Voters in Tolleson Union High School District have rejected bond and override measures, signaling concerns over district leadership. Arizona State Representative Matt Gress, Chairman of the House Education Committee, commented on the election results, noting a significant shift from previous approvals. “Voters have spoken clearly,” he said. “The defeat of these measures represents a major shift—roughly a forty-point swing from the district’s previous bond and override approvals.”
Gress attributed this change to taxpayers’ concerns about financial management and district leadership direction. He criticized the district for not providing basic financial records to the Legislature and delaying responses to requests while pursuing an $80 million domed stadium amid an active recall effort. “Public trust deteriorates quickly,” he said.
Gress urged the Tolleson Union Governing Board to pause work on the stadium until transparency is restored. “The people of Tolleson have made their position clear: accountability must come before new spending,” he added.
The Arizona State Legislature will continue efforts to obtain necessary financial information to ensure responsible use of taxpayer funds. Gress first requested financial transaction data from Tolleson Union on August 26 after a legislative audit hearing but faced resistance from the district, which demanded over $26,000 in fees for electronic copies. Despite clarifying his request on September 17, there has been no compliance 49 days later.
Matt Gress was elected to represent Arizona’s 4th House District in 2023, succeeding Joel Joh. He serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Education and can be followed on X at @MatthewGress.
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