Public commenters accuse Tolleson board of misuse of funds; recall effort announced as residents demand accounting

Several public speakers at the Tolleson Union High School District Governing Board meeting on Sept. 16 urged accountability from district leaders and raised concerns about recent financial transactions and governance practices.

A speaker identifying themselves as a community member said, “A recall effort has now officially begun,” and accused board and district leaders of repeated failures, including alleged violations of open‑meeting laws and public‑records requests. That commenter urged a recall to “restore honest, responsible, and respectful leadership.”

Alan Murad, who identified himself during public comment, said residents and other witnesses have raised questions about a $25 million real‑estate transaction and alleged conflicts of interest and use of district facilities for private work. “Taxpayers' dollars and resources have been diverted for personal benefit,” Murad said, and he called for the resignation of named board members and the superintendent.

David Prince, another public commenter, outlined budget figures he said show a significant change in the district’s carryforward funds. Prince said the district built carryforward (surplus) to about $80 million, then transferred roughly $25 million to an outside entity or district (referred to in comment as “Isaac” or “Island”), after which he said the reported carryforward fell to about $28 million. Prince asked for clarity on where approximately $27 million went and whether funds originally intended to offset M&O expenditures or teacher salaries were reallocated.

Board members and the superintendent also addressed meeting procedure. One board member said an information item listed on the agenda as “expulsion” lacked sufficient detail and attachments, and said that omission deprived the public of a meaningful opportunity to comment; another member responded that the content of the agenda is set by the board president and the superintendent and that additional detail will be added in the future.

During public comment, several other speakers urged continued investment in student services, school security and student supports. A teacher and a union representative urged voters to support the district’s maintenance and operations override renewal, saying the funds enable counselors, behavior interventionists, instructional aides and other positions that support student safety and engagement.

The board took routine procedural votes during the meeting. The regular meeting agenda was approved by voice/roll call earlier in the meeting and the consent agenda passed by roll call with one no vote from Member Linda Nadera; the recorded votes on the consent agenda were: Dr. Linda Nadera — No; Mr. Del Palacio — Yes; Mr. Ortega Romero — Yes; Mr. Gemma — Yes; Ms. Sun — Yes.

No formal board action on the financial allegations or on recall requests was recorded at the meeting; public commenters said they are pursuing recall and further public review outside the board process.