WINDSOR – Tonight’s the night.

The Bertie County Board of Education has called a Special Open Session for 6:30 p.m. today (Thursday) where it is expected the board will vote on the contract of a permanent superintendent.

If that vote is favorable, there is time set aside during this evening’s meeting to formally introduce the new superintendent to the public. Additionally, a press conference is scheduled with the board and new superintendent.

The meeting will take place in the Board of Education room located at the Bertie Public Schools Central Office.

Bertie Public Schools has been without a permanent superintendent since Jan. 23 where, during an

emotionally-charged meeting, the Bertie School Board, in a split 3-2 vote, terminated the contract of Superintendent Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart.

Less than one week later, the school board voted to hire Dr. Michael Priddy as interim superintendent.

Dr. Priddy’s initial contract was scheduled to end June 30, but the board, in their meticulous search for a permanent leader, extended his contract until Sept. 30 or earlier if a new superintendent was hired.