Fountain Hills Unified Board approves 2022–23 budget after hearing on legislative funding bump

The Fountain Hills Unified School Board on Wednesday approved the district’s 2022–23 budget following a public hearing in which district staff outlined changes driven by a legislative rise in the student base level.

Dr. Jagdinsky, who said they are filling in for the district’s business manager after that official resigned in June, told the board that the student base-level change was "$329.74" per student and that, as a result, the district’s maintenance and operations budget increased by about $359,000 while unrestricted capital rose by about $778,000. "These are good changes," Dr. Jagdinsky said, "but at the same time, we have very, very serious needs in the district of both M and O and capital. And while this will help, we still have a long way to go to get where we need to be."

The presentation outlined differences between the previously proposed budget and the numbers now shown in the adopted budget packet; Dr. Jagdinsky said the figures are cautious estimates while the district waits for final legislative numbers. He also told the board the district is in the process of hiring a new business manager.

During a brief board Q&A, a board member asked whether the district receives satellite funding for its CTE (career and technical education) programs. Dr. Jagdinsky said he was not aware of satellite funding for those programs and offered to look into it.

Public commenter Madison Reed referenced earlier remarks by Catherine King, the district’s finance director, about declining enrollment. Reed said King "gave us the projection that by... 2032... it was gonna be 686 students" and asked what plans the district has to boost enrollment and thereby increase budget revenue. Board leadership said enrollment strategy was not part of the current budget document but agreed to add the topic to a future board meeting and noted the district would hold a July retreat with "Doctor Jay" to discuss longer-term planning; the retreat, the board said, will be open for public observation unless an item goes into executive session.

The meeting’s consent notes included a contracting item with Dr. Robert Allen for work in the business office and a personnel action report with an item described as "new unemployment solicited." The transcript records those items as listed on the consent agenda; the meeting moved forward to the budget vote without additional public objection.

Votes at a glance
- Approve agenda: motion and second recorded; approved (voice vote, no opposition).
- Suspend regular meeting for budget hearing: motion and second recorded; approved (voice vote, no opposition).
- Approve 2022–23 budget as presented: motion and second recorded; approved (voice vote, no opposition).
- Adjourn: motion and second recorded; approved (voice vote, no opposition).

The board set its next business meeting for Wednesday, Aug. 10 at 6 p.m. and then adjourned.