BY KARISSA MILLER

Iredell-Statesville Schools Board of Education members voted unanimously Monday to end their meeting abruptly due to rising tensions between some board members. As a result, the portion of the meeting when district staff and students are recognized and the board takes action on official business was postponed to a later date.

The meeting began going off the rails when board member Anita Kurn asked Chairman Kevin Angell to clarify how new matters are added to the agenda during the 4 p.m. meeting, which is generally attended only by the board and I-SS administrators. 

“Point of information: When we want to adjust the agenda and want to request a change, how do we send an adjustment to the agenda in an email without being attacked?” Kurn asked.

“Mrs. Kurn, you’re out of order,” Angell replied.

“It’s really offensive,” Kurn responded, “to say I’m using the proper method … then you get accused of being manipulative.”

Kurn’s comments came as the board was considering a motion to approve the 6 p.m. meeting agenda.

“I will not answer your question. The motion, on the table, is to approve the agenda as outlined,” Angell said.

The back-and-forth between Kurn and Angell prompted Vice Chairman Doug Knight to intercede and help the chairman regain control over the meeting. Knight made a motion to adjourn the meeting, which was then seconded by Mike Kubiniec.

Earlier in the meeting, Kurn began her criticism of the chairman.

“Are we going to have these long diatribes of board policy as we go through this constantly?” she asked

“We aren’t discussing your personal comments … I expect to be given the right to speak without interruption … we have to respect that,” Angell responded.

In a statement issued by the district after the meeting, Angell apologized to the public for canceling the regular meeting.

“We apologize to students, families, and staff scheduled for recognitions and will ensure those occur at a future meeting. 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,” Angell said.

Additional details, including the exact date, time, and agenda for the next meeting, will be announced by the district.

Watch the Meeting

A video of Monday’s meeting is accessible at https://youtube.com/live/EkXFNFY8t_M?feature=share