Monroe City School Board of Education
2006 Tower Drive
Monroe, Louisiana 71201
MINUTES
The Monroe City School Board met in regular session, Tuesday July 14, 2026, at Monroe City School District Central Office, 2006 Tower Drive, Monroe, Louisiana 71201. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Board Vice President Michael Sampognaro. Board Member Bill Willson offered prayer and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Agenda Item 1C – Roll Call
Present: Mr. Sampognaro, Ms. Jennifer Haneline, Bill Willson, Daryll Berry, Betty Ward Cooper, and Brenda ShellingAbsent: Board President Brandon Johnson
Agenda Item 1D – Adoption of the Agenda
Mr. Willson requested unanimous consent to add Broad Horizons to the agenda, under New Business. Broad Horizons is a faith-based organization that provides after-school tutoring and focuses on students from economically challenged households. The urgent addition was due to timing, as preparation is needed for the upcoming school year.
On a motion by Mrs. Shelling and seconded by Ms. Haneline the board approved to add Broad Horizons to the board agenda under New Business Item 5K. The motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item 2 Presentation – LSU AgCenter and 4-H Program Update – Cathy Agan and Bethany Corona
Representatives from the LSU AgCenter provided an annual update on their partnership with Monroe City Schools. They highlighted the district’s long-standing cooperative agreement to provide 4-H youth development, nutrition, horticulture, and other educational programs that benefit students.
The representatives shared that:
Three Monroe City schools participated in the School Garden Grant program, receiving growing towers, seeds, and supplies to establish school gardens.
Sally Humble Elementary continues to maintain a successful school garden with support from the AgCenter’s horticulture program.
Nutrition and community health programs were provided to students throughout the year.
A second 4-H agent, Sydney Spinx, will begin on August 1, with several years of teaching experience.
Corona Bethany shared the end of the annual 4-H report:
More than 1,100 enrolled in 4-H.
Nearly 9,859 youth educated through programming.
More than 1.1 million individuals reached through outreach programs.
Thirty-two school clubs and nine specialty project clubs operating throughout the parish.
Representatives also noted that today’s 4-H program extends beyond traditional agriculture to include robotics, drones, leadership development, and other STEM-related opportunities. Schools interested in establishing a 4-H club were encouraged to contact the local extension office.
Board members recognized the achievements of Monroe City Schools participating in 4-H, including MLK Junior High being named Rookie Club of the Year and strong student participation at Achievement Day. Appreciation was expressed for the LSU AgCenter’s continued partnership and its contributions to students and the broader community.
Agenda Item 3 A-F Consent Agenda
On a motion by Mrs. Cooper and seconded by Mr. Berry the board approved Board of Education Minutes of June 9, 2026, Awarding of Bid #SFS27-01 Milk and Juice Products, Awarding of Bid #SFS27-03 School Food Products, Awarding of Bid #SFS27-04 Paper and Cleaning Supplies, Approval of Job Descriptions, and Approval of Navigate 360. The motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item 4 – Consent Items for Separate Consideration
None
Agenda Item 5A New Business – Authorization to contract to purchase motor fuels through the Fuelman Fleet fuel purchase program through a cooperative agreement with LAMATS PURCHASING SERVICES – SCHOOLS GROUP PURCHASING ORGANIZATION, other group purchasing organization, or statutory piggyback bid with other Louisiana public school districts (whichever of most favorable).
The board discussed authorizing a contract to purchase motor fuels through the Fuelman Fuel Purchase Service Program.
On a motion by Mr. Willson and seconded by Mrs. Cooper the board approved Authorization to contract to purchase motor fuels through the Fuelman Fleet fuel purchase program through a cooperative agreement with LAMATS PURCHASING SERVICES – SCHOOLS GROUP PURCHASING ORGANIZATION, other group purchasing organization, or statutory piggyback bid with other Louisiana public school districts (whichever of most favorable). The motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item 5B – JAMF Renewal
iPad management software
On a motion by Ms. Haneline and seconded by Ms. Cooper the board approved JAMF Renewal. The motion carried unanimously.
Agenda item 5C JPAMS Software Renewal
Student information system
Ona motion by Ms. Haneline and seconded by Mrs. Shelling the board approved JPAMS software renewal. The motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item 5D Xacttime Time Clocks – renewal of software/hardware support and license
Time clocks for the district
On a motion by Ms. Haneline and seconded by Mr. Berry the board approved Xacttime Time Clocks renewal of software/hardware support and license. The motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item 5E 2026-2027 Textbook Acquisition Summary
The Board received the 2026–2027 Textbook Acquisition Summary from Mrs. Anderson, which provided an overview of instructional materials and curriculum resources being ordered for the upcoming school year. The report outlined the purchasing timeline to ensure all materials are delivered and available in classrooms before the first day of school, with no delays.
Agenda Item 5F Adoption of the Millage Rates for 2026
On a motion by Mr. Willson and seconded by Ms. Haneline to adopt the 2026 ad valorem tax millage rates with the Maintenance and Operation millage set at 11.52 mills and the Support Tax 4.98.
In favor:
Michael Sampognaro
Jennifer Haneline
Bill Willson
Not in favor:
Daryll Berry
Betty Ward Cooper
Brenda Shelling
On a motion by Mr. Berry and seconded by Mrs. Cooper to approve the original recommended rates.
In favor:
Daryll Berry
Betty Ward Cooper
Brenda Shelling
Michael Sampognaro
Not in Favor;
Bill Willson
Jennifer Haneline
Agenda Item 5G Resolution Calling Election
On a motion by Mr. Berry and seconded by Mrs. Shelling the board approved the resolution calling election. The motion carried on a majority vote
Agenda Item 5H- Resolution Canvassing Returns
On a motion by Mr. Berry and seconded by Mrs. Shelling the board approved the Resolution Canvassing Returns. The motion carried.
Agenda Item 5I Authorization to join The Interlocal Purchasing System (“TIPS”), a qualified group purchasing organization.
On a motion by Ms. Haneline and seconded by Mr. Berry the board approved authorization to join the interlocal purchasing system (“TIPS”), a qualified group purchasing organization. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Agenda Item 5J Approval of Communications Technologies, Inc. contract (security equipment) via TIPS group purchasing organization
On a motion by Ms. Haneline and seconded by Mrs. Cooper the board approved Communications Technologies, Inc. contract (security equipment) via TIPS group purchasing organization. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Agenda Item 5K -Broaden Horizons (added to the agenda)
Faith based afterschool ministry that’s been in Ouachita Parish School system and Ouachita Parish at large for 18 years. This program works closely with the 21st Century after school program. The program focuses on academics, life skills, and healthy relationships, operating Monday – Thursday. The district would provide facilities and potentially coordinate federally funded hot meals for participants. Parents must opt-in via registration.
Minnie Ruffin and Neville Junior High were identified as potential schools. This program will provide the labor of certified teachers and hire college mentors. The board approved bringing the Broad Horizons program to Minnie Ruffin and Neville Junior High working with the CAO Jackie Anderson, and Superintendent Moore, and head of food service to implement the programs.
On a motion by Mr. Willson and seconded by Ms. Haneline the board approved Broaden Horizons
Agenda Item – 6A Superintendent Reports and 6B – Financial Reports
Superintendent Moore report:
Financial Reports are located online
The Academic Department
• Preliminary LEAP results reflect gains in every tested content area with the exception of mathematics, with Social Studies demonstrating the strongest improvement across the district.
Additionally, students who consistently attended the third-grade summer learning program experienced exceptional literacy growth, as 100% demonstrated improvement on the DIBELS assessment.
The district also celebrated the success of its Fast Forward Summer Program, where ten students earned Carnegie Credit, providing them with valuable opportunities to accelerate their academic progress while advancing their college and career readiness. These outcomes reflect the district’s continued commitment to providing meaningful learning opportunities that support student success.
Superintendent Moore reported closely looking at ways to expand career opportunities for our students (college, career ready or military).
Agenda Item 7A – Future Meetings
Board of Education Meetings – August 4, 2026, September 15, 2026, and October 15, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Agenda Item 8A – Executive Session
The board entered executive session at 6:58 p.m. for approximately 15 minutes and reconvened at 7:06 p.m.
Agenda Item 9 – Recess/Adjourn
There being no further business to come before the board, on a motion by Mr. Berry and seconded by Mrs. Shelling, the meeting adjourn at 7:06 p.m.
\Brandon Johnson/\Sam L. Moore, III/_
Brandon Johnson Sam L. 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.robinsons@mcschools.net.
