Tolleson Superintendent Alleges Retaliation After Filing Sexual Harassment Complaint Against School Board President

Superintendent Jeremy Calles says he filed a sexual harassment complaint against board president Dr. Elda Luna-Najera. A week later, he said his job was on the line.

TOLLESON, Ariz. — The Tolleson Union High School District held an emergency governing board meeting on Friday afternoon to determine the future of Superintendent Jeremy Calles.

The meeting, announced on Thursday, contained a single agenda item: discussion and consideration of Calles’ assignment. Calles, who has served the district since 2017, transitioned from chief financial officer to superintendent last year.

Calles labeled the meeting as a form of retaliation.

He stated he filed a sexual harassment and hostile work environment complaint last week. His allegations are directed at the district’s governing board president, Dr. Elda Luna-Najera, accusing her of making unwanted advances for months. Luna-Najera was appointed an Arizona House seat earlier this year.

“Men, too, can be sexually harassed,” Calles asserted.

The harassment allegedly spanned from December to April, ceasing only when Calles made it clear her advances were inappropriate. He claimed the retaliation began post-rejection.

“I’ve felt it in my evaluation and various other ways over the last several months, all aimed at getting me terminated,” Calles said.

Calles decided to file a complaint against Luna-Najera after discussing the situation with his wife.

“She stands by me. She knew I needed to do this,” Calles said regarding his wife’s support.

On Friday, the governing board entered into an executive session, discussing the matter privately while Calles’ supporters filled the meeting room.

“It’s outrageous that he has to endure this while running the district. I felt terrible,” said Jordan Williams, a district employee. “Everyone felt we needed to support Jeremy.”

Eventually, the board voted to adjourn the meeting. Luna-Najera was absent for the vote but returned afterward. She declined to comment when approached.

Calles is now demanding Luna-Najera’s resignation.

“I can stand in front of cameras and tell it like it is, while she’s hiding,” Calles remarked.

Though Calles survived Friday’s meeting, a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday could bring further challenges. He’s uncertain if the board will attempt another vote to oust him.

A district spokesperson released the following statement:

“The Governing Board acknowledges the public interest in the personnel matters involving the Superintendent on the agenda for the August 9, 2024 special Governing Board meeting. Recent events have indeed raised questions and concerns within our community. The Tolleson Union High School District is deeply committed to maintaining confidentiality in personnel matters, recognizing the importance of protecting the privacy of our employees. This commitment is vital to maintaining trust and ensuring a fair process for all involved. We will maintain employee confidentiality as we navigate this process. We also recognize our responsibility to keep our community informed. We are committed to providing further updates as appropriate while respecting the confidentiality of the individuals involved and the integrity of the ongoing investigation.”