Reporter: Dr. Richard Rutkowski

FHUSD is an A-rated school district by the Arizona Department of Education.  This is the 1^st time the entire school district has received this excellent rating.

FHMS & FHHS were named as “2025 National Model Schools,” making them 2 of the approximately 40 schools nationwide receiving this honor from the HMH Education Center for Model Schools.  Model Schools are recognized for their development and implementation of innovative programs and practical tools to advance educational excellence in students.  FHUSD staff will be attending a national conference in Washington, D.C, in June to present our strategies to other educators from across the nation.

Enrollment in FHUSD has declined in recent years, but this is not a problem restricted to Fountain Hills.  Enrollment is down in neighboring communities of Scottsdale, Paradise Valley. Mesa, and Cave Creek.  This is attributed to an aging population, a declining birth rate, and housing prices in our area which make it difficult for young families to move here and enroll their children.  Declining enrollment requires budget cuts.  FHUSD is on track to reduce about $1.3 million from an approximately $10 million budget in the 2025-2026 academic year.  This is being accomplished largely by staff attrition due to retirement or moving out of state and with only a few reductions in force and a minimal effect on class size.

FHU (“Fountain Hills University”) is a new program being implemented in partnership with Arizona State University.  More details about this will be shared in an upcoming update.