Exclusive State 48 News Recording: Superintendent Jeremy Calles Responds to Allegations on District Travel Policies
State 48 News has reaction from both Democrats and Republicans who weigh in on taxpayer-funded travel spending in Arizona's public schools.
A concerning trend uncovered in Arizona's public schools is one we reported on precisely one year ago: school boards approving expenditures amounting to thousands—sometimes even hundreds of thousands—of taxpayer dollars for travel and dining on retreat-style excursions.
While professional development is undeniably essential for educators striving to excel in their field, it raises a critical question: How much taxpayer-funded travel is justifiable, particularly in an age where virtual meetings and online resources are readily available?
EXCLUSIVE: SUSPENDED SUPERINTENDENT EXPLAINS TRAVEL EXPENDITURES TO STATE 48 NEWS
On the evening of December 10, 2024, State 48 News covered the Tolleson Union High School District governing board's 3-2 decision to place its superintendent on paid administrative leave after reviewing a $45,000 district-commissioned conduct report.
What you may not know is that, while the governing board deliberated Jeremy Calles’ future during an executive session, he was engaged in a one-hour, on-the-record interview with our Senior Investigative Journalist, Jennifer Barber.
WATCH THE REPORT HERE.
During this December 10th interview, now-suspended superintendent Jeremy Calles explains to us his stance on travel spending, including why he opted for a taxpayer-funded retreat for 30+ staff beyond 50 miles - instead of using district offices. Tolleson Union High School District’s PR Director, Joseph Ortiz, was also present, and both gave consent for the recording.
Calles addresses claims from a Goldwater Institute report alleging over $75,000 in spending on multi-day retreats at luxury resorts in Sedona and Tucson. The report, presented by Chris Thomas, Goldwater's director of legal strategy for education policy, accused the district of improper spending and insufficient meeting records.
Jeremy Calles again denied the Goldwater Institute's allegations the next morning in the West Valley View, asserting that he and the district have been transparent and compliant with state laws throughout two investigations this year.
State 48 News offered Goldwater Institute’s Chris Thomas a chance to reply to Calles’ comments.
The Goldwater Institute criticized the expenses, particularly $22,000 in catering at the JW Marriott Starr Pass, and argued such meetings could have been held locally for less. Calles defended the district’s practices, emphasizing their compliance with legal requirements and reiterating their commitment to transparency.
SCHOOL DISTRICT TRAVEL AND THE LAW
State 48 News Senior Investigative Journalist Jennifer Barber notes, “Public school board travel has to be consistent with state regulations and guidelines adopted by the Arizona Department of Administration. Those regulations and guidelines are found in the SAAM (State of Arizona Accounting Manual). This manual includes allowable reimbursement rates for hotels, meals and transportation.” Most important, school boards set the tone for travel policies in their districts.
To understand travel spending across districts of different sizes, we sent records requests to three West Valley school districts.
At the lower end of the spectrum, Peoria Unified School District, comprising 44 schools, reported $36,000 in travel expenses for the 2023-24 school year. In contrast, Agua Fria Union High School District, with just six schools, spent over $100,000 on travel during the same period.
While most districts conduct board retreats, we identified another which chooses to hold off-site meetings for its 5 governing board members. In February 2024, West Valley Families (now State 48 News) observed the Agua Fria Union High School District governing board convening in the Orchard Room at the Wigwam Resort, where a catered breakfast was provided at an approximate cost of $350.
RESPONSE FROM DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS
As an independent organization, State 48 News works to bring you both sides of the story. We spoke with Tolleson Union High School District Governing Board Member-Elect Leezah Sun. She is a democrat and former state lawmaker.
Arizona House of Representatives member Joseph Chaplik (R-LD3), Chair of Arizona’s New Regulatory Oversight Committee, told State 48 News, “Arizonans want accountability.”
If you would like to weigh in on taxpayer-funded travel in Arizona’s public schools, please drop us a line.
HEAR THE FULL CONVERSATION WITH SUPERINTENDENT JEREMY CALLES
Listen to our full, exclusive on-the-record conversation with Superintendent Jeremy Calles about travel policies in the Tolleson Union High School District, exclusively with State 48 News.
THE MORE YOU KNOW
During the summer of 2024, State 48 News journalist Jennifer Barber engaged with professionals across Arizona to gather insights on taxpayer-funded travel within the state’s schools. View one of her reports here.