Cary District 26 picks new board member

The Cary Elementary District 26 school board has picked a vocal and active parent to fill the vacancy created when Aimee Williams resigned in July.

The board voted 6-0 Monday to appoint Kevin Carrick to the vacancy, citing his passion and involvement.

"He had done exhaustive research on the district," school board President Chris Spoerl said. "It's hard to say no to somebody that's willing to work that hard."

Carrick is a member of the community engagement committee. His appointment to the board means the board will now have to fill another vacancy on that panel.

Carrick beat out four other candidates who were interviewed last week and Monday night. Board members said because Carrick will serve until April 2011 - when he will be up for election to keep his seat - they wanted someone who could hit the ground running.

"We feel Kevin's learning curve is the shortest of the candidates," board Vice President Jason Larry said.

This was the second time Carrick applied for a District 26 board vacancy. He said his reasons for applying were the same as last time - to put the district on a more stable long-term footing.

"I hope to bring my passion for the district to the board and really help stabilize our community," said Carrick, the father of three current District 26 students.

Carrick, who works in operations at a publishing company, said he plans to run for a full term in the April election.

Williams was the fourth District 26 board member to resign in a year.