Cartwright board delegates authority to appoint hearing officers for two pending disciplinary hearings

The Cartwright Elementary District governing board on Nov. 5 authorized Acting Superintendent Watson to appoint hearing officers to conduct due‑process hearings related to two statements of charges the board adopted on Oct. 27, 2025.

The first designation concerns the board's amended statement of charges against Deputy Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer Victoria Farrard. The second concerns the board's statement of charges against the deputy superintendent of human resources and educational programs. Watson told the board the district selected potential hearing officers from a list of certified individuals provided by the Arizona State Board of Education; the list includes approximately 13 trained hearing officers available to serve in personnel matters.

The motions delegate to the acting superintendent the authority to appoint one of a named set of hearing officers (Harold Merkel, Benson Hufford or Rob Hobbs / Rob Hawes as read in the meeting) to preside over each hearing. Both motions were moved, seconded, and passed by roll call vote (ayes recorded). The hearing officer will hear evidence from both sides and issue a recommendation to the governing board, which retains authority over any final employment decisions.

The actions initiate the next step in the district's due‑process procedures for employees but do not resolve the charges themselves. Times, hearing dates and any resulting board action were not specified in the meeting record.

The motions and discussion referenced the State Board of Education's certification of hearing officers; no specific statute or case law was cited during the meeting.