Cary District 26 board member resigns

A serious illness prompted Cary Elementary School District 26 board member Julie Lehman to announce her resignation this week.

Board colleagues said Lehman, elected in April 2007, was an advocate for taxpayers during her two-year tenure.

"She was very concerned about the financial condition of the school district," board President Dave Ruelle said. "She worked very hard at helping the district look at ways to improve the bidding process on contracts."

Because of Lehman's medical issues, she had been unable to attend meetings for two months.

"I wasn't surprised because I knew she had been having some health issues," board Secretary Chris Jenner said. "I'm just going to miss her perspective."

District 26 is accepting applications for the vacant seat until Aug. 7. The board plans to interview applicants and select its newest member by early September. Lehman's replacement will serve until April 2011.

Lehman could not be reached for comment late Wednesday.