Monroe City School Board of Education
2006 Tower Drive
Monroe, Louisiana 71201
MINUTES
The Monroe City School Board met in regular session, Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at Monroe City School District Central Office, 2006 Tower Drive, Monroe, Louisiana 71201. The meeting was called to order at 6:00p.m. by Board Vice President, Mr. Brandon Johnson. Prayer was offered by Board Member Daryll Berry. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Board Member Brenda Shelling.
Agenda Item 1C – Roll Call
Present: Mr. Sampognaro, Mr. Bill Willson, Mr. Daryll Berry, Mrs. Betty Ward Cooper, Mr. Johnson and Mrs. Brenda Shelling
Absent: Board President, Jennifer Haneline
Action Item 1D – Adoption of the Agenda
On a motion by Mrs. Shelling and seconded by Mr. Sampognaro the board approved to adopt the agenda as printed. The motion carried unanimously.
Action Item 2 A-E – Consent Agenda
Public Comment: Vickie Krutzer voiced her concerns about the computer hardware for the district. She wanted to know if we now have a good backup system in place. Superintendent Moore stated yes, we do have a good back up system. Mr. Ducote gave him a tour of where and what it consists of. He stated Mr. Ducote feels very confident about the security of it. Superintendent Moore will bring a report to the board and public.
Board Member Bill Willson asked for an update on the Pupil Progression Plan. CAO, Serena White explained the Pupil Progression Plan that is located online for review. There are two big changes with one being third grade other is the state adopted a 10-point grading scale as a result this had to be put in the district policy.
On a motion by Mr. Berry and seconded by Mrs. Shelling the Board approve Board of Education minutes for September 10, 2024; Social Worker Job Description; Request to Travel for Carroll High School ROTC to Vicksburg, MS; Permission to advertise for Computer Hardware for the District and approval of Monroe City Schools Pupil Progression Plan 2024-2025. The motion carried unanimously.
Action Item 3- Consent for Separate consideration
None
Action Item 4A – Approval of the Certified and Support Staff One-Time Stipend Distribution Plan for 2024-2025
Superintendent Moore noted that pre-k teachers were not included in this stipend. This one-time stipend by the legislature is $2,000 for certified employees and $1, 000 for classified employees. Mr. Moore stated they will not leave out any staff members. This check will be issued on Friday, October 11, 2024.
On a motion by Mrs. Shelling and seconded by Mr. Berry the Board approved the one-time stipend distribution plan for 2024-2025. The motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item 4B- To receive and consider the recommendation of the Insurance Committee and thereafter take action to select a vendor as the School District’s Third-Party Administrator for School District-wide employee benefit plans.
There were three providers that gave presentations to the committee that chose EBI. Superintendent Moore stated they would like to streamline the district insurance practices so employees are not dealing with so many different vendors. One of the vendors that was not chosen had questions about some things that were said about their agency. Attorney Lawrence stated one of the vendors had strong concerns and expressed discontentment. The agency felt unfair elements of the presentation and feel they were not afforded the opportunity to certain things. Mr. Willson stated all three did a good job in their presentation. The committee wanted the best choice for the district. Mrs. Cooper commented that the insurance committee was asked to look at the three vendors. She stated an Administrator stated the other two vendors would not return calls and was not pleased with them. This is the reason for looking at other vendors. Mrs. Cooper noted as for her the vendor she approved of was comprehensive, in the nature of the benefits they offered and provided more with 403B and 457 retirement benefits that the others didn’t have and would hire someone to be stationed in the district office so employees could have access to them. This is why Mrs. Cooper recommends First Financial.
Mrs. Tiffany Govan with EBI was present and spoke about her role, which is the go-to person for everyone in administration that has issues. She will bring the best plans to the district and oversee the account overall. Mrs. Govan noted with her time within the district being out with employees she saw a need. She saw a need with complaints from employees. Employees have problems with products they have, issues with knowing who these products are with, issues with knowing who to call and saw a need. Open enrollment is from September to the end of November. She wants to make this streamline and more sufficient for employees. The customer service is excellent with about 98% satisfaction rating. She saw a need and wanted to do something about it.
On a motion by Mr. Willson and seconded by Mr. Berry the board approved to receive and consider the recommendation of the Insurance Committee and thereafter take action to select a vendor as the School District’s Third-Party Administrator for School District-wide employee benefit plans.
In Favor: Mr. Sampognaro, Mr. Willson, Mr. Berry, and Mr. Johnson
Opposed: Mrs. Cooper and Mrs. Shelling
Agenda Item 4C – To receive and consider the recommendation of the Transportation committee and thereafter determine whether to increase the current Field Trip fee (“mileage”) paid to the bus operators for in-town (within the corporate limits of the City of Monroe) field trips to $50.00 or to such other sum.
Dr. Watson thanked the committee for being present. There were several bus drivers that wanted to be heard. The recommendation was to increase the current field trip from $40 to $50.
On a motion by Mr. Berry and seconded by Mrs. Shelling the board approved the increase in the current Field Trip fee (“mileage”) paid to the bus operators for in-town (within the corporate limits of the City of Monroe) field trips to $50.00. The motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item 4D – Approval/ratification of contracts and payment rates for Content Mentors in accordance with program rules and Board Policy DJCC.
Public Comment – Mrs. Krutzer inquired about after school programs falling under this policy. Attorney Lawrence will follow up with Board President. Mrs. Krutzer asked about this because of the audit findings in the 21st Century payments going out with no supervision and no oversight.
On a motion by Mrs. Shelling and seconded by Mr. Berry the board approved ratification of contracts and payment rates for Content Mentors in accordance with program rules and Board Policy DJCC. The motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item 5A and B Financial Reports
July and August 2024 Reports are located online
Agenda Item 5C – Report of Superintendent
Public Comment: Mrs. Krutzer stated as a taxpayer and citizen if Superintendent Moore and Board President Haneline would present to the public and board an itemized specific detail of corrections being taken. She’s concerned about the individuals that were paid certified staff compensation, meaning they took money out of the 1968 sales tax which directly impacted on our teachers that were certified. She asked if the public could see where this has been corrected and policies in place. Vice Board President respectfully stated to Mrs. Krutzer in his opinion was not pertaining to the Superintendent report like she requested and not to try and beat the system. She is to speak to the Superintendent in the right way. He appreciates all the knowledge she brings to the board; however, he would like to keep things in order.
Superintendent Moore noted we are currently supporting uncertified teachers and committing to alternative certification. The Human Resource Department is working on this. Mr. Moore noted from an academic perspective that the district met all their goals. The students met Lexia and Zearn goals. At the beginning of the year, dibbles screening was conducted. Based on these results they are implementing and started implementing the high dosage tutoring. He will continue to do the things that create transparency and believes in due time the public will be pleased in the direction the Monroe City School System is going. Many of the changes have been implemented from the audit finding training staff in our schools. The first round of progress monitoring will begin October 21st. School improvement plan meetings where every school principal was allowed to sit down and look at their budget. One of his priorities is to put funding into improving opportunities for kids in the Arts and that nature. Superintendent Moore shared an executive summary from the business department. The business department serves over 8,000 students and 1,400 employees. There are a lot of corrections that they are making within our own business department. MIS has 13 members supporting 19 campuses with 800 desktops and 850 smartboards, 70 servers 1200 phones and a data center. MIS are currently replacing aging wireless access points in the classrooms, upgrading older desktops where needed, upgrading JPAMS EdGear server with new OS and database, placing aging phones headsets in the district, and migrating point lines with AT&T and Central were going digital. He asked for the opportunity to make necessary changes with his Dream Team. Superintendent Moore asked the Board to consider changing the December 3rd board meeting to December 10th because he will be attending the Superintendent’s fall conference. Also, the district staff had its second “Get on the Bus Tour”. This involves engaging in the community and parental involvement. The second tour was at Berg Jones Lane Recreation Center and over 200 people came through along with Board Member Betty Ward Cooper and Board Member Brendaa Shelling. The district has been receiving positive feedback. Superintendent Moore congratulated Band Director, Mrs. D. Player and the Carroll High School Band for being invited to perform at the Saints half time game.
Agenda Item 5D – Report of the Board Member
Board Member Bill Willson inquired about the previous board meeting discussion about the board members’ travel expense categorized individually for the public. Superintendent Moore commented that if the need arises of a board member in jeopardy going over the amount then he should be allowed to speak and have a conversation with the board member (s). Mr. Willson agreed but trying to account from last year. He commented that he wants to be transparent to the public. Mr. Willson voiced his concerns about the new payroll system and if any other vendors were involved. Mr. Willson read an article out loud from the Free Press in reference to the Monroe City School Board audit and voiced his concerns. Mr. Willson stated he believes there should be a forensic audit going forward.
Board Member Michael Sampognaro noted he and Superintendent Moore along with Louisiana Blue Cross visited Cypress Point Elementary last week and gave out over 400 jackets to students. It was an honor and will do two schools next year. Mr. Willson gave a shout out to Louisiana Blue Cross for allowing him to jump in on the action for our students.
Board Member Cooper noted that on September 11th Martin Luther King along with Wossman High School had an outstanding commemoration program for the 911 victims and a performance from the ROTC students. She stated the Berg Jones tour was a success. They were happy to see the Administration Board Members and Superintendent. Good information and good food. The Curriculum Committee meeting will be meeting this month to give an overview of all the curriculum initiatives that the district will be moving forward with this year.
Board Member Daryll Berry noted this past Sunday was the ceremony for the Neville High School Activity building in honor of Sydney Seegers. Some school Board members along with staff members were present. He was glad they were able to honor Mr. Seegers.
Board Member Brenda Shelling stated the Berg Jones tour was a wonderful event. Important information was shared with the parents and students. She visited the students at Berg Jones for 2 hours on the following day and really enjoyed herself.
Board Vice President Brandon Johnson gave a huge congratulations to the Band Director(s) Mr. And Mrs. Player for putting in countless hours to represent the Carroll High School and Monroe City Schools at the Saints halftime show. It’s good to see the department heads at the board meetings to inform the board along with the public of needed information. Board President Haneline wanted to be at the meeting but was out sick. Mr. Johnson asked Mr. Moore to allow the Board Members to check their calendars before changing the December board meeting date. He asked if he could send a reminder email to all the board members. If the date changes, Superintendent Moore will have Mrs. Robinson to send it out to everyone in a timely manner.
Agenda Item 6A– Future Meetings
November 12, 2024, and December 3, 2024, at 6:00pm
Action Item 7 – Recess/Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the board, on a motion by Mr. Willson and seconded by Mrs. Shelling, the meeting adjourned at 7:17p.m.
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_/Jennifer Haneline/ ______ _/Sam Moore, III/__________
Jennifer Haneline Sam Moore, III
Board President Superintendent
Note: These minutes summarize the final decisions made by the Board at the referenced meeting. This meeting was also audio recorded, and that recording is available for review by contacting the board clerk at tonya.robinson@mcschools.net
