Plan
A superintendent making nearly half a million dollars a year responds to our ongoing investigation into taxpayer-funded superintendent salaries. On the May 8th episode of the Tolleson Union High School District’s “Education Exchange” podcast, Superintendent Jeremy Calles defends his compensation and issued a challenge to the media. Calles argues his salary is justified given the scope of leading a growing school district and his accomplishments, noting it doesn't come close to what CEOs in other industries typically earn.
Tolleson Union High School District Responds to Officer's Claims
Just a week ago, State 48 News exclusively reported on Tolleson Police Officer Eric Hendrix's emotional plea to the City of Tolleson, alleging workplace harassment by Tolleson Union High School District Superintendent Jeremy Calles. Hendrix claimed he was pressured to leave his School Resource Officer position after arresting a student involved in a domestic violence incident. Despite being cleared of misconduct by the Tolleson Police Department, Hendrix described a hostile work environment and alleged surveillance by district officials. Police Chief Mendoza supported Hendrix, labeling the situation as harassment.
Tolleson High School Board Cuts Half-Million Dollar Payout with Superintendent Amid Harassment Allegations
Chaos and controversy reign in the Tolleson Union High School District (TUHSD) as its once-benched superintendent, not only reclaims his position but walks away with a nearly half-million-dollar payout and a contract renewal—while the former board president, also an Arizona state representative, faces potential ethics fallout at the state level.
Field of Controversy: Tolleson's Superintendent Continues to Face Criticism in New Year
QUESTION: Should Tolleson taxpayers fund private, community education which doesn’t benefit existing students?
Exclusive: Suspended Tolleson Superintendent Jeremy Calles Breaks Silence on District Report and Legal Battle
On December 10, 2024, the Tolleson Union High School District held an executive session to review a report prepared by Calderon Law Offices, P.L.C. The reportedly $45,000 report evaluates Superintendent Jeremy Calles' conduct and interactions with both District members and community constituents.
These are just a fraction of the eyebrow-raising headlines making waves. Most State 48 News articles are free for the first 30 days—subscribe now to unlock the full archive and get access to all of our stories.
WHO IS THIS NEW WATCHDOG GROUP?
Diann Chavira Amaro – A Tolleson parent and longtime legal professional with deep roots in the community, known for her work on Arizona lien law reform and her advocacy for “quality education for all students.”
Dr. A. David Briggs – Former Tolleson assistant superintendent with over 40+ years in education, including leadership roles in multiple districts and universities. He’s a seasoned consultant in school accountability and instructional strategy. He is the CEO of the Learning Tree since 1985.
Arizona State Senator Dr. Eva Diaz (D-LD22) – “Arizona State Sen. Dr. Diaz is an Arizona native, married, and a mother of two children. Her 30 years in the education arena includes teaching and serving in administrative positions in public schools, taught undergraduate and graduate level education classes at community colleges and ASU. She has also provided professional development at schools to teachers and support staff. Dr. Diaz earned her doctorate from ASU in Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Leadership and has been part of the Red for Ed movement of the Arizona Education Association which began an aggressive fight for public education in the state in 2018. She has also been active as a volunteer and in paid positions with Chicanos Por La Causa Community Center and serves as ranking member of the Az Senate Democratic caucus and is on the Education Committee.”
Tolleson Councilman Adolfo F. Gamez – A lifelong city resident and public education advocate who has developed programs for underserved students and led a nonprofit awarding over $1.3 million in high school and college scholarships.
📢 Press Conference
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 | 2:30 PM
Tolleson Union High School District Office
Hosted by Citizens for Schools Accountability
🛑 Special Governing Board Meeting
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 | 3:00 PM
Tolleson Union High School District Office
Right after the press conference, there will be a special school board meeting. No public comment will be allowed. Key votes include a proposed $125M bond and a new budget override election.
The estimated fiscal year 2024/2025 constitutional debt limit of the District is $626,910,127, the fiscal year 2025/2026 constitutional debt limit of the District is $642,408,357, the current outstanding general obligation debt of the District is $374,045,000 and the outstanding general obligation debt of the District after the July 1, 2025 principal payment will be $352,385,000. The minimum and maximum number of years that any issue or series of bonds may run from their date shall be as follows: bonds of this authorization may mature not earlier than one year (or a portion thereof) from their date or more than twenty (20) years from their date. The Board hereby authorizes the District to cause an Election to authorize the issuance and sale of general obligation bonds in the principal amount not to exceed $125,000,000. The Bonds shall bear interest of not to exceed 6.75% per year.
-Tolleson Union High School District Governing Board Agenda for May 21, 2025
State 48 News will follow this developing story.