The Cary CCSD 26 Board of Education voted June 23 to approve interim administrative contracts for the 2025-26 school year, keeping district leadership largely internal rather than hiring an external retired interim superintendent.

The motion covered contract addenda for Dr. Jennifer Thomas as interim superintendent; David Shepherd and Yvette Rivera Weigel as associate superintendents; and Laura Dorfler as executive administrative assistant to the superintendent and board, as presented on the agenda.

Board members debated the choice before the vote. Several members, including Jason Janzick and others, said they were concerned about the high daily cost of externally contracted retired interim superintendents — cited in the discussion as commonly ranging from $750 to $1,100 per day — and the potential disruption of bringing an outside leader unfamiliar with the district's culture and recent initiatives.

Board member Jason Janzick said he had heard concerns from staff and community but ultimately favored an internal interim team to “keep the momentum of the past two years moving forward for students and staff, and ... do so in a fiscally responsible way.” He added he worried an outsider might “stall the progress we've worked so hard to build.”

Several board members thanked the administration team for stepping up. Dr. Thomas was asked to maintain a highly visible presence in buildings, and trustees said a full superintendent search will follow next year with staff and community participation.

The motion to approve the interim administration contracts was moved, seconded and passed by unanimous roll-call vote. Board members who recorded yes votes included Bridget Sandlin, Catherine Potter, Jason Janzick, Mindy Hartman, Julie Jetty, Dee Darling and others present.

The board directed administration to conduct a full and inclusive superintendent search in the fall to identify permanent leadership.