WINDSOR – Apparently, the Bertie County Board of Education is pleased with Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart.

Fourteen months after she was hired as the Superintendent of a public school system racked with internal problems and low public opinion, Dr. Collins-Hart was praised on Monday for taking bold steps in improving education within the county.

School Board Chairman Seaton Fairless presented Dr. Collins-Hart with a plaque of appreciation. Board member Melinda Eure followed with a presentation of a gift basket.

“You came to us at a time when we faced huge challenges,” Fairless said as he stood and presented the plaque with Dr. Collins-Hart at his side. “Without your hard work, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Tough decisions had to be made, but I would like everyone to know that those decisions were made for the betterment of this county.”

In making her presentation, Eure kept her comments brief by saying, “You have our support….100 percent.”

Dr. Collins-Hart was caught off-guard by the presentations.

“This is a complete surprise,” she said. “It is an honor and a privilege to serve the children of Bertie County and to serve the Board of Education. We’ve been through some trying times, but we have overcome a lot. I see the 2006-07 year as a new day and a new beginning for Bertie County schools.”

Board member Gloria Lee said that the work ethic of Dr. Collins-Hart is hard to equal.

“All we can hope to do is keep up with you as you lead our children and lead our school system,” Lee noted.

The remaining two board members, Rickey Freeman and Rev. Gary Cordon, also offered their support.

“We have all the confidence in the world that you can get the job done here in Bertie County,” Freeman said.

“You work with such passion,” Cordon stressed. “We will continue to make strides under your leadership.”