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Cartwright board approves boundary change between Pena and Davidson after hearing about safety and transportation concerns
Summary
After a public hearing, the Cartwright Elementary District governing board approved attendance-area boundary adjustments moving some addresses between Manuel Leto Pena Jr. Elementary and G. Frank Davidson Elementary for the 2026–27 school year; board members and principals emphasized phased transportation plans and transition options for current students.
The Cartwright Elementary District governing board voted to approve attendance-area boundary changes affecting Manuel Leto Pena Jr. Elementary and G. Frank Davidson Elementary, a move district staff said will rebalance enrollments and reduce travel distances for some students beginning in the 2026–27 school year.
Board President Hernandez moved the measure after presentations from school leaders and a public hearing. Acting Superintendent Mr. Watson said the adjustments are intended to ease population pressures at Davidson and return some nearby apartment clusters to Pena’s attendance area. He told the board staff is preparing phased transition plans and targeted transportation options for students who want to finish the year at their current campus.
Casey Newman, principal at Pena Elementary, outlined the historical boundary decision (2003) and current enrollment dynamics, saying Pena recorded significantly lower enrollment and that planned housing projects in the area change the population balance. Davidson Principal Mike Clark described plans to hold informational nights for families who would be rezoned and pledged outreach to make the transition smoother. Both principals said the district will explore limited transportation supports, including phased bus routing for affected families.
At the public hearing, parent Anna Rodriguez Ramirez urged the board not to remove bus service for families near 71st Avenue and Indian School Road, saying walking routes are unsafe and asking that children be allowed to finish upcoming grade levels at Pena. Board members acknowledged the safety concerns and asked staff to follow up directly with the parent to explore options.
President Hernandez and the full board voted to approve the boundary adjustment after discussion about staffing and transportation needs. District staff said they will provide follow-up communications to affected families and finalize transportation plans ahead of roll-out in 2026–27.
The board’s decision will be implemented at the start of the 2026–27 year; staff said they are developing accommodations for fifth-graders who want to remain through sixth grade and other transition requests.
