Debra "Hank" Dinschel
Robbinsville – Debra “Hank” Dinschel has been the center of several firestorms since her election to the Graham County Board of Education in November 2022.
From long speeches concerning her beliefs on a perceived conflict with a school-based health clinic and her stance on children once having the option to wear masks inside a classroom; to recent filibusters over parliamentary procedure and what she called “lies” from fellow members, Dinschel has more than stirred the pot since edging Democratic nominee Maria Shook by a mere one vote some 17 months ago.
In just 64 words, it all came to an end.
Dinschel tendered her resignation from the board of education March 27, effective immediately. The board accepted the resignation as its first order of business at Tuesday’s meeting.
Citing recent health struggles, Dinschel’s resignation letter was followed up by her Monday submission of a Letter to the Editor in The Graham Star. The letter expands on the resignation and can be read on page 4.
“Unfortunately, I have some health issues that have come up – which make it impossible for me to do my duty in a proper way,” an excerpt of the letter reads. “As many know, my husband is also going through some health issues and that plays a big role in my resignation as well.”
The letter sent to the Star came in response to a request for comment once her resignation surfaced in the public’s eye.
Most telling was her vow that she would entertain the idea to run for public office again in the future.
“I’ll not be gone from the fight for long, but for now, I will work with God to get my husband and me back to the place we need to be,” Dinschel said.
A resident of Fontana Dam, Dinschel ran as a Republican in the race that also included the voters appointing fellow GOP member Clark “Chip” Carringer, a former superintendent and member of the board of education since 2014. He currently serves as vice chair.
Dinschel’s resignation came just six days after she was notably absent from a special-called meeting, which served to gauge public input on whether the Graham County Sheriff’s Office should have jurisdiction over school resource officers. Currently, SROs answer to Graham County Schools Assistant Superintendent/Safety Coordinator Robert Moody.
Superintendent Angie Knight announced Tuesday that a special meeting to discuss who would succeed Dinschel would be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, April 16.