Tolleson Unified High School District’s superintendent has accused a state lawmaker who also sits on the district’s governing board of sexual harassment.
Superintendent Jeremy Calles filed a sexual harassment complaint against Board President Dr. Elda Luna-Nájera, claiming she made unwanted advances.
“I made it clear that the intentions were unwelcome,” Calles told 12 News.
Calles also claimed he faced retaliation after the Tolleson Unified High School District Governing Board scheduled an emergency meeting last week to discuss his contract. The board did not take action at that meeting.
At a meeting this week, board Vice President Dr. Kino Flores issued a statement on behalf of the board, saying the district has hired an independent party to investigate Calles’ claims.
“We know the integrity of this investigation is critical to our teachers, staff, parents, students, and the community that we serve,” Flores said. “Our decision to hire an outside, independent party to conduct the investigation and our focus on maintaining confidentiality as the investigation proceeds reflect our determination to make sure this matter is addressed fairly and impartially.”
Flores said the board has not considered firing Calles.
“That has never been on the table,” he said. “We have reached no conclusions regarding the allegations, we will not rush to judgment, and we have resolved that we will consider all the information available and get all the facts. Only then will we take action as appropriate.”
Luna-Nájera did not respond to a request for comment.
In addition to serving on the Tolleson board, Luna-Nájera has represented Legislative District 22 in the Arizona House of Representatives since February, when she was appointed to replace former Rep. Leezah Sun.
Sun resigned from the House ahead of a planned expulsion vote after an ethics committee found she engaged in a pattern of threats and harassment against city and school officials.
House Minority Leader Lupe Contreras, Luna-Nájera’s seatmate who leads the House Democratic Caucus, said he will let the district’s investigation play out before commenting on the allegations.
“This matter is being treated seriously, is under investigation by the district, and everyone is afforded their due process,” he said. “We want to be clear, we do not condone harassment of any kind, but we will not provide any additional comment until the investigative process plays out and the facts are on the table.”
Contreras and Luna-Nájera won the Democratic primary for LD22’s two House seats and are expected to win those seats in the general election in the heavily Democratic district.
