Parent raises allegations about hiring; district updates community on Title IV, SEL and Ruby Bridges Walk
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Summary
At the Nov. 5 meeting, Cecilia Moreno alleged procedural problems in recent personnel actions and asked about potential legal costs; the board and acting superintendent responded. The meeting also included a student invitation to a Ruby Bridges Walk, an explanation that a Title IV funding freeze kept students from a conference, and an update on district social‑emotional learning supports.
During the public‑comment portion of the Nov. 5 Cartwright Elementary District governing board meeting, resident Cecilia Moreno raised multiple allegations and budget questions. Moreno said Acting Superintendent Watson "was appointed as acting superintendent without being vetted by the panel of teachers or administrators or parents" and asked whether the district can continue paying certain administrators and cover the costs if the district faces lawsuits; she also asserted that some employees were not given a chance to respond to allegations and called for resignations related to conduct at Maryville High School.
Board members and administration responded by describing prior presentations, budget numbers and processes the board has made available. President Lydia Hernandez emphasized that the board has presented information and followed procedures and that the board may direct staff to study matters raised by the public. Acting Superintendent Watson and other board members reiterated the district's due‑process procedures and that the next step includes appointing hearing officers (as the board later approved).
The meeting also featured a community invitation: Charles W. Harris teacher Ramon Lopez invited the board and public to a Ruby Bridges Walk to School event on Nov. 13 at 7:30 a.m. and explained the school's classroom activities tied to the anniversary. "They would love to introduce themselves and share with you a little bit about our Ruby Bridges Walk to School event," Lopez told the board.
Mr. Watson said a planned student trip to the "Speak Up, Stand Up, Save a Life" conference did not occur because the district's Title IV federal funds were temporarily frozen; he said those funds were later released and the district will continue to monitor federal allocations. Watson also presented a detailed social‑emotional learning update, saying every campus has a full‑time counselor, the district has a lead social worker, response‑to‑behavior interventionists, and partnerships with behavioral‑health organizations to provide tier‑3 supports; Watson said these supports are intended to help students facing trauma and family disruption.
The board acknowledged community partners and donations for Thanksgiving distributions and asked administration to return future reports on HVAC installations and other items. The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.