Monroe City School Board of Education
2006 Tower Drive
Monroe, Louisiana 71201
MINUTES
The Monroe City School Board met in regular session, Tuesday April 14, 2026, 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 President Brandon Johnson. Carroll High School Airforce JROTC presented the colors along with the National Anthem, Coach Ortadius Brass 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, Brandon Johnson and Brenda Shelling
Agenda Item 1D – Adoption of the Agenda
On a motion by Mr. Berry and seconded by Mrs. Cooper, the board approved the agenda as printed. The motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item 2A Point of Pride Neville High school girls’ basketball Tran – Division I Non-select (photos taken)
Superintendent Moore and the board recognized the Neville High School Girl’s Basketball Team on reaching the semifinals in the state championship.
Agenda Item 2B – Wossman High School Boys’ Basketball Team Division II Non-select Runner up
Coach Casey Jones was recognized with a long history of final four appearances (eleven straight years cited) and Boy’s Coach of the Year recognition.
Agenda Item 2C – Wossman High School Girls’ Basketball Team Division II Non-select, 5 time State Champions
Coach Otis Robinson, his coaches and team are a five-time consecutive state champions over five years. Coach Otis Robinson Jr. was recognized as girl’s State Coach of the Year; player Heaven Weeks recognized as State MVP.
Agenda Item 3A and B Consent Agenda
On a motion by Mrs. Shelling and seconded by Mr. Sampognaro the board approved the Board of Education Minutes for March 19, 2026 and approved the modification for Dean of Students Job Description at Carroll High School. The motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item 4 – Consent Items for Separate Consideration
None
Agenda Item 5A Recommendation regarding purchase of 2012 Tower Drive property
Agenda Item 5B Update of 2012 Tower Drive property considered for purchase
No action taken on 5A and 5B
Agenda Item 6A – Action on School Security Plan recommended for approval by the Facilities Committee on April 7, 2026.
On a motion by Ms. Haneline and seconded by Mr. Willson the board approve the facilities committee recommendations with an added priority for the key fob system. The motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item 6B – Action on recommendation to engage Design Professional for limited contract and project administration services for the synthetic turf projects
No motion or action taken
Agenda Item 7A- Report of Superintendent and Agenda Item 7B – February 2026 Financial Reports (taken together)
Financial reports were discussed today at the 5:00 p.m. finance committee meeting and are located on boardDocs
Superintendent Moore noted that the two millage renewals propositions totaling $14.41 mills which accounts for about $6.3 million annually for 10 years) and the other proposition does not include professional salaries staff that’s an additional $2.6 million which accounts about $9 million. This is a renewal not a new tax to continue the operations in our system.
Academics:
- Testing window open; end-of-year assessments underway; early indicators of continued student growth.
- Academic Team is actively working alongside schools to ensure that students are well-prepared and supported during this critical period.
- End-of-year DIBELS assessments are currently underway, and we are encouraged by early indicators showing that students are continuing to grow.
Additionally, we proudly celebrate the accomplishments of our students who recently participated in the GUMBO Games competition in Bastrop, Louisiana. Twelve MCS student-athletes represented the district with excellence, earning an impressive eight placements. Their achievement is a testament to their dedication, perseverance, and hard work. We also extend our sincere appreciation to our APE teachers for their exceptional preparation and support in helping students succeed.
Child Nutrition - Child nutrition services have passed their yearly follow-up evaluation.
- Will Continue to prioritize safety
- Moving forward for the 2026-2027 school year CNS plans to extend milk & juice, fresh fruit & vegetables, and food/bread products. Paper and Cleaning Products will be the only bid for advertising for the upcoming 2026-27 school year.
Custodial/warehouse
- The district is prioritizing and moving forward with HVAC parts pending for Cypress Point and Sallie Humble
- chillers flushed at Carroll High and MLK
- The winter weather response plan submitted by Dr. Watson for next school year.
- Hellas contracts received and signed; Carroll High School ticket booth project moving forward;
- prioritizing safety, key fobs, and SRO staffing.
Transportation
Mr. Lonnie Hudson to be named Interim Transportation Manager for the 2026–2027 school year.
Agenda Item 7C – Monroe City School Board Financial Audit Report as of June 30, 2025 – (located on boardDocs)
Agneda Item 7D – Millage Renewal – Ballot Language – (located on boardDocs)
Agenda Item 8A – Future Meetings Board of Education Meetings June 9, 2026, July 14, 2026 and August 4, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
Agenda Item 9 – Executive Session
Agenda Item A – Valesquez v. Monroe City School Board, No. 20211981 (4th JDC-Parish of Ouachita)
Agenda Item B – Oden v. Anco Insulations, et al, No. 20203456 (4th JDC-Parish of Ouachita)
Agenda Item C – Pitts v. Monroe City School Board, No. 20130369 (4th JDC-Parish of Ouachita (Any required action will be taken in open session)
On a motion by Ms. Haneline and seconded by Mr. Sampognaro the board convened in executive session at 7:07 p.m. to discuss and consider the above cases not to exceed 30 minutes. The motion carried unanimously.
Reconvene in Open Session
At 7:31 p.m. – On a motion by Ms. Haneline and seconded by Mrs. Shelling, the board reconvene in open session. The motion carried unanimously.
No action taken
Agenda Item 10 Recess/Adjourn
There being no further business to come before the board, on a motion by Ms. Haneline and seconded by Mrs. Shelling the meeting adjourn at 7:32 p.m.Bottom of Form
\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.
