Building Bridges through Unified Learning Strategies with Jeremy Calles

Jeff Kubiak sits down with Jeremy Calles, Superintendent of Tolleson Union High School District in Arizona's West Valley, to discuss student-centered leadership, district growth, and helping every student find a path beyond high school. Drawing on six years as the district's Chief Financial Officer before becoming superintendent, Jeremy shares how his background in finance and operations shapes his approach to facilities, staffing, and academic improvement. The conversation explores Commitment Day, an annual event that connects every senior with colleges, trade schools, employers, and military representatives to help them plan their next steps. Jeremy also discusses the district's plans for new high schools, why students should have a voice in campus design, and how listening to staff and community members helps guide decisions. From improving accessibility and supporting students from diverse backgrounds to balancing financial priorities, Jeremy explains why putting all students first means continually asking what schools can do better. Key Takeaways: 1. Student-centered leadership means creating opportunities, not just setting expectations Jeremy shares how his own experience of graduating high school without a plan inspired Commitment Day. By connecting students with colleges, trade schools, employers, and military representatives, the district helps them explore realistic pathways and find people who can show them how to get there. 2. One district, one path starts with a shared purpose With multiple campuses and different school cultures, keeping everyone moving in the same direction requires a common commitment to students. Jeremy explains how the district's annual themes help reinforce that purpose and encourage teams to keep improving year after year. 3. Students should have a voice in the design of their schools Through conversations with student government, Jeremy has heard ideas that directly shaped campus improvements. At Sierra Linda High School, for example, students helped turn an underused area of rocks and dirt into a shaded turf space that now supports lunch, clubs, and school events. 4. Leadership means knowing your strengths and building around your weaknesses Jeremy explains how his financial background helps him understand what is possible with district resources, while also recognizing that curriculum and instruction require different expertise. By bringing in outside perspectives, trusting his team, and working collaboratively, the district has continued to improve its academic results. 5. Listening builds trust, but leadership still requires decisions Before taking over as superintendent, Jeremy visited campuses to hear directly from staff, gathering more than 400 suggestions for improvement. He discusses how trust with staff and governing board members depends on transparency, follow-through, considering different perspectives, and making decisions that serve the district as a whole. About Jeremy Calle: Jeremy Calles serves as Superintendent of Tolleson Union High School District, bringing six years of experience as the district's Chief Financial Officer. His background spans finance, facilities, transportation, food service, and business operations. Calles is committed to supporting academic achievement, promoting responsible financial growth, and creating opportunities for the district's 12,500 students across the West Valley. With deep family ties to the community, he is passionate about listening to educators and staff, strengthening schools, and helping guide the district's continued growth, including plans for a new high school. Episode 357 of the Better Learning Podcast Our Partners • Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) (https://www.a4le.org/) • Education Leaders' Organization (https://www.ed-leaders.org/) • Second Class Foundation (https://secondclassfoundation.org/) • EDmarket (https://www.edmarket.org/) • Catapult @ Penn GSE (https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/) Want to be a guest speaker? Submit a request on our website (https://www.kay-twelve.com/pages/bett...) .