Arizona lawmakers have approved a special audit of the Tolleson Union High School District following concerns about financial management and safety issues. The Joint Legislative Audit Committee (JLAC) has authorized the Arizona Auditor General to conduct a detailed review of the district’s finances.
The decision to request the audit was made after JLAC Chairman Mark Finchem raised concerns about several financial actions by the district. These include the transfer of $20 million to the Isaac Elementary School District, plans for an $80 million sports dome, and allegations that taxpayer funds were mismanaged by district administrators.
JLAC also received testimony from a former principal in the district. The principal alleged that district leadership failed to report significant safety incidents to law enforcement. Among these incidents were claims that a report of sexual misconduct involving a teacher and student was suppressed, and that an incident involving a student bringing a firearm to school went unreported. The student later allegedly shot two people two months after the unreported firearm incident.
Senator David Farnsworth commented, “Taxpayers deserve complete transparency regarding the use of their hard-earned money, particularly in our schools. This audit aims to restore accountability and ensure that students, parents, and teachers benefit from a system that operates with integrity and responsibility.”
Chairman Finchem stated, “This issue goes beyond numbers; it’s fundamentally about trust and the safety of students in Arizona schools. When school districts engage in transfers of tens of millions of dollars, plan luxury facilities with questionable benefit to students, and overlook safety violations, the public has the right to seek answers. This audit is the first step towards obtaining them.”
Warren Petersen, a Republican, has served as the Arizona State Senator for the 14th Senate District since 2023, succeeding David Gowan.
