BY KARISSA MILLER
Iredell-Statesville Schools Board of Education Vice Chair Abby Trent has resigned her position on the board, effective April 4.
Trent, in her resignation letter, said that she had moved out of Iredell County due to concerns for the safety of herself and her family.
“Mr. Chairman and board members, In the beginning of March, I made the choice to move to another county, for my safety as well as my daughters,” Trent said in an email to the I-SS board. “I have been the victim of yet another instance of harassment and stalking, this time by a member of my own family. It became so extreme that I feared for mine and my daughters’ well-being. There are some who are aware of what is going on, and have asked if this is a temporary move. I can assure you it is not. Since I have no plans to move back to Iredell County, I feel that it is necessary for me to resign from this board. Please accept this as my formal resignation.”
Chairman Doug Knight announced Trent’s resignation on Monday, ahead of the board’s Committee of the Whole meeting.
According to Knight, the Iredell County Republican Party Executive Board will meet later this month, possibly around April 17, to nominate Trent’s replacement.
After the nominee for the District 3 seat is presented to the I-SS board, the board will vote to accept the nominee, Knight said.
The I-SS board will select a new vice chair during its meeting on April 14, Knight said.
Knight said that Trent has been a valuable member of the school board, contributing her expertise and passion for education to serve students, staff and their families.
Trent was elected on November 8, 2022. The District 3 seat will be on the ballot in 2026.
Sad to hear this. Ms. Trent demonstrated a willingness to learn the role and adjust her leadership style. And kudos to her for supporting the schools by showing up to many events. I’m sorry you are having to leave under these circumstances and pray for your safety.
Miss Trent’s contributions to the school board were to second motions and provide the fourth and carrying vote to support chairpersons Howell’s and Knight’s preferences. Very rarely did she participate in discussions or ask questions. I would not call that “ leadership”.
Moreover, she greatly contributed to the disharmony between board members which interfered with the efficient function of the board.
I’m not unhappy that she resigned, but I nevertheless wish her well.
Mr. Minnaugh, I know you are not unhappy that Ms. Trent chose to resign. You and everyone who is celebrating her resignation should truly be ashamed. You call out Ms. Trent as having no leadership skills. I beg to differ with you. I think everyone on the BOE has leadership qualities. Some are better than others. You do not need to be argumentative and decisive to be a good leader. In fact I was taught it is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you a fool, as to open your mouth and prove it. I for one think Ms. Trent really cared about the students in her district as well as across the county (more than just on Constitution day).
Members of the community want to get up and proclaim they are such loving Christians by reading Biblical scriptures, yet not living up to their proclamation by sowing divisions, hate and judgement. We should all try less talking and do more praying. That would change everything.
Claire,
It seems to me that it is you, who claims to be a Christian, who is judgmental and who is suggesting that someone is a fool. I didn’t demean Miss Trent, I only stated the facts about her performance on the board.
You, like some others, must be suffering from KDS, Kubiniec Derangement Syndrome.
Remember that Mike Kubiniec was in favor of posting the Ten Commandments in the schools? It was the liberal members of the board, including Miss Trent, who voted down Mr. Sloan’s proposal to post the Ten Commandments. Something to think about instead of speaking out.
Not sure why she states “yet another” when the first accusation had no ground to stand on and therefore the case dismissed. Nonetheless, this sounds like a bad situation and I hope she is able to find peace in her new home.
Perhaps she can appear on the puppet master’s radio show with her mommy and explain.
That won’t be happening…use deductive logic
Her moving away definitely lends credibility to what she currently alleges. It’s unfortunate. At the same time, falsely accusing a school board member of the same allegations is reprehensible. I’d like to believe this current situation is not a matter of crying wolf.
Imagine what other family members & others have been through as well because of the same person. Truth always comes to light.
Looking foward to sanity, intelligence, ethical, purpose with the nomination of Cindy Hanes that must be coming soon. She is the best candidate to replace Ms Trent. Please select her and start to right this ship.