TOLLESON, Ariz. — An investigation examining alleged conduct between Tolleson Union High School District's board president and the superintendent has determined that the two had engaged in an "inappropriate" relationship.
Superintendent Jeremy Calles filed a harassment complaint against Board President Elda Luna-Najera last month that accused the public official of making unwanted advances toward Calles.
During a meeting on Sept. 23, the school board announced the findings of its investigation into the allegations and concluded that Calles and Luna-Najera had been involved in a sexual relationship.
Board Vice President Kino Flores said in a statement during the meeting that it was inappropriate for the board president to engage in this type of relationship considering the power she held over the superintendent.
"Furthermore, the evidence suggests that Dr. Luna-Najera pursued a physical relationship with Mr. Calles even after he made some effort to discourage her advances," Flores said in the statement.
Flores then announced he was requesting "a future agenda item on re-organization in response to these conclusions."
The school board voted to adopt the investigation's findings with Luna-Najera being listed as abstaining.
Luna-Najera was appointed to fill an empty seat in District 22 of the Arizona House of Representatives earlier this year and the Democrat is up for re-election in November.
12News has previously attempted to ask Luna-Najera about the allegations and she's declined comment.
The full statement read during Monday's board meeting can be read below:
We’ve concluded the investigation, and we would like to share with the school community and stakeholders our findings and conclusions. There was a sexual relationship between the Superintendent and the Governing Board President. Dr. Luna-Najera holds a powerful position on this Board, and she is often able to determine the result of contested issues placed before the Board. In light of her role as a Board member, and especially in light of her powerful position, it was inappropriate for her to engage in a relationship with Superintendent Calles, even if that relationship was fully consensual between the two individuals. While it was inappropriate for both parties to engage in the relationship they shared, Dr. Luna-Najera’s role in that relationship was considerably more egregious due to power that she held, and still holds, over Superintendent Calles. Furthermore, the evidence suggests that Dr. Luna-Najera pursued a physical relationship with Mr. Calles even after he made some effort to discourage her advances.
To our school community and stakeholders. Thank you for trusting us to conduct this investigation and for your patience in waiting for this conclusion. Our board is committed to ensuring trust and transparency in communication with the school community and stakeholders.
In the meantime, we want to assure you that the safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our utmost priority. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect and accountability within our district. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that every member of our community feels safe, valued, and heard. As part of this, I am requesting a future agenda item on re-organization in response to these conclusions.
*Editor's Note: The above video is from an earlier broadcast.*
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