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After debate about four‑day schedules and special‑education minutes, Cartwright board approves 2026–27 work calendars
Summary
Superintendent Watson presented proposed 2026–27 staff calendars; board members questioned early‑release Fridays and equity for special‑education students before approving the calendars 2–1. District staff said IEP minutes will be met and principals will set site schedules to ensure required minutes.
The Cartwright Elementary District governing board approved 2026–27 work calendars for teachers and a range of district staff after a discussion that focused on early‑release Fridays, total required instructional minutes and impacts for special‑education students.
Superintendent Watson said the work calendars are routine annual items that allow the district to create additional calendars for different employee groups (10‑, 11‑ and 12‑month schedules). He described early‑release Fridays as two hours of professional development for teachers and site leaders, and said the district remains above minimum state minute requirements. "We are in compliance with the ... minimum number of required minutes for students," he said.
Board member Garcia questioned how the calendars would affect special‑education students and employees who work different schedules. District special‑education staff member Didi clarified that services in IEPs and 504 plans are determined by individualized minutes across the week, not simply number of days: "All IEP minutes for students are determined for the student themselves," she said, and noted that most students with IEPs receive services five days per week.
Board member Hernandez said she welcomed the change and looked forward to the possible academic gains from additional classroom time. Member Garcia said she remained concerned about equity and about employees who preferred a four‑day schedule. After brief additional questions about paid non‑work days and procurement/operational effects, the board took a roll‑call vote on the calendars: Miss Hernandez — aye; Miss Garcia — nay; Governing Board President — aye. The vote was recorded as 2–1 in favor and the motion carried.
The president asked Human Resources and site principals to ensure calendars are implemented in ways that meet state minute requirements and to distribute finalized calendars to staff and parents. The board then moved into an executive session to consult with counsel on administrator contract issues and reconvened later in the evening.
