Special to Iredell Free News

Kevin Angell, who works as executive director for Children’s Homes of Iredell County, announced this week that he will run for a seat on the Iredell-Statesville Schools Board of Education in 2024.

In his campaign announcement, Angell said he aimed to bring “transformative leadership” and  an “unwavering commitment to education to the forefront of the community.” A Republican, Angell is running for the District 2 seat on the seven-member board.

Candidate filing begins on Monday, December 4, and ends on Friday, December 15. The general election is scheduled for November 5. Primary elections are scheduled for Tuesday, March 5.

Angell outlined his vision for the I-SS Board “places parents at the forefront, supports educators in every aspect, and operates with a high level of professionalism.” This core principles, he explained, are grounded in a belief that a “collaborative, inclusive, and forward-thinking approach is key to the success of our students and the prosperity of the entire community.”

♦ Advocating for Parents: Angell said he recognizes the vital role parents play in a child’s education. He said he will work to foster open lines of communication, encourage parental involvement, and seek feedback to address the diverse needs of families. By advocating for parents, Angell hopes to help create an educational environment that is “responsive, transparent, and tailored to the unique requirements of every student.”

♦ Supporting Educators: Angell said that educators are the backbone of I-SS. He said he will work to provide the necessary resources, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment to empower teachers. He aims to ensure that every teacher feels “valued, equipped, and motivated to inspire and guide students toward success.

♦ Bringing Professionalism to the Board: With experiencing managing multi-million-dollar budgets, overseeing government grants, and managing contracts with government agencies, Angell would bring considerable experience in fiscal responsibility and effective governance. He said he would work to instill “a high level of professionalism on the school board, ensuring transparent and accountable decision-making.”

Angell said his professional background and community service have prepared him to serve on the I-SS Board.

After starting his professional career in 2008 as a youth minister, Angell became involved in community initiatives. His volunteer work with Mi Familia Institute and the initiation of a youth-mentoring program contributed to the attainment of the 2009 All-America City Award in Statesville.

He participated in Leadership Statesville in 2009, which provided a deeper understanding of the social, political, cultural, and economic needs of the community. From 2012 to 2022, Angell served in leadership roles at Children’s Hope Alliance, where he played a pivotal role in the expansion of services for juvenile justice-involved youth and the creation of school-based mental health counseling programs.

In July 2022, Angell was hired as executive director for Children’s Homes of Iredell County, overseeing the expansion of service capacity by 25 percent and launching evidence-based community-based aftercare programs for young adults transitioning out of foster care.

Beyond his professional commitments, Angell has been an active member of Grace Baptist Church, serving in various capacities, including deacon, Deacon Board chair, and Sunday School teacher. In 2020, he ran for the I-SS Board, securing 47 percent of the vote.

In 2023, Angell continued his dedication to community service as treasurer for Center Stage Alliance, as director of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee for the Project Management Institute of the Carolinas, and as a board member for The Advocate Ministry.