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After multi-day hearing, Cartwright board adopts hearing officer recommendation and terminates deputy superintendent/CFO
Summary
Following an administrative hearing, an impartial hearing officer recommended terminating Deputy Superintendent / Chief Financial Officer Victoria Ferrar for findings including lack of transparency about a multi-million-dollar IRS payment and enabling access to district systems while a staff member was on leave; the board voted to adopt the recommendation and terminate her effective March 18, 2026.
The Cartwright Elementary District governing board voted to adopt an impartial hearing officer’s determination and terminate Deputy Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer Victoria Ferrar effective March 18, 2026.
Outside counsel and the hearing officer’s report, which the board received in writing during the meeting, described a multi-month investigation and a three-day administrative hearing in which witnesses were examined and documentary evidence was submitted. According to the hearing officer’s written recommendation, which the board adopted, the officer concluded that Ferrar made materially misleading statements to district leadership about a prior multi-million‑dollar IRS payment, took actions that allowed an employee on administrative leave access to district computer systems, and was untruthful about those matters. The recommendation recommended termination based on findings of unprofessional conduct and lack of trust in a senior finance leader.
District counsel and outside counsel told the board the process had included a statement of charges, a hearing before an impartial officer, and an opportunity for the employee to request a hearing and to submit written and oral argument. Outside counsel stated that due process protections were observed during the proceedings. Board members asked clarifying questions about the procedural timeline; some members stated concern about speed of decisions and the gravity of termination while others said the hearing officer’s findings left the board little choice.
On a roll-call vote the board adopted the hearing officer’s findings of fact, conclusions of law and recommended decision to terminate the employment contract; the motion passed with three votes in favor and one dissent. Board members said the district will follow statute for any post‑termination steps and asked staff to ensure required notices and records are handled in accordance with law.
