The Cumberland County Commission has voted to leave the Fourth District Board of Education seat vacant until the August election. Anita Hale had previously submitted her resignation from the seat effective May 1, 2026. Sadly, on Monday the Commission learned that Mrs. Hale had passed away.
According to Cumberland County Mayor Allen Foster, because there was no election scheduled for this seat, and no one on the ballot, state law allows this seat to be filled differently. Mayor Foster reports that the Cumberland County Election Commission will issue independent petitions for this seat beginning April 21, 2026 and both the Republican and Democratic parties may caucus if they choose.