Fountain Hills board approves personnel report amid debate over finance role and reorganization

The Fountain Hills Unified School Board approved its personnel report by voice vote after a motion to table a proposed pay change for an executive/business finance role failed for lack of a second.

The board considered a proposal that would reorganize administrative duties and create an executive director of business and support services. A board member moved to remove or table the pay change for that position until the broader reorganization was approved, saying, “I’m uncomfortable approving the position in pay change” because the reorganization itself has not been finalized. The motion received no second and did not carry; the personnel report then passed by voice vote, recorded in the meeting as 3–1 in favor.

Superintendent Dr. Jay defended the district’s plan to promote from within and to use consultants and partnerships to support staff during the transition. He said the aim of the reorganization is to reduce expenditures and produce a surplus that can be applied to capital projects: “The idea of the whole plan is that we have a surplus at the end of the year.” He also described a four‑month training period in which Mr. Hartman (a recently approved hire noted in the meeting) will be mentored by experienced staff and partners.

Several board members said the district should prioritize hiring someone with a stronger financial background for a role that oversees finance, maintenance, technology and transportation. One board member said they would likely vote against the position unless the hire had “significant financial background.” Former Town finance director Richard Adafi (speaking from the audience) told the board recruiting a qualified finance director can be lengthy and costly, estimating the market would likely demand a six‑figure salary.

Dr. Jay acknowledged those recruitment realities and said Fountain Hills lacks the budget to pay high market rates for a senior finance director. He outlined a model relying on internal promotion, consultant support and training: “We have our consultants, and we have obviously, Craig has volunteered… and Craig’s gonna continue.”

Other personnel and routine items on the agenda were approved with less controversy. The board approved the IT coordinator job description, issuance of 2024–25 professional contracts for continuing teachers, support staff work agreements, coaching agreements, and the district work calendars for 2024–25. Dr. Jay said the IT coordinator role is intended to provide on‑site daily support while larger system oversight remains with the district’s partner organization.

Next steps: Dr. Jay said he will bring a final recommendation and related contracts back to the board at the next meeting on April 3. The board agreed to continue vetting the organizational chart and the allocation of principal and district responsibilities before final approval.