Cary D26 candidates talk savings

Candidates in the race for Cary Elementary District 26 know that there is much work to be done to keep the district’s finances in the black. While the candidates agree cutting additional programs to save money is nearly impossible, they are divided on the option of closing a school.

Joseph Alfe, Scott Coffey, Kevin Carrick and Jason Larry are vying for one of the three open seats. Each term is for four years.

Alfe, the challenger, says he is opposed to closing another school when there are other steps the district can take to raise revenue or trim expenses.

“The district is holding on to vacant and unused land that can be sold to raise money,” Alfe said. “Education management salaries can be trimmed, pension payouts can be shared more equitably and solutions can be found. Solutions other than cramming 40 to 50 kids into a classroom and cutting art, music and other important activities while still floating tax referendums.”

This school year, the district cut art, music and gym classes and closed Maplewood School because of declining enrollment. Coupled with 80 teacher layoffs, the measures saved the district about $6.6 million.

Incumbent Larry said that under specific circumstances, he would vote to close another school.

“Closing another school is still an option on a list of items we as a school board need to review to ensure we stay living within our means,” he said. “If required, I would support the closure of another school as an alternative to raising class sizes again and taking more from our children.”

Meanwhile, incumbents Coffey and Carrick take the middle ground.

“The decision boils down to the trade-off between the impact to the quality education versus the reduction in expenses,” Coffey said.

“In general, I would prefer that we keep our current staffing level and focus on driving savings by reducing our unit labor costs,” he said, referring to lower teacher salaries.

Carrick said he supports the administration’s recommendation to save through attrition and not by closing a school.

“I will continue to support the option that has the least amount of impact on the education of the children in Cary,” Carrick said. “My hope is that I won’t have to choose between closing another school or a return to deficit spending.”