Last week, the Cary Elementary District 26 school board lost one of its leaders after voting to close Maplewood School at the end of this year.

On Monday, the board lost another leader right after a crucial vote.

After voting against going to referendum, effectively killing the measure with a deadlocked vote, board Vice President Steve Bush resigned Monday.

Bush's surprise move came just one week after board President Dave Ruelle resigned because, he said, the board and administration were not serious about mending the district's finances.

Bush, who said he is a program manager for a major company, resigned because his employer recently tapped him to lead a "major new effort," according to his resignation letter.

"I do not have the time, effort or energy to continue on this board," Bush said at the close of Monday's meeting. "I will be resigning from the board effective upon adjournment this evening."

Bush's resignation came at a meeting at which parents spoke out against a referendum the administration had recommended as a way out of a deficit expected to grow to more than $5.3 million at the end of next year.

The increase, had voters approved it, would have added an estimated $660 to the tax bill for a $300,000 home, and parents said that in this time of economic uncertainty, they have nothing left to give.

"I think we're all tapped out," Cary resident Paul LeRose said, echoing many parents who spoke Monday. "The choice is: live within your means."

With the failure of the tax increase, board members and administrators will now have to consider a proposed list of about $5.4 million in cuts, including sharp reductions to music, art and physical education.