Voters in Tolleson have rejected both bond and override measures for the Tolleson Union school district, signaling a significant change from previous approvals. The results mark about a forty-point swing compared to earlier votes on similar measures.
“Voters have spoken clearly. The defeat of these measures represents a major shift—roughly a forty-point swing from the district’s previous bond and override approvals. That kind of reversal doesn’t happen by chance. It reflects taxpayers’ deep concern over how their money is being managed and the direction of district leadership.
When a school district refuses to provide basic financial records to the Legislature, delays responses to lawful requests, and continues pursuing an $80 million domed stadium while facing an active recall effort, public trust deteriorates quickly. The Tolleson Union Governing Board should halt any further work on the stadium until transparency is restored and confidence is rebuilt.
The people of Tolleson have made their position clear: accountability must come before new spending. The Legislature will continue seeking the financial information needed to ensure that taxpayer funds are used responsibly,” said Representative Matt Gress, Chairman of the House Committee on Education.
Representative Gress first asked for detailed financial transaction data from Tolleson Union on August 26 after a legislative audit hearing focused on district finances. Since then, the district has not provided electronic copies and has requested more than $26,000 in fees for access. Gress restated his request on September 17, but as of this week—49 days later—the district still has not complied.
Matt Gress serves Legislative District 4 in Phoenix as a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives.
Carbone, also a Republican, was elected to represent Arizona’s 25th House District in 2023 after Michelle Udall.
