MNPS Voices: Elliott Cartwright, Facility Technician, Martin Professional Development Center

The man who has so often kept MNPS’s training hub ticking is getting ready to call it a career.  

Elliott Cartwright, a facility technician at Martin Professional Development Center, will retire at the end of May after 38 years with the district. Co-workers say Cartwright’s can-do, friendly attitude and easygoing nature will be missed after years of juggling details for countless events while also greeting so many visitors in the lobby.  

“Elliott has been the cornerstone of the Martin Professional Development Center, bringing an unmatched level of commitment and care to every event,” said his supervisor, Software and Operations Manager Tina Yahnian-Torres. “From his outstanding work ethic to the way he greets every guest with genuine warmth, he has elevated the standard of how we serve our district. We will deeply miss his heartfelt spirit and the quiet confidence he brings to our team every day.”  

Cartwright, a graduate of MNPS’s Maplewood High School, started his career with the district as a custodian before going on to help manage the Martin Center and assist guests with any request that comes along.  

Along the way, he worked at Whites Creek High School, then Taylor Stratton Elementary, Maplewood, Randall’s Learning Center (where MNPS staff trained before Martin was built), the old Wharton School, and finally Martin since it opened in 2008.  

Cartwright said he’ll miss the people he’s worked with and helped.  

“You come to Martin Center, we will take care of you,” he said. “I’m going to miss people’s smiling faces. I try to make everybody happy.” 

He said he plans to spend more time with Nora, his wife of 42 years, and their three adult children and three grandchildren. He enjoys listening to a wide range of music, watching football, going to church at Lakeshore Christian, and watching his 3-year-old granddaughter crank up her bubble machine.  

"Consistency and Quiet Care"

Giumarra Duhart, instructional technology coordinator for the district, wrote in a message to Cartwright that his “consistency and quiet care has made a lasting impact, not just on me, but on so many people in this building.” 

“You never sought recognition, but your work and your character have never gone unnoticed,” she wrote. “You helped create an environment where people feel comfortable, respected, and supported, and that is something truly special. While I will miss seeing you every day, I am so happy that you now get the time to rest and enjoy your family. You’ve more than earned it.” 

Cartwright said he appreciates the MNPS mentors who helped prepare him for his work with technology. He’s grateful to be part of a strong, friendly team. And, as he prepares to retire, he feels fortunate to have worked for the district for so many years.  

“I love my job,” he said. “I try to make it fun for everybody. I just want people to remember that Elliott was a hard-working young man.”