Tolleson board approves second revision to FY24–25 budget after public hearing; 4–1 vote

The Tolleson Union High School District governing board approved the second revision to its 2024–25 budget after a required public hearing, the district’s chief financial officer told the board.

Chief Financial Officer Ken Hicks presented the revision and said the adjustment primarily captures accurate carryforward amounts from the previous year and growth in student count; the revision increases the district’s budget limits for capital and other funds. The board adopted the revision by roll‑call vote, 4–1.

Hicks told the board the revision updates district limits to reflect the audited financial report and enrollment growth. “When you do a budget revision… we’re picking up those budget capacities,” Hicks said, summarizing that the revision reconciles prior year carryforwards and the district’s increased student count.

The public hearing that preceded the vote included several speakers who raised concerns about spending and vendor fees. Diana Morrow, a parent and longtime community member, questioned an architectural fee for three ROTC‑related projects at Westview High School and said the district stood to pay what she described as a disproportionate architect fee. “They’re overcharging the district more than $350,000,” she said, citing figures from an SPS proposal she read aloud.

Other public commenters raised broader concerns about district governance and spending. Lisa Dailey, a parent, said she was “highly concerned with the spending of this district” and urged the board to ensure proper oversight. Gladys Contreras criticized a $450,000 EEOC settlement the board previously approved and called for resignations, saying the district should not have paid that amount; she also cited the superintendent’s contract and pay in her remarks.

Board members and district staff responded during the hearing with procedural clarifications about why the public hearing was required. Hicks stated that many districts revise budgets in December but Tolleson’s growth changed that timing; he also gave a preview of the fiscal outlook for next year, noting a 2% increase in the state base support level and potential impacts from pending state legislative actions.

The roll‑call vote on the second revision was recorded as follows: Doctor Luna Najera — no; Mister Del Palacio — yes; Mister Ortega Romero — yes; Mister Chapman — yes; Miss Sun — yes. The motion carried 4–1.

Votes at a glance - Second revision to FY24–25 budget (agenda J1): approved (4–1). Motion to approve second revision approved on roll call. - Consent agenda: approved with two items (I3 and I4) pulled for discussion and subsequently approved. Item I3 was a professional services/architect agreement for ROTC/fieldhouse planning on the Westview campus; item I4 was a construction GMP for an ESS/special education project (both passed as part of the consent votes after discussion).

What’s next: Staff will continue to reconcile carryforwards and work with the board and administration on next‑year planning; construction and procurement items discussed during the hearing will return to the board as contracting and GMPs are finalized.