Fountain Hills Unified board awards superintendent 5% performance pay after debate

The Fountain Hills Unified School board voted to grant Superintendent Dr. Jay a 5% performance-based pay award under the terms of his contract, following public comment and a lengthy board discussion.

The board’s presiding officer told members the superintendent’s contract provides for 0–5% performance-based pay tied to goals set by the board, and noted an attorney’s letter correcting a statutory citation did not change that contractual entitlement. Public commenter Dr. Barnard urged the board to approve the pay, saying the superintendent had met expectations and that “our great teaching staff matter.”

Supporters on the board pointed to rising enrollment and improved staff retention as evidence the district has moved in the right direction. Dr. Jay said the award is not “about the money,” adding, “you as the board had set goals for me, and then I turned around and set those goals for administrators.” Opponents raised concerns about timing and process; one board member, Madison, said she was hesitant and voted no, citing unease about the district’s current state.

The chair announced the roll-call outcome as three ayes, one no (Madison) and one abstention (Libby); the motion carried. The board and administration did not indicate further procedural steps in the meeting minutes beyond recording the vote.

The action resolves the performance-pay item on the special meeting agenda; the board separately agreed to review audit-related findings and other operational items at a future business meeting.