Cartwright School District board addresses public concerns over administrative leaves and funding

In a recent meeting held on March 19, 2025, the Cartwright School District Governing Board addressed pressing concerns from community members regarding administrative actions and budgetary transparency. The atmosphere was charged as attendees voiced their frustrations over the handling of personnel matters, particularly the administrative leave of several staff members, including Miss Haruki and Miss Howdicki.

Samantha, a community member, expressed her gratitude for the board's efforts to provide clarity on previous discussions, emphasizing the importance of transparency in governance. However, her concerns echoed those of others, particularly regarding the lack of due process for staff placed on leave. Cecilia Moreno, another vocal attendee, raised pointed questions about the district's financial decisions, highlighting that taxpayers, including herself, have a right to understand how their contributions are being utilized. She questioned the legality of the board's actions and called for accountability, suggesting that the board was wasting taxpayer money.

The board president responded by reiterating the importance of public information and encouraged community members to review past meeting agendas for clarity. She acknowledged the complexity of the issues at hand and the challenges faced by the board, which has seen new members and shifting dynamics. The president emphasized that all discussions are guided by established policies and that accusations of illegal actions were unfounded.

As the meeting progressed, the board moved to approve the consent agenda, which included routine decisions. However, dissent was evident, with some members abstaining from the vote due to concerns about the legality of discussions surrounding personal matters. The tension underscored the ongoing struggle for transparency and trust between the board and the community it serves.

Looking ahead, the board aims to foster better communication and understanding with the public, acknowledging that the path to improvement is fraught with challenges. As the meeting concluded, the hope remained that future discussions would lead to greater clarity and collaboration, ultimately benefiting the students and families within the district.