Arizona Legislature Approves Special Audit of Tolleson Union High School District Following Alarming Allegations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                            
Wednesday, October 15, 2025

PHOENIX, ARIZONA—Arizona lawmakers are taking decisive action to ensure accountability within the Tolleson Union High School District, approving a special audit last week amid alarming allegations of financial mismanagement and safety failures. The Joint Legislative Audit Committee is empowering the Arizona Auditor General to conduct a thorough investigation into the district's finances, ensuring integrity, transparency, and responsible use of taxpayer dollars.

The special audit request brought forward by JLAC Chairman Mark Finchem follows the increasing concerns regarding the district's questionable financial decisions. These concerns include the transfer of $20 million to the Isaac Elementary School District, the proposed construction of an $80 million sports dome, and allegations of mismanagement of taxpayer funds for district administrators.

In addition to the financial issues, JLAC heard powerful testimony from a former district principal who claimed that district leadership failed to report serious safety incidents to law enforcement. These incidents included the suppression of a sexual misconduct report involving a teacher and a student, as well as a situation where a student allegedly brought a firearm to school. This incident was unreported and later led to the same student shooting two individuals two months later.

"Taxpayers deserve complete transparency regarding the use of their hard-earned money, particularly in our schools," stated Senator David Farnsworth. "This audit aims to restore accountability and ensure that students, parents, and teachers benefit from a system that operates with integrity and responsibility."

"This issue goes beyond numbers; it's fundamentally about trust and the safety of students in Arizona schools," said Chairman Finchem. "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." 

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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus
kquintero@azleg.gov