Cary CCSD 26 projects flat-to-slight enrollment growth; staffing plan nets two FTE reductions

Dr. Thomas presented Cary CCSD 26’s staffing plan and enrollment outlook at the Feb. 17 committee meeting, saying the district expects roughly 2,460 students next year and that staffing adjustments would result in a net decrease of two full-time equivalent teacher positions.

"We typically trend at that middle line or just above. Actually right now, our enrollment we're anticipating for next year is 2,460 students," Dr. Thomas said, citing the Casardis 2023 study used to model enrollment trends. He told the board the report analyzes housing, demographics and other factors and produces a range of projections; the district is currently near the higher edge of the plan's forecast.

Dr. Thomas explained the staffing implications and the process for filling open positions: when grades "roll up" or retirees occur, positions are first offered via voluntary transfer to current teachers, followed by potential involuntary transfers and, finally, external hires. He said the projection translates to a net loss of two FTE teaching positions and that the district is not planning layoffs tied to that change: "We're not anticipating any RIFs or anything like that because we have many more teachers who will be retiring," he said.

Board members asked for clarifications about specific school-level numbers (one member referenced Cary Junior High enrollment figures and asked whether 902 was accurate versus a recent update near 785); Dr. Thomas said he would double-check current-year counts. The superintendent also described how the district monitors special-education staffing and class sizes and noted the board maintains recommended class-size ranges by grade grouping.

Dr. Thomas said staff will finalize open positions with principals and continue weekly monitoring of class sizes through the summer as enrollments shift.