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Business and Finance
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Business and Finance
Source : (remove) : FOX 10 Phoenix
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Lawmakers call for audit of Tolleson Union High School District's finances

Arizona Lawmakers Demand Audit of Tolleson Union High School District's Finances Amid Spending Concerns

PHOENIX – In a move highlighting growing scrutiny over public education funding in Arizona, several state lawmakers have formally requested a comprehensive audit of the Tolleson Union High School District's (TUHSD) financial practices. The call comes amid allegations of excessive administrative spending, lavish travel expenses, and questionable financial decisions that critics say prioritize perks for top officials over the needs of students and teachers. This push for transparency underscores broader debates about accountability in school districts across the state, where taxpayer dollars are meant to support educational outcomes but sometimes appear diverted elsewhere.

The request for an audit was spearheaded by Republican State Representative Beverly Pingerelli, who chairs the House Education Committee, along with other legislators including Rep. Quang Nguyen and Sen. Jake Hoffman. In a letter sent to Arizona Auditor General Lindsey Perry, the lawmakers expressed deep concerns about the district's fiscal management, pointing to a pattern of expenditures that they describe as "wasteful and potentially improper." The Tolleson Union High School District, which serves approximately 12,000 students across seven high schools in the West Valley communities of Tolleson, Avondale, and parts of Phoenix, has been under the microscope following reports of high salaries for administrators and significant outlays for non-essential items.

At the center of the controversy is TUHSD Superintendent Jeremy Calles, whose compensation package has drawn particular ire. According to public records cited by the lawmakers, Calles earns a base salary exceeding $300,000 annually, supplemented by generous benefits including a car allowance, housing stipend, and performance bonuses. This figure places him among the highest-paid superintendents in Arizona, surpassing even those in much larger districts like Mesa Unified or Tucson Unified. Critics argue that such lavish pay is unjustifiable given the district's challenges, including aging infrastructure, teacher shortages, and student performance metrics that lag behind state averages in some areas.

Beyond salaries, the lawmakers' letter highlights a litany of expenditures that raise red flags. These include thousands of dollars spent on out-of-state conferences and travel for administrators, with trips to destinations like Las Vegas and San Diego for events that some describe as more akin to vacations than professional development. For instance, records show the district footing bills for luxury hotel stays, high-end meals, and even entertainment expenses during these outings. One notable example involves a conference attendance where costs per participant exceeded $2,000, prompting questions about whether these trips truly benefit the educational mission or merely serve as perks for a select few.

The audit request also delves into the district's use of bond funds and other revenue streams. TUHSD has benefited from voter-approved bonds intended for facility improvements and technology upgrades, but lawmakers allege that some of these funds may have been misallocated. Reports suggest that while schools in the district grapple with issues like leaky roofs, outdated HVAC systems, and insufficient classroom resources, administrative offices have seen renovations and upgrades that appear disproportionate. "It's heartbreaking to think that money meant for our kids' futures is being siphoned off for unnecessary luxuries," Rep. Pingerelli stated in an interview. "We owe it to the taxpayers and families in the West Valley to ensure every dollar is accounted for and used appropriately."

This isn't the first time TUHSD has faced criticism over its finances. In recent years, the district has been embroiled in debates over its budgeting priorities, including a 2022 incident where it was revealed that administrative staff received substantial raises amid a statewide push for teacher pay increases. Arizona's education funding landscape is already strained, with the state ranking near the bottom nationally in per-pupil spending. Advocates for the audit argue that districts like TUHSD must be held to higher standards to rebuild public trust, especially as enrollment in traditional public schools faces competition from charter and private options.

Supporters of the audit emphasize that it's not just about one district but about setting a precedent for fiscal responsibility statewide. Sen. Hoffman, a vocal proponent of education reform, noted in the letter that "transparency is the cornerstone of good governance." He pointed to similar audits in other Arizona districts, such as the one conducted on the Paradise Valley Unified School District in 2021, which uncovered inefficiencies in procurement and led to policy changes. If approved, the audit of TUHSD would involve a thorough review by the Auditor General's office, examining everything from payroll records and vendor contracts to travel reimbursements and capital expenditures. The process could take several months and might result in recommendations for reforms, or in extreme cases, referrals for further investigation if wrongdoing is found.

District officials have responded cautiously to the audit request. In a statement released to FOX 10 Phoenix, TUHSD spokesperson Amanda Hernandez defended the district's practices, asserting that all expenditures are in line with state guidelines and aimed at enhancing educational quality. "We welcome any opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to fiscal responsibility," Hernandez said. "Our leadership team works tirelessly to support our students, and we are confident that a review will affirm our dedication to excellence." Superintendent Calles himself has not commented directly, but sources close to the district suggest he views the scrutiny as politically motivated, given the partisan makeup of the lawmakers involved.

The broader implications of this audit call extend beyond TUHSD. Arizona's public education system has long been a battleground for debates over funding, with initiatives like Proposition 208 in 2020 attempting to increase taxes on high earners to boost school budgets, only to face legal challenges. Lawmakers argue that without proper oversight, additional funding could be squandered, eroding public support for future investments. Parents and community members in the Tolleson area have mixed reactions. Some, like local parent Maria Gonzalez, express frustration: "My child attends Westview High School, and we've been fighting for basic supplies while admins fly first-class? It's unacceptable." Others, however, credit the district with improvements in graduation rates and career-technical programs, urging a balanced view.

As the Auditor General considers the request, the situation serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between administrative needs and frontline educational priorities. If the audit proceeds, it could uncover systemic issues or vindicate the district's leadership, but either way, it promises to spark further dialogue on how Arizona's schools manage their resources. For now, the eyes of the West Valley—and indeed the state—are on TUHSD, waiting to see if this call for accountability leads to meaningful change.

The lawmakers' push aligns with a national trend of increased oversight in public education finances, where scandals in districts from California to New York have led to calls for reform. In Arizona, where education funding is a perennial hot-button issue, this could influence upcoming legislative sessions, potentially leading to bills mandating stricter reporting requirements for school districts. Educators' unions, such as the Arizona Education Association, have weighed in, supporting audits that ensure funds reach classrooms but cautioning against using them as tools for political attacks on public schools.

Ultimately, the outcome of this audit request could reshape perceptions of TUHSD and influence how other districts approach their budgets. With student success hanging in the balance, the emphasis remains on ensuring that every expenditure truly serves the next generation. As Rep. Nguyen put it, "Our children deserve better than excuses; they deserve excellence, and that starts with honest accounting." The story continues to develop as stakeholders await the Auditor General's decision, which could come in the coming weeks.

Read the Full FOX 10 Phoenix Article at:
[ https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/lawmakers-call-audit-tolleson-union-high-school-districts-finances ]