By George Zeliff
Mail

Dana Saar resigned from the Fountain Hills Unified School District (FHUSD) Governing Board Thursday, Nov. 9, leaving a spot to be filled.

Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson has the sole authority by statute to appoint a replacement.

The FHUSD Governing Board has 30 days from Saar’s resignation to submit up to three names to Watson for consideration. Watson is not required to pick a replacement from the list of suggestions, and interested individuals may also apply directly to the County School Superintendent’s office.

The appointed replacement will serve until the next regular board election, and Watson may call for a special election instead of an appointment if he deems it in the best interest of the community. Saar would have been up for reelection in 2024 if he stayed in office.

The office of the county superintendent will also request a full list of candidates who applied for the board position in last year’s election. Watson will conduct interviews in person and/or electronically to oversee a vetting process of candidates as well as understand the district’s issues and dynamics.

Visit fountainhillsschools.org and click on “About our Governing Board” under the “Governing Board” tab to see a list of vetting questions for the board position. Those interested in filling the vacant seat may send a letter of interest, resume and answers to the vetting questions to FHUSD Board President Jill Reed, at jreed@fhacademics.org by Wednesday, Dec. 6.

The vetting questions can also be found directly at fountainhillsschools.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=506641&type=d.

We invite our readers to submit their civil comments on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org. George Zeliff can be reached at gzeliff@iniusa.org.