District staffing was a big topic during the April 13 meeting of the Fountain Hills Unified School District Governing Board, with principal contracts up for discussion, several director contracts renewed and Fountain Hills High School narrowing in on a new principal.

According to Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sweeney, 14 “very solid candidates” applied for the spot of high school principal following the announcement that current Principal Tom Brennan would be vacating the post following the conclusion of the 2015-16 academic year.

Sweeney informed board members that the initial list was being narrowed down to three top candidates, with interviews to be conducted this past Monday, April 18.

Interview committees include one comprised of students, one of parents and community members and one of site employees. Each committee interviewed the three candidates separately and will provide their recommendations to Dr. Sweeney.

From there, Sweeney will take the committees’ comments and his own involvement in the hiring process into account before providing a recommendation to the governing board. Sweeney said it was his hope to have a new principal recommended and potentially approved by the board at the April 27 meeting.

As for the remaining FHUSD principals, Sweeney recommended that the board consider renewing contracts for McDowell Mountain Elementary School’s Valerie Dehombreux and Four Peaks Elementary School/Fountain Hills Middle School’s Anita Gomez.

“I’m very pleased with the progress our administration staff has made this school year and am excited to keep working with them and our new high school principal, who will be selected soon, next year,” Sweeney added.

This being a discussion item, the board will vote on principal contracts at the April 27 meeting.

Three contracts did find their way to the action agenda following discussion at a previous meeting, however.

Following a recommendation from Sweeney, the board unanimously approved extending a one year contract to Assistant Superintendent of Business Operations, Dr. Robert Allen, Executive Director of HR and Students Services, Caroline Lynch, and Director of Transportation, John Flynn.

Finally, the board last week authorized the superintendent to issue certified teachers’ contracts, classified employment notices and reduction in force notices.

Reduction in force (RIF) is due to a drop in student enrollment and, according to Sweeney, nine are necessary for this year. However, he said that all but one RIF will be absorbed by retirements or resignation from the district. Sweeney advised that the employee being affected by RIF has already been informed of the situation and would therefore not be surprised by their notice.