# Special Governing Board Meeting 9/29/2026

Cartwright School District #83 held a special governing board meeting on September 29, 2026. The board received updates on Arizona Auditor General and Attorney General findings that actions concerning former Superintendent Leanne Lawler and interim Superintendent Emma Haraghi—including resignations, a separation agreement, and an interim-contract addendum—were null and void because of inadequate meeting-agenda descriptions. Counsel said the interim addendum provided a $20,000 raise for December 12, 2024, through June 30, 2025; the separation agreement’s financial impact included paid leave through the end of Lawler’s contract. On a motion to direct the district’s attorney to seek recovery of money and benefits paid under the null-and-void actions, including litigation if necessary, the motion carried, with two votes in favor and one opposed among the members voting. The board also received confirmation that required open-meeting-law training had been completed; no new vendor selection or procurement award was approved.

During discussion of district priorities and past operations, the board president cited historical spending and procurement concerns, including approximately $6 million for an event center with potential additional HVAC and plumbing costs, approximately $8 million for fencing, furniture purchases that she said were brought for approval after the goods were received, and an approximately $18,000–$20,000 Copper State engagement that she said did not result in completed work. The discussion also referenced food-service outsourcing and childcare costs of approximately $1.6–$1.8 million annually, alongside stated efforts to strengthen purchasing controls, budget costs, and bring food services in-house. These were discussed as past issues and corrective actions, not as new spending approvals. The board separately adopted working agreements by unanimous vote of the three members voting.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Education, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 29, 2026

### Sources
- [Special Governing Board Meeting 9/29/2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDEFYNkO5wE) - Cartwright School District #83