Arizona Legislature issues audit for Tolleson Union High School District

PHOENIX — A West Valley high school district is under scrutiny for the alleged mismanagement of funds and improper disciplinary procedures regarding a teacher accused of sexual misconduct.

The Joint Legislative Audit Committee (JLAC) of the Arizona state Legislature approved a special request to audit the Tolleson Union High School District on Wednesday and said it will be carried out by the Arizona Auditor General.

The request for the audit was made after allegations by a former principal who testified that sexual misconduct information regarding a teacher and student was repressed by leadership, among other instances of malpractice by district leaders.

“Taxpayers deserve complete transparency regarding the use of their hard-earned money, particularly in our school,” State Senator David Farnsworth said in a release. “This audit aims to restore accountability and ensure that students, parents and teachers benefit from a system that operates with integrity and responsibility.”

Auditors will also examine the transfer of $20 million to the Isaac Elementary School District and plans to construct an $80 million sports dome.

JLAC Chairman Mark Finchem brought the audit request to the Senate floor and said the millions of dollars in question are about more than the eight-digit amounts.

“This issue goes beyond numbers; it’s fundamentally about trust and the safety of students in Arizona Schools,” Finchem said. “The public has the right to seek answers. This audit is the first step towards obtaining them.”

Tolleson superintendent defends actions

Many of the allegations come from Felipe Mandurraga, who was the principal at Tolleson Union High School before resigning after the spring 2025 semester.

While testifying, Mandurraga accused Tolleson Union High School District Superintendent Jeremy Calles of multiple infractions.

Last week, Calles joined KTAR News 92.3 FM’s The Mike Broomhead Show to share his perspective.

Calles addressed Mandurraga’s allegation that he pushed for schools to report higher enrollment to obtain funding for a new school.

He also said he was not to blame for an incident where a teacher allegedly sent a topless photo to a student and was allowed to resign with full benefits.

“It came to me as, look, we have a serious personnel matter … and we’re going to go ahead and take a resignation in lieu of termination,” Calles said. “I never saw the image.”

In regards to the millions of dollars it agreed to loan Isaac School District, Calles said the money was set aside because the district was preparing for funding cuts.

He added the district would make $7 million if Isaac School District takes the full term to repay the loan.

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