Bertie County's New Board Of Education

Last Night the new Board of Education for Bertie County was sworn in by the Clerk of the Court John Tyler. The only candidate in the recent election who was re-elected was Rickey Freeman from the Merry Hill area. The two new members are Mike Bracy from the Eastern area of the county, and Alton Parker from the Western area of the county.

John Tyler Admisters Oath Of Office

Following the seating of the new board, elections were held for the new Chairman and Vice-Chairman. Rickey Freeman was elected Chairman and Melinda Eure was elected Vice-Chairman.

Rickey Freeman, Chairman, Bertie County Board Of Education

Melinda Eure, Vice-Chairman, Bertie County Board Of Education

The two new members of the board, Alton Parker and Mike Bracy both had their families present.

Mike Bracy And Family

Alton Parker And Family

This new board has some rather formidable challenges. First and foremost is the need to find some way to turn our direction to teaching our children instead of buliding new buildings. Where facilities are too small, an education administration clearly needs to arrange new buildings. However, nation-wde, no evidence has ever been found that consolidation of schools or fancy new buildings improves the educational quality for children. In any event, at this point, we have great school buildings. Now we need to have a great education experience for our children.

It is time to focus on the classroom.