Miss Watson, a district presenter, opened a public forum saying Cartwright Elementary District has "made no decisions" and is collecting community feedback about how to use Fridays under the district's current four-day schedule. She asked attendees to share experiences and practical concerns about whether the district should return to a five-day school week, keep four days, or consider an intermediate option such as a half day or targeted instruction on Fridays.

Parents and staff described conflicting priorities. Several families said the four-day week has eased logistics, letting parents schedule medical appointments and reducing travel time; Liz Ricario, a Starlight Park parent, said a five-day schedule could force some families to leave the district. Other parents and foster caregivers said the extra day off is critical for children with behavioral or medical needs and for coordinating therapies and appointments.

Teachers and school staff who spoke said the four-day calendar provides essential planning and recovery time. Laura, a teacher who also has a child in the district, told the meeting she relies on the extra day to recharge and prepare lessons; another teacher, Sandra Cobos Reese, described how short-term ESSER/COVID funding had paid interventionist positions that produced measurable gains and that those positions were cut when the temporary funds expired.

Several speakers pressed the district to avoid framing the question only as a scheduling change. Victor, a seventh-grade teacher and parent, urged the board to "do the research using scholarly resources" and said "there's really no data that shows moving to a five days will improve the quality of education" absent broader supports such as smaller class sizes, tutoring and consistent instructional coaching.

District and board leaders framed the discussion as part of a broader effort to improve outcomes. Officials said the district has been reviewing curriculum alignment and resource allocation and is studying how past spending decisions, temporary funding streams and recent enrollment declines affect capacity. A board official said the district has "expended over $200,000,000 over the last 2 years" and that losing roughly 700 students this year has reduced recurring revenue, limiting options without reallocation.

On process, Miss Watson said the district will continue collecting input via in-person forums and QR-code surveys, and that the governing board would consider related policy at public meetings beginning in December with the goal of a potential decision in January so families and staff can plan. No motion, vote or formal action was taken at the forum.

What happened next: board officials closed the meeting by inviting parents to review published budget presentations and past board meetings on the district YouTube channel and to attend upcoming public meetings where any formal proposal would be discussed and voted on.