NE Valley Times

During its May 9 meeting, the Fountain Hills United School District (FHUSD) Board of Education voted on several items for its November ballot, after the input of Superintendent Cain Jagodzinski, staff and members of the community.

The issues were related to the possible sales of a piece of vacant FHUSD property, the Four Peaks Building and the McDowell Mountain Building.

Another item discussed was a bond proposal to fund Jagodzinski’s consolidation and improvements plans. The superintendent reported that the last time the district took out a bond was in 2013, and nearly all of those funds have been spent. He listed the expenditures from the last bond the district received before recommending a new one.

"It is the recommendation of Dr. J. that the district go for a $25 million bond over with a 15-year payback," board President Jill Reed said in the meeting. The bond would be used to improve the district’s buildings and infrastructure.

The consensus from the public was a feeling of trust in Jagodzinski, but some asked the board to avoid making any decisions that might affect tax rates.

Jagodzinski began in his role as superintendent last fall after working in the district for the past 20 years. Since he took over, the district has seen its first increase in enrollment in years. Many teachers have expressed gratitude for his support for their classrooms, and community members have commended his transparency and availability.

The board did not move forward with the sale of the vacant land, noting that the process would be too time-consuming without earning enough from the sale to solve any of the district's financial problems. The board also voted to keep the McDowell Mountain Building off the ballot, but it did vote to put the Four Peaks Building on the ballot.

“If it goes on the ballot and the voters approve it, we have 20 years to decide whether we were going to sell it, lease it or exchange it,” Reed said.

The board approved the $25 million bond plan by a 3-2 vote.