Valley School District Probes Sexual Harassment Allegations Involving Governing Board President

TOLLESON, Ariz. — In a recent board meeting, the Tolleson Union High School District announced that it will not take any action regarding claims of sexual harassment against the governing board president until an investigation is complete. This decision follows an emergency meeting where the district’s Superintendent Jeremy Calles filed serious allegations against Dr. Elda Luna-Najera.

Calles claims that Luna-Najera made several unwanted advances towards him over several months. “I made it clear that the intentions were unwelcome,” Calles stated, reflecting on the seriousness of the situation.

In the wake of these allegations, Calles asserts he has experienced retaliation related to his position. “I’ve been feeling it in regards on my evaluation; different things have been taking place over the last several months to try to get me terminated,” he explained.

During a meeting on Tuesday, which followed Calles’s assertion of retaliation, community members rallied in support of the superintendent. Maria Smith, a parent within the district, expressed her concerns. “It’s unfortunate, I really think that’s a big problem,” she remarked. Smith feels that decisive action is necessary to address the unfolding issues.

At the end of Tuesday’s meeting, Vice-President Dr. Kino Flores announced that a third-party investigation would be conducted to look into the harassment claims thoroughly. “To consider all information available and get all facts, only then will we take action,” he said, emphasizing the board’s commitment to a fair examination of the situation.

Flores also asserted that Calles’s position as superintendent was never in jeopardy, countering the claims of retaliation. Meanwhile, Calles refrained from commenting further on the situation following the meeting. Luna-Najera, on the other hand, left promptly after the meeting concluded, opting not to address the allegations.