BY KARISSA MILLER

Following Abby Trent’s recent resignation from the Iredell-Statesville Schools Board of Education, the board is expected to select her replacement for the District 3 seat on Monday night.

Trent, who was sworn into office in December 2022, said in her resignation letter that she was stepping down because of concerns about the safety of her family after instances of harassment and stalking.

The meeting, which is open to the public, is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Career Academy and Technical School, located at 350 Old Murdock Road in Troutman.

The first item on the meeting agenda is a vote to accept the Iredell County Republican Party’s nomination of Cindy Haynes to fill the vacant seat for District 3.

I-SS Board members have indicated that they will vote to appoint Haynes to serve the remainder of Trent’s term. If that happens, Haynes will immediately be sworn in to office.

Following the swearing-in ceremony, the next item of business will be for the board vote on a new vice chair, which was left vacant when Trent resigned.

Haynes, a former I-SS Board member, was nominated by the GOP during a special meeting on April 17.

According to Iredell County GOP Chairman Sean McGowan, two residents of District 3 sent resumes and declared their interest in the open seat after the vacancy was advertised. One candidate withdrew on the day of meeting due to his mother’s declining health.

“We as an executive body of Republicans support Ms. Haynes, and trust the members of the School Board to welcome her and fulfill the appointment at your earliest convenience, in order to better serve the students, faculty and community served by Iredell-Statesville Schools,” McGowan stated in a letter.