Iredell-Statesville board deadlocks on new chair election

STATESVILLE, NC — The Iredell-Statesville Schools Board of Education’s latest meeting on Monday, February 9, 2026, ended in continued leadership uncertainty and division as board members failed to elect a new chair and could not formally accept the resignation of their former chair.

The meeting, held at the Career Academy and Technical School conference room, was the first regular session since a January board meeting that made national headlines for a profanity-laced altercation between board members, including then-Chair Kevin Angell. That confrontation followed procedural disputes and resulted in heightened scrutiny of the board’s conduct.

At the February session, members were asked to nominate a new chairperson. District 4 representative Ronda Hoke nominated Vice Chair Doug Knight, while District 7 representative Anita Kurn nominated District 1 representative Brian Sloan. The vote ended in a 3-3 deadlock, with Knight and Sloan each receiving three votes, leaving the board without a duly elected chair.

With no chair elected, Superintendent Jeff James said current procedures dictate that the vice chair serve in the interim until the board resolves its leadership impasse. A similar 3-3 tie vote occurred on whether to officially accept former Chair Angell’s resignation, leaving that matter unresolved as well.

Angell stepped down from his position last month following intense criticism and public pressure after the January incident in which he and board member Mike Kubiniec exchanged heated remarks and had to be separated by staff. Both members later issued apologies, and Angell’s resignation became effective ahead of the February meetings.

During Monday’s meeting, board members also spoke about the January controversy. Some criticized the board’s public image and called for greater accountability and professionalism, while others defended their colleagues and questioned how to move forward constructively.

Vice Chair Knight, who presided over the meeting in Angell’s absence, acknowledged the dysfunction and public perception issues, saying the board “deserved the bad press” due to its recent conflicts.

The board’s next meeting is expected to revisit leadership elections and may include further discussion about improving board operations and restoring community trust. Officials encourage residents to follow official agendas and meeting postings for updates.