When qualifying closed for Monroe City School Board elections, there were three contested seats. Since then, one candidate has dropped out, and another may be challenged over residency problems.
Rick Saulsberry was elected four years ago to represent District 1 on the school board, a seat formerly held by Vickie Dayton. Saulsberry’s win was a landmark because all blacks before him were unsuccessful in winning a Northside school board seat.
Saulsberry picked up an opponent in the person of a Building contractor. Michael Sampognaro.
However, before the ink dried on the qualifications, Saulsberry withdrew with an explanation.
Board member Darryl Berry also drew a challenger. Deborah Smith, an employee at Carroll High School and an active member of the Carroll Alumni Association, filed to run against him.
However, shortly afterward,…
