Cartwright board approves moving 2025 regular meetings to Wednesdays at 6 p.m.

The Cartwright School District governing board voted to change its 2025 regular meeting schedule from Thursdays at 5 p.m. to Wednesdays at 6 p.m., a shift board members said was intended to increase community participation.

Acting Superintendent Watson presented the proposal as a first reading; he said the change aimed to allow working parents and staff more time to attend. The proposed 2025 meeting dates moved to Wednesdays at 6 p.m. for March 19, April 9, April 30, May 7, June 11 and June 25, 2025.

Board President Lydia Hernandez said the change followed community conversations, including a recent town hall where a parent asked why meetings were scheduled earlier. Hernandez also said she sought to accommodate constituents and members’ schedules.

Board Member Denise Garcia said she supports improving access but remained concerned that staff had not sought broader community consensus; she abstained on the motion. Board Member Romero said she liked the later start time but recommended surveying families before making a long-term change and also abstained. Board Members Rosa Cantu and President Hernandez voted aye; another board member also voted aye, and the motion carried.

“Moving it to 06:00, then, for example, our principals will have to stay later as well,” Garcia said, explaining her abstention (excerpt). Romero said Thursdays may be preferable to some families because there is no school the next day, but she appreciated the time change for attendees who work.

Hernandez said a second reading of the board-policy revision to move meetings from Thursday to Wednesday will be brought to the next meeting as the board finalizes the schedule change.