Cary District 26 board sees fourth resignation in a year

Aimee Williams has resigned from the Cary Elementary District 26 school board, becoming the fourth board member to give up a seat in the past year.

Williams resigned Friday, saying she didn't have enough time to devote to the position, according to the district.

She could not be reached for comment, but board President Chris Spoerl said the resignation may be related to the time demanded of board members as they work to address the district's fiscal crisis.

"I think in Aimee's case it had everything to do with the time commitment required for those challenges," he said.

Williams was appointed to the board in December along with Scott Coffey. The pair replaced board President Dave Ruelle and Vice President Steve Bush, both of whom resigned the previous month.

Bush also cited time conflicts when he resigned, while Ruelle said he stepped down because he did not think the board or administration were serious about balancing the budget.

The vacancy comes as the board, which already has laid off about 80 teachers, closed a school and cut programs as it grapples with whether to go to referendum - a decision that could be affected by Williams' absence.

In recent discussions, Williams expressed support for a ballot question. If the board votes on the measure while the seat is vacant, Williams' absence could doom the proposal.

"It could potentially affect the outcome of whether or not a referendum goes to the public," Spoerl said.

But the board only has until the end of August to decide on going to referendum - meaning it may not have time to wait.

"Time is not on our side as far as the referendum option is concerned," Spoerl said.

The board has 45 days to fill the vacancy. Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Superintendent Brian Coleman at the District 26 Administrative Center, 2115 Crystal Lake Road, Cary; or via e-mail at district 26@cary26.k12.il.us. Applicataions are due July 23.