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Cartwright board approves four principals amid member objections over discussion and vote
Summary
The Cartwright Elementary District board approved four principal appointments and other HR items at a May 21 special meeting. Member Denise Garcia repeatedly asked for discussion and said she was not allowed to participate; the board recorded the appointments by roll-call vote.
The Cartwright Elementary District governing board on May 21 approved four principal appointments and multiple human-resources items after individual roll-call votes.
Dr. Barrantes presented the administration's recommendations, reading names and assignments for the 2026–27 school year including Jennifer Botero (Heatherbrae), Joseph Jachakova and Justin Espitali (STEAM School, as read in the presentation), Emily Forrester (Palm Lane) and Dr. Steve Morawski (Glendale Social Sciences Academy). The administration told the board that two of the appointees were attending graduation ceremonies and two were present for photos.
President Hernandez moved to approve each recommended principal and the board voted by roll call. The transcript records 'aye' votes from Cantu, Hernandez and Denise Garcia on the motions and the president stated the motion carried.
During the personnel motions Member Denise Garcia repeatedly requested discussion and asked to see the rubric used for selecting principals. Garcia said she had asked for the opportunity to discuss the appointments prior to votes and later said she was prevented from participating. "Document that she did not allow me to participate in discussion and ignored me and is now not allowing me to vote," Garcia said, asking that the denial be noted in the minutes.
The administration responded that documentation and selection materials exist and said staff would provide the documentation when requested. The board then approved the remaining human-resources personnel items by roll call.
The appointments and personnel approvals were presented as routine personnel actions; administrators said selection materials and documentation are available and would be provided to board members who requested them.
