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A week after former school board chairman Jeff Chance resigned, the Stanly County Republican Executive Committee convened Tuesday night at its Burleson Square headquarters and agreed upon an individual to replace him on the board.

The committee, which is comprised of 27 members, debated for quite some time before selecting Dustin Lisk of Stanfield, according to Stanly County Republican Party Chairman Matthew Swain. The other three nominees considered were former school board chairman Melvin Poole, Levi Greene and Jerry Morton.

“The nominees all witnessed the vote count and agreed that Mr. Lisk was the winner according to the rules established,” Swain said. “No member of the executive committee questioned the decision or requested the count, so it was not announced.”

Swain said the meeting was “very cordial” with all sides — nominees and executive committee members — allowed to ask and answer questions.

“I was extremely impressed by everyone present,” Swain added, “and commend all the nominees who were willing to put their names for election.”

Lisk, 41, lives in Stanfield and works as a wealth management advisor with Raymond James. As a father of two young children, he said he has a “vested interest” in the success and quality of the school system, especially since his oldest child will begin kindergarten next year.

Though he knows the community is “unsettled” over “contentious issues” such as the mask policy, Lisk said he is “up to the challenge to unify our community.”

Board Vice Chairwoman Glenda Gibson issued a statement on behalf of the board congratulating Lisk on being selected as its newest member.

“We are looking forward to working with him and are certain he will be a wonderful asset to the Board,” she said. “We would like to thank the Republican Party and executive board for meeting so quickly and for their diligent work in this matter.”

The recommendation will be made official over the next few days, Swain said, since he still has to send out certified letters and documents. He said Lisk will likely be sworn in during the board’s November meeting though it could occur sooner, if the board decides to convene a special called meeting.

Stanly is one of 26 counties in the state where, according to North Carolina General Statue § 115C-37.1, vacancies in offices of county boards elected on partisan basis can be filled by the vacated member’s political party. This is the first time the executive committee has appointed a new school member following a resignation, Swain said.