It appears to be a foregone conclusion that not everyone is happy with the result of last week's election of officers to the Monroe City School Board. Former Board President Betty Ward-Cooper was up for reelection to continue her role, but in a twist that may not have been a surprise, Cooper was defeated by Darryl Berry 4-3 from fellow board members. Even before the nominations were taken, local NAACP President, Rev. Ambrose Douzart rose to voice his views to the board. Ambrose rose to voice his opposition to Mr. Berry, saying that he believes that Berry was not the "best" choice to be president, if he was nominated. Before Rev. Douzart could continue, he was reprimanded by school board lawyer Douglas Lawrence, citing that Douzart could not say anything against Berry that could be seen as a personal attack against him. Rev. Douzart then left the podium and the nominating process proceeded with Berry being elected board president and Sharon Neal Greer as vice president. Sources have told The Dispatch that there is the belief that Mr. Berry may not be as aggressive in pursuing or placing on future school agendas issues that are paramount to children in under- performing schools. Many seem to be perplexed as to why a school board that is overwhelmingly Black, looks as though as it is run by a minority on the school board. When one takes a look at the makeup of Monroe city school system, the evidence shows that the city is majority Black, the school district is majority Black and most importantly, the school board is majority Black. The superintendent in this district may be white, but all superintendents, Black or white, have to answer to a board where a majority rules. Last week's vote does not share the sentiments of those who may be expecting more from a board that has been majority Black for years, but somehow seems to be led by a minority. Some have even said that some of the "brother and sisters" may be "selling out" for material things. They ask if a "slave mentality" is prevalent, meaning if one is looking out for "number 1", knowing that a reward is headed their way. We are told that "it is all "about the children", but school boards like a city council in any municipality, somehow revert back to politics. Perhaps it is all about having the "right" person in place where they will be needed to ensure that the minority remain in control. The Dispatch is not taking sides, but is only letting the community be aware that the majority of residents that have an investment in a majority Black School district for their children, is watching this board and is expecting it to "be all about the children", and that votes cast on future agenda items will be about them and only them. School board members can expect that their votes will be scrutinized as never before.