Field of Controversy: Tolleson's Superintendent Continues to Face Criticism in New Year

A high school district’s partnership with pee-wee football teams sparks scrutiny over waived fees, taxpayer-funded expenses, and allegations of preferential treatment.

QUESTION: Should Tolleson taxpayers fund private, community education which doesn’t benefit existing students?

State 48 News kicks off 2025 with an eye on Tolleson Union High School District, where Superintendent Jeremy Calles, sidelined after $45,000 district-commissioned conduct report, is back in the office. On January 3, the new board voted 3-0 to end his remote status returning him to work in person.

Last summer, Calles accused board president Dr. Elda Luna Nájera—who also serves in the Arizona House of Representatives, representing District 22—of making unwanted sexual advances toward him. As a result, Luna-Nájera was replaced as the governing board president in September. But will she face discipline from Arizona’s House of Representatitves? “House Democrats haven’t approached the subject with the investigation occurring out of session,” reports The Arizona Capitol Times, December 29, 2024.

While she voted in December 2024 to place Jeremy Calles on leave with pay, Luna-Nájera was …