Agenda Fights Derail School Board Meeting

A regularly scheduled school board meeting led by Board Chairman Kevin Angell became dominated by procedural disagreements over agenda items, budget discussions, and the placement of public comment.

At the start of the meeting, Angell reminded board members that agenda items must be submitted at least five days in advance under board policy. Several proposed resolutions submitted outside that window were not included but could be added through a motion during the meeting. Angell also explained the removal of a previously listed agenda item related to budget needs, citing concerns about insufficient vetted information and the need for coordination with county officials before a public discussion.

Angell said he had spoken with the chair of the county commissioners and that the administration had been asked to prepare documentation outlining current district needs ahead of upcoming county meetings in February. He said a more structured briefing would be provided to the board once that process moved forward.

The board later voted unanimously, 7–0, to add the reappointment of its legislative committee to the agenda. The committee’s current members were reappointed following discussion about the committee’s work and requests from some board members to review meeting minutes to better evaluate its effectiveness.

A separate motion to add a discussion of future fiscal year budget challenges to the agenda prompted extended debate. Supporters argued the board needed earlier involvement in budget development, citing projected deficits, potential reductions totaling approximately $2.4 million, and limited opportunities for discussion ahead of required budget submissions to the county. Opponents said the administration needed additional time to gather input from principals and staff before meaningful discussion could occur.

The board ultimately voted against adding the budget item to the agenda.

Another major point of contention involved a motion to move public comment earlier in the meeting, before board votes. Supporters said the change would allow members of the public to provide input before decisions were made and would be more accommodating for parents and community members with time constraints. Opponents argued that placing public comment later in the agenda was consistent with common governance practices, allowed meetings to run more efficiently, and respected staff members’ schedules.

During debate, Angell repeatedly cited board policies and Robert’s Rules of Order, emphasizing that public comment is intended to provide input but not to prompt immediate board action. The discussion grew increasingly tense, with several members being ruled out of order for interruptions. The motion to move public comment earlier failed by a split vote.

Following continued procedural disputes related to agenda approval and points of order, a motion to adjourn the meeting was made and seconded. The board voted in favor of adjournment, ending the meeting without proceeding to the remaining agenda items.

District Statement

Following the meeting, Iredell-Statesville Board of Education released a statement explaining the decision to adjourn.

“The January 12, 2026, Iredell-Statesville Board of Education Meeting was adjourned out of session with a unanimous vote, due to interruptions that prevented productive discussion of the agenda,” the statement said.

“We apologize to students, families, and staff scheduled for recognitions and will ensure those occur at a future meeting,” Angell said in the statement. “The board will conduct routine business in a respectful and orderly manner at the next meeting that will most likely be scheduled for next week.”

The district noted that the meeting is publicly accessible and can be viewed online. Officials added that the board remains committed to open governance, constructive dialogue, and the safety and fair treatment of all participants. Additional details, including the date, time, and agenda for the next meeting, will be announced in a timely manner.