WINDSOR – Emma H. Johnson was elected to serve a full term as chair of the Bertie County Board of Education Tuesday night.

The regular monthly meeting of the board began with Superintendent of Schools Dr. Chip Zullinger calling the session to order. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag, Dr. Zullinger turned his attention to the reorganization of the board.

School Board Attorney Carolyn Waller told board members they were to cast their votes by signed paper ballot. She distributed those ballots among the four members present. Board member Rickey Freeman was absent due to an out-of-town workshop.

The ballots were marked by the four members and returned to Waller who read the votes aloud. All four cast their ballots in favor of Johnson, who was elevated to chairperson of the board midway through last year following Freeman’s resignation from the post.

“Thank you for the trust you have placed in me,” Johnson said upon resuming her role as head of the board. “I will try to live up to your expectations and be the best chair I can be.”

Ballots were then distributed for the selection of a vice chair following the same process. Board members again selected the incumbent of the post, Gloria Lee, to remain in the job. Lee was also selected by a unanimous vote.

“I want to congratulate Mrs. Johnson on another term as chair,” Lee said. “This is truly a board that is working together to move the system forward.”

Board member Alton H. Parker said he wanted to echo Lee’s thoughts.

“Congratulations to Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Lee on their reelection as our leaders,” Parker said. “You have each done a good job and I look forward to continue working with you.

“We have made strides, but we aren’t satisfied with where we are,” he added. “We have set the bar high and this board will continue to do that.”