Cartwright board approves 2025–26 pay-for-performance plan, shifts major assessment payment to December

The Cartwright Elementary School District governing board on Tuesday approved the district’s 2025–26 pay-for-performance plan, preserving the program’s current award amounts while moving the largest assessment-based payment from June to December.

District Chief Human Resources Officer Dr. Mark Etheridge said the change reduces the district’s financial risk by waiting for state assessment results before making the $1,500 payout tied to spring test scores. "We moved the payment from June to December so we make sure that we get the assessment results prior to that," Etheridge said during the public hearing presentation. The governing board approved the plan by roll-call vote (three ayes, one abstention).

The plan, required by the classroom site fund rules the district uses to pay teacher supplements, keeps the overall award structure intact but clarifies eligibility. Under the plan: district-level criteria…