Iredell-Statesville Schools board chair resigns after threatening another member
The chair of the Iredell-Statesville Board of Education on Monday resigned “effective immediately” following a January scuffle with another member.
Kevin Angell, who was elected to the board in November 2024, was not present at the regular board meeting Monday night, but his resignation letter was read by Superintendent Jeff James. Angell relinquished not only his role as chair, but as a board member entirely.
“This decision was not made lightly,” he stated in the letter read by James. “I believe it’s the right step.”
The statement read by James did not address specifically why Angell is stepping down. However, Angell got into a heated argument with longtime board member Mike Kubiniec at the board’s meeting Jan. 12, which ended with the two hurling curse words and, eventually, Angell threatening physical violence.
“The best thing that’s gonna happen to this community is when your sorry (expletive) is out of it,” Angell said, The Charlotte Observer’s media partner WSOC previously reported.
“Bring it on, (expletive),” Kubiniec said.
“I could kill you right now,” Angell said.
As Angell exited, Kubiniec took a parting jab.
“Don’t let the door hit you in the (expletive) on the way out,” Kubiniec said.
“Mike, you are this close to getting your (expletive) head ripped off,” Angell said.
Both Angell and Kubiniec later issued apologies, though Kubiniec called for action against Angell for threatening to kill him, WSOC reported.
Following the exchange, the Iredell County Republican Party issued a statement on Jan. 31 condemning the behavior and calling for Angell to be removed as chair, “either by personal resignation or school board action.” Both Angell and Kubiniec are members of the Republican Party.
“It is our responsibility to lead the Republican Party and encourage good governance within county elected and administrative offices,” the party’s statement said. “The recording and transcript released by the media has shown behavior that does not meet this standard, particularly from the school board chairman towards an elected school board member.”
The Iredell-Statesville Schools board clerk has not yet responded to a request for further information.
This story was originally published February 3, 2026 at 3:32 PM.
