The School Board voted not to extend assistant principals’ and directors’ contracts at this time.

Instead, it will adjust contractual language and consider future contracts a month later.

Superintendent Tom Lawrence made the recommendation Feb. 24, saying that early contract renewals for those positions has caused some trouble with regard to budget planning in recent years.

Current contracts require that the board notify assistant principals and directors of contract renewals by Feb. 28 and, in accordance with that language, have opted not to extend contracts at that time.

During a meeting held in mid-February, board member Jill Reed stated concerns with the Feb. 28 date, saying that it tied the district’s hands concerning budget planning before proper projections could be established.

“This language and date were originally put in the contract to enhance administrative stability and continuity and to ensure that the business end of the district moved forward uninterrupted,” said Lawrence.

Lawrence felt the additional 30 days (to March 31) would allow for better review of budget projections before locking in those positions on a yearly basis while still ensuring the necessary staffers are in place to prepare for the coming school year.

Administrators affected by this decision include high school Assistant Principal Gary Stutzman, Four Peaks/Middle School Assistant Principal Anthony Galietti, Executive Director of Business and Support Services Lisa Martinez, Director of Student Services Caroline Lynch and Director of Transportation Robert DeWolf.

In accordance with what will become the new norm due to the contractual language changes, Lawrence said the goal will be to provide the board with a recommendation concerning the possible renewal of those contracts by the March 26 meeting.

Next meeting

With spring break falling on the second week of March, the board will hold its first meeting of the month a bit earlier than normal, scheduled for today, March 5, at 6:30 p.m.

The board will be presented with a budget overview at tonight’s meeting, as well as a special presentation from Fountain Hills Middle School.

With no major action items on the agenda, the board will discuss a policy manual update, as well as a potential intergovernmental agreement between EVIT and FHUSD.

Tonight’s meeting will be hosted out of the District Learning Center and is open to the public.