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Fountain Hills Today
By the People, for the People
Fountain Hills School Board Starts Search for New Superintendent
Special meetings likely as district looks to replace retiring Superintendent Cain Jagodzinski.
Published on Feb. 16, 2026
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The Fountain Hills Unified Governing Board has begun the process of searching for a new superintendent to replace the retiring Cain Jagodzinski. The board held a special meeting on February 11th to review survey results from local stakeholders and direct staff to form an ad-hoc advisory committee as part of the search. The board plans to discuss and approve a job posting at their regular meeting on February 18th, with the goal of having a new superintendent in place by the start of the next school year in June.
Why it matters
The search for a new superintendent is a critical process for the Fountain Hills school district, as the superintendent plays a key role in setting the district's academic and financial priorities. The survey results highlighted teacher performance, financial management, and student proficiency as top priorities for the community, indicating the new superintendent will need to focus on these areas.
The details
At the February 11th meeting, the board voted unanimously to form three advisory subcommittees to provide input on the superintendent search - one made up of teachers and staff, one of students, and one of parents and community members. The board plans to review resumes and interview finalists, with the goal of having a new superintendent in place by the start of the next school year in June. Outgoing Superintendent Cain Jagodzinski has offered to be as involved in the process as the board desires.
- The board meets regularly on March 4 and March 18.
- The job posting will be online for "a couple of weeks" after being approved on February 18.
- Superintendent Cain Jagodzinski is retiring at the end of the current school year in June.
The players
Cain Jagodzinski
The current Superintendent of the Fountain Hills Unified School District, who is retiring at the end of the school year in June.
Rich Rutkowski
The President of the Fountain Hills Unified Governing Board, which is overseeing the search for a new superintendent.
Kim Duckworth
A member of the Fountain Hills Unified Governing Board.
What they’re saying
“If you want to win championships, you have to have the talent.”
— Cain Jagodzinski, Superintendent (fhtimes.com)
“You wonder how much that's based on what people hear in the media about other districts.”
— Rich Rutkowski, Board President (fhtimes.com)
“They don't care if we get along.”
— Rich Rutkowski, Board President (fhtimes.com)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
The search for a new superintendent in Fountain Hills highlights the importance of finding a leader who can effectively manage the district's finances, support high-performing teachers, and drive student achievement - all while navigating the unique challenges and expectations of the local community.
