Monroe City School Board of Education
2006 Tower Drive
Monroe, Louisiana 71201
MINUTES
The Monroe City School Board met in regular session, Thursday, December 11, 2025, 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 Betty Ward Cooper. Pastor Lonnie Tucker of Union Baptist Church offered prayer and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Agenda Item 1C – Roll Call
Present: Mr. Sampognaro, Betty Ward Cooper, Bill Willson, Mr. Daryll Berry, Brandon Johnson and Brenda Shelling
Absent: Jennifer Haneline
Agenda Item 1D – Adoption of the Agenda
A motion was made by Mrs. Shelling and seconded by Mr. Johnson to adopt the agenda as printed. The motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item 2A Point of Pride- Academic Recognition
The superintendent led a detailed “Points of Pride” report highlighting district-wide academic improvements under Louisiana’s longstanding accountability system:
Superintendent Moore credited the district’s successes to the dedicated work of teachers, support staff, and the academic leadership team.
For the first time, Monroe City School received a district letter grade of “B,” a significant improvement from its consistent “C” grade in previous years.
The Louisiana Department of Education recognized the district for several achievements:
- Top-improving system overall in grades 3-12 for “Mastery Plus.”
- Top-growing system in math for grades 3-12, with a 4-percent point increase.
- Top growth for students with disabilities across all grades, with a 3% increase, which the Superintendent noted as a point of pride.
- Increased performance scores for all student subgroups.
- Neville High School and Wossman High School were named “Top Gains Honorees.”
- Wossman High School was also named an “Opportunity Honoree.”
(“Top Gains” recognizes schools with exceptional student progress.
“Opportunity Honorees” recognizes schools in the 90th percentile or above for performance with students with disabilities, economically disadvantaged students, or English learners.)
A summary of school performance improvements was provided:
14 out of 19 schools (74%) saw an increase in their school performance score (SPS).
There was a 50% increase in the number of schools with an “A” letter grade, with Wossman High School joining Neville High School at this level. Wossman had the highest SPS in the system. - Zero schools dropped a letter grade.
- Six schools increased by one full letter grade.
- Eight schools achieved an SPS growth of more than three points, which was highlighted as a tremendous accomplishment.
- An 11-point increase in DIBELS (literacy) results was achieved in one year (Spring 2024 to Spring 2025).
The district’s alternative school saw the greatest growth in the district at 11.1 points, improving its grade from an “F” to a “D”.
Other schools with notable SPS point gains include Neville High School (10.8), Roy Neal-Shelling (9.7), BarkdullFaulk (7.2), Thomas Jefferson (5.6) Clara Hall (5.4), Neville Jr High,
(5.3) from a C letter grade to a B, Cypress Point (3.4) Martin Luther King Jr. High (1.8), Carver Elementary (0.5), Lexington (0.3), Carroll Jr. (0.2); Sallie Humble (0.1), Madison James Foster (0.1).
The Superintendent noted that these results were achieved under the “old” accountability system and expressed confidence in the district’s ability to succeed under the new system starting in the 2025-2026 school year, citing simulated scores that show further reductions in F Labeled schools.
The Superintendent concluded by thanking the staff, teachers, community, parents, and students, stating that all actions have been laser-focused, data-driven, and aligned with research-based strategies from the Department of Education. Superintendent Moore recognized the Board Members for their dedication, support and continued commitment to serving students and the community.
Agenda Item 3A – Consent Agenda
On a motion by Mr. Johnson and seconded by Mr. Berry, the board approved the Monroe City School Board of Education Minutes, November 4, 2025, and awarded the bid for Neville High School band uniforms. The motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item 4 – Consent Items for Separate Consideration
None
Agenda 5A New Business – Extension of Employment Contract {through December 31, 2028} for Superintendent Sam L. Moore, III
On a motion by M. Johnson and seconded by Mrs. Shelling, the board approved to extend the employment contract of Superintendent Sam Moore, III. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
In Favor: Michael Sampognaro, Daryll Berry, Brandon Johnson, Brenda Shelling and Betty Ward Cooper
Not in Favor: Bill Willson
Agenda 5B – Neville Charter Application Parent Vote/Staff Vote Decision {L.R.S. 17:3973(2)(b)(iii)}
On a motion by Mr. Willson and seconded by Mr. Johnson, the board approved to vote against the requirement of parents and staff to vote. The motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item 5C – Action to prioritize addressing school safety among the concerns identified in the formal facilities needs assessments received from TAG2 Architects, per the recommendation of the Board Facilities Committee on December 3, 2025.
Mr. Johnson stated looking at the needs assessment as a whole; it will cost well over $3 million dollars. On a motion by Mr. Johnson and seconded by the board approved the action to prioritize addressing school safety among the concerns identified in the formal facilities needs assessments received from TAG2 Architects, per the recommendation of the Board Facilities Committee on December 3, 2025. The motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Items 6A&B Report of the Superintendent and Financial Report October 2025
Report provided on General Fund revenues for October.
- MFP revenue received totaling $4,381,120.
- Interest in investments totaled $38,701.70.
- October 2025 sales tax collections (August activity) increased $80,000 compared to October 2024.
o 1968 Sales Tax: Increased $65,000 (1.02% increase).
o 1994 Sales Tax: Increased $92,000 (0.94% increase).
o 2001 Sales Tax: Increased $185,000 (0.92% increase). - Code 500 reflects annual insurance payments for the 2025–2026 school year.
Grants and Federal Programs - Elected and delinquent allocations were updated in the EGMS system.
- Carryover funds for all federal grants were released.
- Updated funding allocations are reflected in financial statements.
- Additional funds were allocated to support academic initiatives.
- Superintendent reported visiting all school sites to gather parent input on Title I spending.
- Educational Excellence Fund was allocated in October to support behavioral intervention services in elementary schools.
Audit Update - Due to a federal shutdown delaying the single audit compliance supplement auditors requested and received an extension from the Louisiana legislative auditors for the June 30, 2025, financial audit; completion expected by March 31, 2026.
- Delay was due to the federal shutdown and affected districts statewide.
- Audit is expected to be completed by March 31, 2026.
Cashless Payment System (online/electronic) - The district continues to transition to a cashless system.
- Total collected through online and electronic payments as of November 30, 2025 was $179,699.79.
Policy and Legislative Update - The Governor issued an executive order directing the Office of Technology Services and CIO to establish an AI policy by December 15th. The district will monitor and update the board as guidance clarifies whether a formal board policy or internal administrative procedure is required
- Policy alert update was received from the forethought and will be reviewed by the Policy Committee.
COO Reports - Child Nutrition Services: Cypress Point Elementary recognized as Cafeteria of the Month.
- Custodial Services: Sherrouse Alternative School recognized as Facility of the Month.
- HVAC system limitations at older campuses (two-pipe and four-pipe systems) were discussed.
- Facilities need assessment has been completed.
- Safety will remain a top priority in facilities planning.
Transportation - Administration is reviewing options to expand the district’s transportation fleet.
- Challenges with electric buses were noted, and discussions with the vendor are ongoing.
- A Transportation Committee meeting will be scheduled to review the next steps.
ROTC Update - Wossman High School Army ROTC completed its inspection with positive results.
- Students and leadership were commended for their performance.
- Discussions are ongoing regarding the potential expansion of Army ROTC programming to Neville High School.
Agenda 6C – Report of Board Members
Daryll Berry – Thanked Superintendent Moore, his leadership team and appreciate the board for extending the Superintendents contract through December 2028
Brandon Johnson – thanked the leadership team for their hard work
Michael Sampognaro – thanked Superintendent Moore and his leadership team and look forward to 2026
Bill Willson – Extended holiday greetings and expressed appreciation for the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.
He thanked Superintendent Moore for participating in the VCOM program sponsored by Century Next Bank and reported that Neville Junior High School attended the program on November 21 with approximately 80 students and staff. Students toured VCOM and participated in 5 focus group sessions on various health-related topics. He noted this was the second Monroe City school to participate, following Carroll High School, and that efforts are underway to sponsor an additional junior high school.
Mr. Willson requested clarification regarding whether a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) constitutes a contract, citing constituent questions about the district’s MOU with the Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (NEDHSA).
The Superintendent explained that the MOU involves no cost to the district, carries no financial obligation, was reviewed by legal counsel, and may be executed administratively.
Mr. Willson stated that complaints have been submitted to the Louisiana State Board of Ethics alleging that Board President Betty Cooper and Vice President Brenda Shelling exceeded their board travel budgets and failed to reimburse the Monroe City School System.
Agenda Item 7 – Future Meetings – January 13, 2026, February 10, 2026 and March 17, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
Agenda Item 8 – Recess/Adjourn
There being no further business to come before the board, Board President Betty Ward Cooper adjourn the meeting at 6:58 p.m.Bottom of Form
\Betty Ward Cooper/ \Sam L. Moore, III/_
Betty Ward Cooper Sam L. Moore III
Board President Superintendent
Bottom of FormNote: 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.
