TOLLESON, Ariz. — Days after an emergency meeting was held, Tolleson Union High School board members announced an official investigation into claims of sexual harassment against the governing board president.
The claims were filed by district Superintendent Jeremy Calles who alleges the governing board president Dr. Elda Luna-Najera had made several unwanted advances toward him for months.
“I made it clear that the intentions were unwelcome,” Calles said Friday.
That was the same day an emergency meeting was held to discuss Calles's superintendent position. Calles claims since then he’s faced retaliation.
"I've been feeling it in regards on my evaluation, different things have been taking place over the last several months to try to get me terminated, to try to get everyone to want to terminate me," Calles said.
Friday’s meeting ended with Calles still the district's superintendent.
Then in a meeting on Tuesday, Maria Smith, a parent of a student at the district, spoke in support of Calles.
“It’s unfortunate, I really think that’s a big problem,” Smith said.
While she is relieved the superintendent still has his job, she believes the district needs to take action.
At the very end of Tuesday’s meeting, Governing Board Vice-President Dr. Kino Flores announced an investigation involving a third party that would examine the sexual harassment claims.
“To consider all information available and get all facts, only then will we take action,” Dr. Flores said.
Flores also claimed Calles's job was never at risk of getting terminated despite the superintendent's claims.
Calles declined to provide any additional comment on the situation Tuesday.
Luna-Najera left the room right after the meeting ended, declining to comment on the allegations she currently faces.
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