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rizona lawmakers are questioning a West Valley superintendent's involvement in a real estate deal that may have benefited him financially. The issue arose during a Joint Legislative Audit Committee hearing on Monday, where the committee oversees audits of state agencies and the Legislature.

    Tolleson Union High School District entered into a leaseback agreement with Isaac Elementary School District, buying Isaac Middle School for $25 million and leasing it back at 6% interest. Superintendent Jeremy Calles, who works two jobs as superintendent and consultant, said he was initially contacted by Isaac in his role as a consultant but became involved in the deal when Tolleson joined.

    Calles maintained that he didn't profit from the deal and that the agreement helped Isaac Elementary School District during its financial crisis. He also claimed it generated up to $7 million more for Tolleson Union students, although committee members questioned how this would benefit the district given its low math and ELA proficiency rates.

    Rep. Matt Gress expressed skepticism about the deal's benefits, stating that it "made a mockery of our state law." City officials from Tolleson also voiced concerns about Calles' involvement in the deal, which has been surrounded by controversy, including a sexual harassment claim and a recent affordable housing agreement.