Monroe City School Board of Education
2006 Tower Drive
Monroe, Louisiana 71201
MINUTES
The Monroe City School Board met in regular session, Tuesday, August 16, 2022 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 President Brandon Johnson. Pastor Sam L. Moore, III of Greater Flowery Mount Baptist Church, offered prayer and Kenya Roberson of the Black Chamber of Commerce led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Agenda Item 1C – Roll Call
Present: Mr. Rick Saulsberry, Ms. Jennifer Haneline, Mr. Bill Willson, Mr. Daryll Berry, Ms. Betty Ward Cooper, Mr. Brandon Johnson, and Mrs. Sharon Neal Greer
Action Item 1D – Adoption of the Agenda
On a motion by Mr. Willson and seconded by Mr. Berry, the Board approved Monroe City Academy League (MCAL) and Suspension of policy KF to be added to the agenda and Consent Item 2C, adoption of amended Board Policy BBBE-R to be moved to Consent Item for separate consideration. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
On a motion by Mr. Berry and seconded by Mr. Willson the Board approved the agenda with the additions as noted. The motion caried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 2 – Consent Agenda
On a motion by Mr. Berry and seconded by Ms. Haneline, the Board approved, Board of Education minutes for July 27, 2022; Suspension of board policy BD requiring introduction and first reading to permit consideration for adoption amendments to Board Policies BBBE-R and DJD;; adoption of amended board policy DJD; first reading of policy BE(school board ethics) EDD(school bus scheduling and routing), GAAA(equal employment opportunity), GAMB(employee dress code), JAA(equal education opportunities), JBD(student absences and excuses), JCDAF(bullying and hazing), JCDB(student dress code), JD(discipline), JDE(expulsion), JGC(student Health services), JGCD(administration of medication, JM(student Voter registration-New Policy, JQA(expectant and parenting students), DJED(bids and quotations);graduation date change 2022-2023 school year; Louisiana children’s research center for development and learning inc.; and restorative practices. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 3A – Consent Items for Separate Consideration
Mr. Johnson gave insight on MCAL. Mr. Johnson stated he and Mr. Willson looked at some numbers on yesterday and thought it would be a good idea to have a cooperative endeavor agreement with MCAL. They believe it would be good to allow MCAL to use the facilities at Carroll High School and Wossman High School for one hundred and ten dollars a week ($110.00). If it pleases the Board, he would like to start the agreement with the understanding of MCAL having the proper insurance that’s needed to make sure they are liable for anything that happens on the campus through the district what is required. Mr. Willson inquired about clean up. Mr. Johnson responded, MCAL has a cleanup team.
On a motion by Mr. Berry and seconded by Mr. Saulsberry the Board approved to enter into a cooperative endeavor agreement with MCAL and to charge MCAL $110.00 a week for the usage of the facilities at Wossman High School and Carroll High School.
Mr. Johnson appreciated the support. Mr. Berry stated to Mrs. Hollins with MCAL that they are doing a great job and look forward to working with the organization.
Mrs. Hollins thanked the Board for their consideration and time. She stated this is a great opportunity for our youth.
Mr. Johnson stated usage of the fields and transportation was discussed on last night and forgot to mention about the transportation from the schools to the community centers. He wants to address this in the endeavor and make sure the parental is in place for drop off. Attorney Lawrence asked if there were any objections from the board. There were none. Ms. Haneline think it’s important to point out for those who might be a little lost on what’s being discussed. It was discussed at the facilities meeting on yesterday and the information can be reviewed online to why we are providing service or making a special exception for this organization. Mr. Johnson thanked the board for the clarification. Mr. Willson asked Mrs. Hollins to give a report midway through the season to give an update. Mr. Johnson responded, he spoke with Mrs. Hollins and a partner with this program. He noted MCAL will gather data on ELA, eureka math to see how effective the program will be to the students that are participating.
Action Item 3B- Suspension of Policy KF
President Brandon Johnson asked the Board for their support to suspend the policy for having funerals at the school. Mr. Johnson stated a legend in our community and our schools Coach Jesse Burnette has transitioned and believe it will be right to have his wake and funeral service at Carroll High School. Mr. Willson stated it’s not like we are starting something new. Mrs. Haneline asked is there a specified time for suspension of the policy. Mr. Johnson responded, for this weekend.
On a motion by Mr. Berry and seconded by Mr. Saulsberry, the Board approved to suspend policy KF, August 19, 2022, through August 21, 2022, for the wake and funeral service of Coach Jesse Burnette.
Mr. Johnson thanked the Board for their support. Mr. Saulsberry inquired about a resolution. The Board agreed to have a Resolution done for Coach Jesse Burnette.
Action Item 3C -Adoption of Amended Board Policy BBBE-R
Mr. Johnson stated this is the Board travel policy and believes this policy has not been revised in about 15 years. It puts a stipulation on the amount of money the Board is allowed to utilize each year for travel. He stated if it please the Board, he would like this policy to be reviewed and possibly take the restriction off by Ms. Haneline and the policy committee. Ms. Haneline stated she will need a recommendation for what specifically is being asked to change or want in the policy. She stated a meeting is scheduled for the last week in August somewhere between the 20th and 29th. Mr. Johnson noted he would like the Board Members to review this policy, and if there are any concerns to email the policy chair Ms. Jennifer Haneline. Mr. Johnson noted from here we can move forward and bring it to the Board for approval.
On a motion by Mrs. Cooper and seconded by Mr. Berry the Board approved policy BBBE-R to be taken to the policy committee and bring back to the full Board. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Agenda Item 4 Report of Superintendent
* The financial budget committee will meet August 30th at 5:00pm
* Primetime has not been re-approved yet and have an extension until the end of August. Prime time had a one-year lease and Dr. Vidrine is now looking to do a month to month.
Mr. Johnson inquired about revising a month-to-month versus year-to-year contract. Attorney Lawrence stated everything should be understood by August 31st on what will happen. Mr. Johnson stated September 1st we will need a signed contract.
* Facilities and Curriculum meeting was held previously, the Chairperson will speak on their meeting.
* Great first two days of school opening
* Dr. Vidrine spoke at the Chamber of Commerce luncheon today and gave handouts on how to follow us on Instagram, twitter, and Facebook to see what’s going on in the Monroe City School District.
Agenda Item 4C – Report of Board Members
Ms. Haneline reported on the policy meeting. There were changes in policies from the state and legislation that was recently passed. Ms. Haneline and Attorney Lawrence will be reviewing policies and the language next week. She thanked Dr. Vidrine for his presentation this afternoon to the community about the Vision for the Future in our Education also the work that he has put in place to make sure our staff have all resources needed to feel comfortable to moving forward and providing extra mental health services for our students and resources for our staff. Ms. Haneline stated since she’s been on the Board, the prayers at the beginning of our meeting are very exclusive to Christian Religion. She stated we have people in our community who does not practice Christianity and would like us to be inclusive. She stated its loving and generous to be inclusive of everybody.
Mr. Saulsberry reported thanked everyone that came out to the facilities committee meeting on yesterday. District is moving good on facility projects. He stated the district was required to get new water fountains that were placed throughout the district and strategic locations. Carroll High School restrooms will possibly be completed by the end of the month, Neville High School restrooms is in phase 1 and will begin work soon as well as Wossman. all elementary School s will receive new playground equipment, Jefferson Upper Elementary is open with new furniture, Roy Neal Shelling Elementary parking spots will be redone, new paint job inside and out, handrails for Carroll High School stadium home side will be in place by the end of the month. Mr. Johnson stated the Mental Health Center has taken away locker room space for the track and soccer team with a majority being women. They need a place to dress and things of that nature. The visitor side bleachers have been approved so they will look at adding a building under the bleachers. He stated since this have been approved by the state, we can revise those plans and move forward to resubmit with a different budget.
Mr. Saulsberry thanked the Board for approving MCAL and what they are doing in the community with the kids.
Mr. Berry thanked the Board for all the good things we are doing in the district. He acknowledges Sandie Lollie. Mr. Berry Recognized Kenya Roberson, president, and chairman of the Monroe Regional Black Chamber of Commerce. He stated to Dr. Vidrine he did a great job at the Chamber of Commerce meeting and look forward to a lot of great things for the upcoming year.
Mrs. Cooper was happy to report there was a great curriculum meeting an hour before this Board Meeting. She stated one of the presentations was from the team at Ouachita Parish Public library System that shared great information about their services and upcoming partnerships they would like to develop. Mrs. Rochelle Williams presented information from the Bailey Education Group providing student support services. Mrs. Cooper noted our goal is to make sure student achievement, student growth is realized and that educator in the classroom is the number one person to help bring it about and they’re providing services for our teachers. Mrs. Cooper stated Mr. Jerry Mayhall provided the new initiatives regarding the career and technical education programs. She noted the contract was approved to continue with Literacy Coaches and will have data soon to see if it’s working. Mrs. Cooper recommended to everyone to view the Board or Committee meetings online for information.
Mr. Willson reported he is currently serving on the Education and Government Committees with Monroe Chamber of Commerce. They have been working on a three-month project that includes meeting with principals to determine what needs they have for teachers, staff, school at large that local companies can help with. He hopes to report by next meeting in September all principals have responded what their needs are. Mr. Willson has been working on collaboration with Monroe Chamber of Commerce and University of Louisiana of Monroe to provide banners for each of the schools; this is a source of pride. Mr. Willson has with working with the Chamber of Commerce in reference to Roy Moye, an aeronautical engineer, to come in our school system to present a STEM musical presentation to our third and fourth graders. They are looking at September 15th and 16th. Once the dates and everything is finalized it will be announced in the September meeting. Mr. Willson stated to Dr. Vidrine he did a wonderful job today and was very pleased. Mr. Willson made a correction on information by our BESE Board indicated that we were below the southern regional average of average teacher pay, he stated that’s not true and explained why.
Mrs. Greer reported we had a good year and looking forward to having a successful school year. The district goal is to ensure every child has a rewarding education or experience. Mrs. Greer wanted to leave some pointers for parents, attend school open house or activities to meet the teachers and staff, provide information to the teachers about your child so the teacher can better understand your child’s needs, your involvement, and your expectations, establish a clear line of communication with teachers, share your email, discuss how you would like to structure regular communications and maintain daily communication with your child. She welcomed all the new teachers, and staff back to school and to have a successful year.
Mr. Johnson thanked the Board for their support tonight and all the hard work that has been put in taking care of Monroe City School Business. He thanked Kenya Robertson and Pastor, Sam L. Moore, III. Mr. Johnson advised Dr. Vidrine to inform Dr. Eric Davis that the Board has approved the family of Coach Jesse Burnette to have his wake and funeral this weekend at Carroll High School. Mr. Johnson stated it was good to see Mrs. Shelling and Mrs. Deborah Smith.
Action Item 7 – Recess/Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the board, on a motion by Ms. Haneline and seconded by Mrs. Cooper the meeting adjourned at 6:44 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.
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Brandon Johnson Dr. Brent Vidrine
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.
