Superintendent’s Office

Message from Our Superintendent

Superintendent’s Message: November 2025
A Season of Gratitude and Reflection

Dear TUHSD Staff, Students, and Community,

It doesn’t seem right to begin any conversation in November without two words – thank you. Thank you to the staff, students, and parents who have worked so hard to make La Joya Community High School an A school for the first time in their existence. Thank you to our West Point High School team that proved it wasn’t a fluke last year by reaffirming their A status this year. Thank you to the University High School team for continuing their perfect A streak while getting one of their teachers named an ambassador for excellence and finalist for Arizona teacher of the year. Thank you to everyone across the district that has ensured that our lowest rating is a B when just seven years ago we had a D school with the vast majority of our schools holding a C letter grade. We have come a long way, and I thank you.

Thank you to all of my fellow veterans out there who have served to protect the freedoms we have enjoyed for nearly 250 years. I know that even if you don’t see combat, you fight the battle within when you are serving in the military. When I was stationed overseas as a teenager I found out firsthand how hard it is to overcome homesickness. No matter the branch or military occupational specialty (MOS), I know it is a sacrifice and I appreciate you for it. Being stationed overseas also gave me a chance to live in a country where I didn’t speak the native language. Although, I will say that I find Europeans to be far more accommodating and gracious when you don’t speak their language than what I see here in America. I love our country but we have to be honest about our faults.

I also want to thank all of the voters who voted “yes” yesterday. I am writing this on November 5, so I am well aware of the results of the election. I am thankful for the “yes” voters because despite how we are portrayed in the media, you saw us for who we are and expressed your support for what we are trying to accomplish. Your support was not in vain, and it will give us the energy we need to persevere despite the obstacle of a failed election.

There is so much to be thankful for that it would almost be disrespectful to share a list with you since I would need to leave off so many accomplishments. I’m still going to name a few and everyone else will just need to forgive me. If you’ve read these newsletters before then you know I love sports so here goes. West Point Unified Flag Football – I hope I’m not jinxing it but on the verge of the first state championship in school history, and it’s extra heartwarming to see it happen with Unified. Sierra Linda Football – Bulldogs are in the playoffs when just a few years ago we were scrambling to avoid forfeits and keep football alive for the school – amazing! Copper Canyon missed their A by less than a point and the next school to achieve an A will swing the entire district into being labeled an A district. Keep pushing Aztecs, I know you will make it next year. Dreamscape over at Westview – Virtual reality education is going to play a critical role in how we learn, especially for jobs that are high risk like brain surgery, underwater engineering, etc. The future of education is in our neighborhood as we are the first high school district in Arizona to go down this path.

As we gather with friends and family this season, let us continue to celebrate our achievements and look ahead with hope and determination. May this fall season bring you joy, rest, and precious time with loved ones.

Wishing you a happy, healthy, and memorable Thanksgiving!

November 11: Veterans Day (No School)
November 24–28: Thanksgiving Break (No School)

With gratitude,

Jeremy Calles

Jeremy Calles
Superintendent
Tolleson Union High School District