WINDSOR – The Bertie County Board of Education took an unusual route to a new vice chair Dec. 6.

That meeting was the annual reorganization of the board by state law and board members made only a slight change.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Debbie Harris-Rollins opened the floor for nominations for the position of board chair.

Board member Alton Parker moved to return Gloria Lee to the post. With no other nominations, Dr. Harris-Rollins called for a vote and Lee was reelected to her post by a unanimous decision.

“Thank you fellow board members for entrusting me with the duties for another year,” Lee said. “I will do my best.”

Lee then asked for nominations for Vice Chair, and board member Pamela Chamblee nominated Emma Johnson. Chamblee had served as Vice Chair during the previous year.

Parker then nominated Chamblee to return to the post, saying he was pleased with the way the board leadership had functioned for the last year.

Chamblee said she appreciated the vote of confidence, but felt she was busier than she should be to serve as vice chair. She said there were times when things requiring her signature had waited because of her schedule.

Lee then called for a vote with Chamblee, Lee and Johnson voting for Johnson. Parker and board member Rickey Freeman voted for Chamblee.

“Thank you everyone for the job you’ve done in the past,” Lee said. “Those who are not officers, thank you for your hard work and I look forward to your continued work in the coming year.”

In other business, the board:

• approved fundraisers for West Bertie Elementary School, Bertie STEM High School and the Children’s Miracle Network;
• agreed to the reorganization of the board’s policy manual;
• approved policies on service animals, substitute teachers and technology credits;
• approved a Teacher Performance Appraisal;
• voted 4-1 to agree to an increase in fees from Tharrington Smith, the school board’s attorneys;
• agreed to leave coaching supplements in place for the current school year.