PENDER COUNTY — Beth Burns is planning to step down from the Pender County School Board, contingent on her appointment to the county board of commissioners.
Burns won favor of the Pender County GOP Executive Committee by one vote last week to take over the district 1 seat, left vacant by Brad George upon his resignation in August.
Having served on the school board for eight years, Burns wrote in a statement:
READ MORE: One vote decided the GOP nomination to fill vacant Pender commissioner seat
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve two terms and for the many wonderful people I have had the privilege of meeting, working alongside, and learning from along the way.”
According to the county GOP and general statute, a person cannot hold two elected positions simultaneously, though one can be appointed to a role while elected to another. Since the commissioner seat was technically an appointment from the county GOP, the party’s president, Joshua Smith, believed it was acceptable for Burns to continue in both capacities. this was confirmed by the Pender County Board of Elections as well.
However, there would be a conflict of interest, due to commissioners’ oversight on the school district’s budget.
In the statement shared with Port City Daily and posted to social media, Burns added:
“After much thought, I have decided that the best way to serve my constituents is to give my full attention to one seat rather than attempt to serve two. Yesterday, as we welcomed students back for another school year, I was reminded once again just how much time, energy, and commitment this work requires.”
Yet, Smith said the county GOP learned Monday evening that Burns was ineligible to serve in both roles, according to the North Carolina State Board of Elections and North Carolina Republican Party.
Burns informed the county party of her school board resignation on Monday evening; thus, it opens a vacancy on the school board. Smith said the Pender County Republican Party has 30 days to name a recommendation to fulfill Burns’ school board seat.
“This appointment will serve up until the swearing-in ceremony of a new board member following the November elections,” Smith said, wherein seats for districts 1, 2 and 4 are open.
Jason Jordan is seeking Burns’ district 2 seat and is running unopposed; Burns decided not to run for re-election this year.
“Once the party is notified of the date which Mrs. Burns will be sworn in, the party will schedule an executive committee meeting for a recommendation to fill the vacancy on the Pender County Board of Education, representing District 2,” Smith said.
The next commissioners meeting is Sept. 8; a Pender County spokesperson did not respond by press whether the commissioner appointment would be on the docket.
At Port City Daily, we aim to keep locals informed on top-of-mind news facing the tri-county region. To support our work and help us reach more people in 2026, please, consider helping one of two ways: Subscribe here or make a one-time contribution here.
We appreciate your ongoing support.
