Fountain Hills Unified board approves several vendor contracts and staffing measures, tables library and indoor-playground decisions to Aug. 16

The Fountain Hills Unified School District governing board approved a slate of vendor contracts and administrative measures at its regular meeting, while delaying decisions on two construction-related projects until an August 16 follow-up.

The board voted to authorize several purchases exceeding $100,000, including contracts for IT consulting, custodial services and facilities vendors after trustees and staff discussed procurement methods, budget impacts and operational needs. Superintendent Doctor Jay said cooperative purchasing and prior vendor experience have allowed the district to keep services running amid staff turnover, and he described the arrangements as cost-saving while the district completes consolidation work.

The administration asked the board to continue a cooperative contract with the Fruth Group for IT services; district staff said switching to that vendor after consolidation produced estimated annual savings in the mid-five figures compared with previous in‑house costs. The board also approved a custodial services contract with RNA to provide evening cleaning crews while maintaining day porters at each site; staff said attempts to recruit custodians were unsuccessful and that teachers have reported improved building maintenance since RNA began work.

Trustees authorized fuel purchases through WEX and approved service agreements with Climate Tech and Bellaire Mechanical for building and HVAC work. Several trustees raised procurement concerns about relying on cooperatives instead of soliciting multiple competitive bids; one trustee said they would oppose awards where three bids are not sought for large purchases. Superintendent Jay and staff said the cooperative vendors are vetted and that the district will provide additional documentation on comparative costs when available.

The board approved the 2023–24 extracurricular fee schedule, with some fees now divided by trimester. Trustees discussed scholarship access and whether fees cover program costs; staff said many clubs and sports operate at a loss and that the district uses fee-reduction options for eligible students. The Little Falcons Preschool handbook was presented; staff said the preschool is fully staffed and ready to open.

Two items tied to construction projects — the library project and an indoor playground — were tabled and rescheduled for the Aug. 16 meeting at the request of a trustee who said materials arrived late and that the district should invite Core Construction and Orcutt Winslow to present details and answer questions. The board approved a separate action to install three shade structures at the McDowell Mountain playground, with the vote recorded as three ayes and two nays.

The board also approved a job description for a Native American educational specialist so the district can pursue a Fort McDowell grant to fund the position; Superintendent Jay said the role would be grant-funded this year if awarded and could be considered for district funding later. Trustees approved an intergovernmental agreement with Maricopa County Community College District to continue dual-enrollment offerings and voted to appoint Lillian as delegate and Dana as alternate for the Arizona School Boards Association delegate assembly.

What’s next: the board rescheduled the library and indoor‑playground agenda items for Aug. 16 so contractor representatives can present project scope and pricing; staff committed to provide cost documentation (prior payroll/benefit totals and comparative procurement information) when available.