STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – State Representative Matt Gress, Chairman of the House Education Committee, has sent a letter to Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes seeking answers about the legality of a lease-leaseback agreement between Isaac Elementary School District and Tolleson Union High School District.

“This agreement raises glaring legal and financial red flags,” said Chairman Gress. “The Isaac School District has a long history of financial mismanagement, and now it’s relying on a last-minute bailout that may not even be legal. The Attorney General owes the public clear answers about how this deal was approved and whether it complies with state law.”

Citing serious concerns over statutory violations and potential financial risks to taxpayers, Chairman Gress questioned whether the Attorney General’s Office conducted a proper legal review before allowing the deal to proceed. His letter outlines key issues, including whether the agreement violates school district governance laws, creates conflicts of interest, and improperly shifts financial burdens onto taxpayers.

Chairman Gress is seeking public records related to the agreement and has called on Attorney General Mayes to disclose specific details about her office’s involvement, including which statutes were considered, who conducted the review, and whether proper safeguards were in place to prevent conflicts of interest.

“The House Education Committee is conducting a full review of this agreement,” Chairman Gress continued. “Taxpayers deserve transparency, and students deserve stability – not more reckless financial decisions that leave their future hanging in the balance.”

Attorney General Mayes has been asked to respond by February 17, 2025.

A copy of Chairman Gress’ letter is attached and available here: https://www.azleg.gov/press/house/57LEG/1R/250210GRESSLTR.pdf.

Matt Gress is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 4 in Phoenix and is Chairman of the House Committee on Education. Follow him on X at @MatthewGress.