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THE NEWSPAPER OF AVONDALE, BUCKEYE, GOODYEAR, LITCHFIELD PARK & TOLLESON
Buckeye ‘moving forward’
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This Week
NEWS .............. 8 Goodyear man builds trails now open in Estrella
BUSINESS...... 19 Construction forces Roman’s Oasis to move
The Voice of the West Valley for 37 years
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May 11, 2022
Teachers continue to disapprove of Wilson’s pay BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI West Valley View Executive Editor
T
he Buckeye Education Association teachers are expected to meet this week to discuss the next steps in their disapproval of Buckeye Elementary School District Superintendent Dr. Kristi Wilson’s $1.7 million in extra compensation. Buckeye Education Association President Maria Camacho Moreno said the organization called for Wilson’s resignation. However, school board President Jane Hunt said the entity was just doing its job — in a public forum.
“We don’t have any confidence in her anymore,” Moreno said of Wilson. The teachers are expected to share their frustrations once again at school board meetings. “They still stand behind her,” Moreno said about the board. “We’re going to weight our options and see what our next steps are. We’re going to meet to discuss our next plan of action. We need to be diligent.” The extra compensation was revealed in part two of the Arizona auditor general’s performance audit of the Buckeye Elementary School District.
The first report focused on the district’s efficiency and effectiveness in administration, plant operations and maintenance, food service and transportation. Part two focused on executive administrative spending, particularly the superintendent’s salary and benefits package, due to concerns identified during the initial audit. According to the performance audit, from July 2016 to December 2021, the district paid to or on behalf of Wilson more than $1.7 million of additional compensa-
Wilson...continued on page 6
Tolleson Union introduces new governing board BY LAUREN SERRATO
West Valley View Staff Writer
T
olleson Union High School District’s Governing Board is officially under new leadership, as Freddie Villalon has been appointed president and Dr. Elda Luna-Najera vice president.
SPORTS ......... 23 Maverick charity golf tourney set for May 13
OPINION ...............14 BUSINESS.............. 19 SPORTS ..................21 CALENDAR ............22 FEATURES ..............23 OBITUARIES ...........25 YOUTH ..................27 CLASSIFIEDS ..........27 NORTH
Freddie Villalon President Board term: Through Dec. 31, 2024 Villalon is currently serving his fourth term on the TUHSD Board. He served as a member from 2007-10, 2013-16 and 201720 and is serving his current term from 2021-24. “What excites me about this position is just the opportunity to continue supporting the children and our team members and the families of the community,” Villalon said. “We’re here to support them, to give them a great opportunity and great educational experience and accelerate their learning.” Villalon earned a Master of Education from Nova Southeastern University and a
Left, Dr. Luna-Najera was appointed to the Tolleson Union High School District Governing Board on Nov. 9, 2020, to fill a vacancy. Right, Freddie Villalon has served on the TUHSD Governing Board since 2007. (TUHSD/Submitted) bachelor’s degree in elementary education from ASU. He has worked as a teacher and administrator in the Isaac School District and
with Imagine Schools. Villalon is an academic improvement specialist with Imag-
TUHSD...continued on page 3