Tolleson Superintendent Faces Ouster After Alleging Sexual Harassment by 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 Friday afternoon to discuss Superintendent Jeremy Calles’ employment status.

The meeting, announced on Thursday, focused solely on the assignment of Calles, who has been with the district since 2017 and assumed the superintendent role last year.

Calles claims the meeting is retaliatory. He said he filed a complaint last week, accusing Dr. Elda Luna-Najera, the board’s president, of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. Calles alleges Luna-Najera, who was appointed to an Arizona House seat earlier this year, made unwanted advances toward him from December to April.

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

Calles stated that after rejecting Luna-Najera’s advances, he experienced retaliation. “I’ve been feeling it in regards to my evaluation, different things have been taking place over the last several months to try to get me terminated,” he said.

Following discussions with his wife, Calles decided to file the formal complaint. “She stands by me. She knew I needed to do this,” he said.

During the Friday meeting, the board moved into executive session to deliberate privately. Meanwhile, supporters of Calles filled the room.

“It’s crazy that he has to sit through this and he has to run this district. I just felt terrible,” said Jordan Williams, a district employee. “Everyone was on the same page of man, we got to get behind Jeremy.”

The board eventually voted to adjourn without any public decision being made. Dr. Luna-Najera did not participate in the vote but returned to the meeting room afterward and exited without comment.

Calles is now calling for Luna-Najera’s resignation. “I can stand in front of all these lights and these cameras and I’ll tell you exactly how it is, and she’s running out that door,” he said.

Although Calles survived the emergency meeting, another regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, where his status may again be discussed.

The district released a statement noting the public interest in the matter, emphasizing their commitment to confidentiality and a fair process. “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,” the statement read.

The situation remains fluid as the district navigates the complex and sensitive allegations. Further updates are expected as the investigation continues.