Cary School District 26 board approves assistant superintendent hire, holds facility fees steady and adopts nonrenewal resolution as treasurer flags big capital

The Cary Community Consolidated School District 26 Board of Education on March 16 approved several personnel and fiscal items and heard a treasurer’s report that highlighted a sizable construction funding gap.

Superintendent Dr. Thomas recommended Shane Bergmeier to be the district’s assistant superintendent for teaching and learning beginning July 1, 2026. The board approved the contract by recorded voice vote. Dr. Thomas said the district screened 38 applicants and conducted multiple interview rounds before naming Bergmeier, noting she holds a doctorate in educational administration and has experience in curriculum and district leadership.

The board also approved a resolution to nonrenew the employment of one probationary teacher who is not in the teacher’s final probationary year. Dr. Thomas read the resolution citing Section 24-11 of the Illinois School Code (105 ILCS 5/24-11) and said notices will be mailed by certified mail and emailed by April 15, 2026. The board moved, seconded and approved the resolution by roll call.

Treasurer Mr. Shepherd delivered the financial overview. He told the board that general revenues and expenses are tracking near expectations and that state transportation reimbursements were higher than the worst-case projection. On capital spending, he said the district is accounting for ongoing construction projects and noted, “it is saying that, we are going to run roughly a $9,900,000 deficit compared to the revenue that we take in,” adding that bond proceeds, not operating revenue, fund construction costs. On operating funds he said, “we're still projecting a slight surplus of about $760,000 in our operating funds.” Shepherd also said the district has liquid investments being reserved for an upcoming solar project.

On facility fees, the board agreed to hold facility usage rates steady for the 2026–27 fiscal year but approved adding an additional snow-removal charge that would apply only when an organization uses a district facility on a day requiring snow removal. Mr. Shepherd said the proposed snow-removal fee was discussed at the Committee of the Whole and that the district will work with partners on timing and implementation.

Routine business also moved forward: the consent agenda — which included approval of minutes and $1,963,633.45 in bills and payroll — and the treasurer’s report were approved by recorded vote. The chair noted board member Mindy Hartman joined the meeting at 6:24 p.m.

The superintendent closed with calendar reminders including Committee of the Whole on April 20 and the next board meeting on April 27. The meeting adjourned at 6:31 p.m.