LUMBERTON, NC (WBTW) – A board member with the Public Schools of Robeson County resigned at the district’s board meeting Tuesday night.
Loistine DeFreece stepped down after it was revealed that DeFreece was living outside of the district she represented, which was district 1.
Several community members commented on DeFreece’s actions at the meeting.
“That is something that should have been taken care of years ago. My concern is how could this have went on for so long when she wasn’t qualified to represent that district,” said Tyrone Watson.
DeFreece served on the board for over 15 years.
Chairman John Campbell told News13 he met with DeFreece a few days ago concerning rumors of her living outside the district. Those rumors were proved correct through documents.
“I appealed to her to consider resigning and after much deliberation, soul-searching, and prayer, I’m sure she had concluded to leave on her own terms,” Campbell said.
DeFreece addressed the board and community regarding her decision to resign Tuesday.
“District One, thank you for your overwhelming support for the past 15 years. You are not only district one, you are number one. I will always be your number one advocate,” DeFreece said.
She told the audience her goal is to represent “all of Robeson County” by running at-large in March. If she wins, DeFreece will serve on the 2020 school board.
The district one seat is now open. Chairman Campbell said the board will soon discuss how to fill the position.
“I don’t know whether we’ll have applications. it’s something we’ll have to decide as a board,” he added.
News13’s Annie Mapp posted updates from the meeting on social media.
Count on News13 to bring updates on how the board will fill the open position.
