Teacher to Cary Dist. 26 group: 'Don't waste everybody's time'

Two weeks ago, when a group of parents announced their proposal to restore programs and jobs with a $4.3 million grant to Cary schools, Brent Lueck was one of the many teachers hoping to get his job back.

And on Sunday, when the same parent group announced it was withdrawing its offer, Lueck was one of the many teachers who was disappointed.

Lueck tried not to get his hopes up until he saw proof the parents had actually raised the money, but he couldn't help getting a little excited - especially with the difficult job market for teachers and two school age boys to support.

On Tuesday, he criticized the parent group for failing to reach an agreement with the district.

"You've put this out there," he said. "Now get it done. Don't waste everybody's time, don't get everybody's hope up if you weren't willing to go through with it. Unfortunately that's what they did."

The parents' weekend decision left many teachers in the lurch. District 26 laid off 71 full-time teachers in March as part of an effort to balance its budget for the first time in six years; 68 of those teachers could have been rehired under the parents' proposal.

In a statement, the Soar to Higher Heights Foundation said it rescinded its offer because the proposal was based on restoring programs and teachers for a full year of school. The District 26 school board voted earlier this month not to delay school until it had proof of the funds.

Although Lueck could get his job back if the foundation and the district are able to come to terms, he said he understood the school board's decision - especially as the father of two boys who attend Cary elementary schools.

"In the short term, it would be more problems than it would be worth," Lueck said. "Save it for next year."

Lueck, who has taught in District 26 schools for 10 years, hopes to serve as a substitute teacher this year and be rehired next year.

"I'm looking long-term," Lueck said. "I don't want to have to leave the district and move and uproot my family."

David Ruelle, a former District 26 board president who has served as the foundation's spokesman, said he was unavailable for comment on Tuesday.

"The foundation is continuing and we hope to hear from D26 in the future," Ruelle wrote in an e-mail.