Board directs interim superintendent to prioritize special‑education compliance, staff morale and school visits

The Fountain Hills Unified School board met to define priorities for interim superintendent duties while a third‑party evaluation of Superintendent Glass is completed. Board members emphasized an immediate focus on special‑education compliance, staffing support, and outreach to school communities.

Board Chair opened the discussion by saying the intent was to provide Dr. Patrick Sweeney with the board’s priorities rather than an exhaustive task list. Speaker 1 told the board that when they met with Dr. Sweeney they asked him to monitor McDowell Mountain (noting the school went virtual for the present day) and to prioritize special‑education services: ‘‘I would really like the special ed department looked at’’ and to ensure Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 plans are up to date and followed.

Another board member said the district is out of compliance in some cases and urged immediate action. That board member also called for recruiting special‑education teachers and instructional aides and for a district review across all three schools to inventory outstanding IEPs and 504 plans and identify where staff support is needed.

Speaking in first person, Speaker 4 outlined steps they had already taken during two days in the district: meetings with Catherine King and school principals, plans for improved communication about spending and procedures, and a proposal to form a district task force to address special education comprehensively. Speaker 4 said they would ‘‘set up camp at middle school on Monday, McDowell Mountain on Tuesday, [and] high school on Wednesday’’ to meet staff and said, ‘‘So, we’ll get get cracking on that right away.’’ They also discussed working on projected enrollment numbers and budget projections and meeting with the association representative to set a timeline for contract work, noting, ‘‘I just don't think it's feasible that we're going to be bringing something for board approval by the February, but I certainly hope we can before spring break in March.’’

Board members stressed staffing challenges beyond special education, noting multiple vacancies and urging principals, with support from district staff (Chris Alexander was named), to proceed with interviews and hiring. One member warned of possible state funding changes, saying there ‘‘may be a bill on the table’’ that could cut promised funds within about 30 days; the speaker did not have the bill (HB) number at the meeting and said they would try to find more information.

The board also discussed work Superintendent Glass can continue while the evaluation proceeds. Members agreed she could continue tasks that do not require district system access, such as drafting handbooks and policy language, provided the board supplies a district laptop or a method to transfer files. The board asked Krista to be considered as a district point of contact to support third‑party evaluator Jennifer Mcleven, though no formal assignment was made at the meeting.

Procedurally, the board approved the meeting agenda at the start of the session and later moved to adjourn at the scheduled close. The board scheduled a work study session for 5:00 p.m. next Wednesday and set its next regular business meeting for Feb. 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the LA Center.

What happens next: board members directed the interim superintendent to begin school visits and to prioritize a districtwide review of IEPs and 504 plans; they also asked staff to compile inventories and to explore immediate staffing supports. The board did not take formal action on contracts or budget changes during this meeting.