Community Issues
The Tolleson Union High School District is currently under significant scrutiny from the state legislature and the Tolleson community due to allegations of financial mismanagement, declining student performance and leadership controversies. The Citizens for Schools Accountability and the broader community are calling for enhanced transparency, accountability and improvements in governance and leadership.
Bond and override concerns
Tolleson taxpayers passed a $125 million bond in October 2024. The School Board and Superintendent in January of 2025 used $25M of District funds to assist an external insolvent school district outside of TUHSD boundaries. TUHSD School Board is no longer trusted to manage District funds and taxpayers need to assess how funds have been used before voting on a new 2025 $125M Bond and Override.
Land leasing controversy
The TUHSD leased 12.9 acres of previously purchased land to a developer for low-income housing. The land was to be used for educational purposes. How does low-income housing help students with their academic performance?
TOLLESON DISTRICT OFFICE TO BE RELOCATED TO GLENDALE?
The TUHSD School Board approved purchasing two parcels of land for $15M outside Tolleson. One parcel will be used for a new Tolleson District Office in Glendale and the second parcel is for a small school in the Westgate area. The TUHSD owns 30 acres of open space in Tolleson to be used for educational purposes. Why is the TUHSD purchasing unnecessary land?
Declining student performance despite high teacher salaries
The district ranks at the 53rd percentile among 139 Districts statewide. Student performance is declining even as teacher salaries remain among the highest in the state. Students are not receiving the instruction needed for success. Why is the school board and superintendent not focused on improving student performance?
Student safety and security
Student safety and maintaining a positive school environment is critical to preventing school violence. TUHSD has stopped using Tolleson Police Department School
Resource Officers (SROs), opting for a private security firm. We thank the City of Tolleson Police Department for over 50 years of student safety. Why is the TUHSD School Board making this change?
Resource Officers (SROs), opting for a private security firm. We thank the City of Tolleson Police Department for over 50 years of student safety. Why is the TUHSD School Board making this change?
Limiting community engagement
The TUHS school board discourages community participation. School board meetings were relocated from Tolleson to Glendale to reduce community attendance. Open meeting laws are not always observed, and a policy has been implemented requiring board chair approval for community members to speak at meetings. There have been reports of challenges regarding the school board's effectiveness.
Leadership controversies
The city of Tolleson issued a restraining order against TUHSD Board Chair Leesa Sun, impacting cooperation and district-city relations. As Board Chair, Leesa creates an atmosphere of controversy and friction among Board members. Superintendent Jeremy Calles filed and later withdrew an EEO sexual harassment claim against the former board chair, then filed a retaliation claim, which he discussed publicly damaging the public image of TUHSD. The School Board settled the claim for $450,000 and renewed Calles's contract despite concerns over student performance and conduct unbecoming an administrator.
