With a 2015-16 budget still up in the air, the Fountain Hills Unified School District Governing Board has voted to not renew administrative contracts at this time.

In the past, administrator contracts have typically been offered earlier in the spring semester in order to maintain leadership continuity when preparing for the next academic year.

In 2014, the board elected not to follow this trend, as decisions still needed to be made in regards to budget cuts. The 2015 board voted to act similarly on March 25, choosing once again not to renew administrative contracts until a later date.

Community member and former board member Karl Gaardsmoe spoke on the matter during the open call to the public, saying that he thought it would be irresponsible to make hiring decisions without knowing more information about FHUSD’s budget needs.

“According to the latest Auditor General report, [FHUSD] continues to have problems with the percentage of the budget spent on administration,” Gaardsmoe said.

Following approval of the state budget, Arizona schools are also being strongly encouraged to look at administrative cuts to help make up for continued budget cuts to education.

Gaardsmoe asked the board to consider how such administrative cuts could be possible if contracts were renewed under the same terms and conditions.

He went on to ask the board to consider contract renewal at a later date, after more information on the budget and needed cuts could be assessed.

This was actually the topic of conversation at a recent Governing Board study session, and is planned for further exploration in the coming weeks.

During open discussion, board member Dr. Wendy Barnard said she felt it would be premature to offers contracts when an upcoming study session is specifically geared at the budget and potential cuts.

“We wouldn’t be saying that we won’t renew contracts, just not at this moment,” Barnard offered.

Board President Jill Reed agreed.

“I’m not comfortable renewing contracts until after our next study session,” she added.

“We need more information on the budget before we can make these types of decisions.”

Board Vice President Edith Stock moved for a non-renewal of administrative contracts until a later date, approved with an abstention from member Dr. C.T. Wright.