T
olleson Union High School District Superintendent Jeremy Calles faced intense questioning from lawmakers during a three-hour hearing this week. The Joint Legislative Audit Committee (JLAC) co-chairs, Matt Gress and Mark Finchem, expressed concerns over a leaseback deal between Tolleson Union High School District and the Isaac Elementary School District.

    The deal involves TUHSD purchasing Isaac Middle School for $25 million, with the elementary district leasing the building at an interest rate of 6%. Calles revealed that he holds two professional roles: one as a consultant and another as Superintendent. He confirmed that initial conversations on the deal began in his role as a consultant.

    Calles explained that when his district became involved, his role changed, but he claimed to have never billed for the conversation or contracted with Isaac Elementary School District as a consultation client. However, committee members questioned the benefit of the agreement for TUHSD students, noting that only 30% of its students are proficient in Mathematics, English, and Language Arts.

    Gress challenged Calles, saying, "You've not been able to demonstrate the $25 million financial transaction benefiting Tolleson Union students directly. This is far beyond novel; I think you've made a mockery of our state law." He added that Calles should be ashamed for mistreating taxpayers in Tolleson.

    The Superintendent was also questioned about his use of district office space for personal business and employing two staff members through his consultancy. When asked why every school district shouldn't follow his lead and start making money, Calles responded defiantly, saying, "I don't think every school district has a superintendent willing to stand in front of you like this."

    The hearing also touched on allegations that Calles requested Tolleson City Manager Reyes Medrano Jr. to accept an additional $85,000 for a land purchase so that the funds could be used to pay a specific broker. Calles denied these allegations, calling them "borderlines defamation."