Monroe City School Board of Education
2006 Tower Drive
Monroe, Louisiana 71201
MINUTES
The Monroe City School Board met in regular session, Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at Monroe City School District Central Office, 2006 Tower Drive, Monroe, Louisiana 71201. The meeting was called to order at 6:07 p.m. by President Daryll Berry. Prayer was offered by Rev. Fee Strickland, Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Katerica Caldwell, Barkdull Faulk Elementary School.
Agenda Item 1C – Roll Call
Present: Mr. Rick Saulsberry, Ms. Jennifer Haneline, Mr. Bill Willson, Mr. Daryll Berry, Ms. Betty Ward Cooper, Mrs. Sharon Neal Greer and Mr. Brandon Johnson
Action Item 1D – Adoption of the Agenda
On a motion by Ms. Haneline and seconded by Mr. Willson, the Board approved the agenda as printed. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Agenda Item 2 – News Star’s 2021 Buddy Blair Top Scholar-Athlete Recipient
The Board recognized Anna Grace Hanson, Neville High School, for being the recipient of the News Star’s 2021 Buddy Blair Top Scholar-Athlete Award. This honor is awarded to the top student-athlete in northeast Louisiana.
Action Item 3 – Consent Agenda
On a motion by Mr. Willson and seconded by Ms. Haneline, the Board approved June 15, 2021 board meeting minutes; awarded bid #MC22-01 instructional supplies and bid #MC22-02 janitorial supplies; adopted policies: BD (School Board Policy), BCAD (Teleconference/Remote Participation in School Board Meetings) GBRIB (Sick Leave); and approved a Memo of Understanding between Carmel Hill Educational Program and Monroe City Schools for 2021-2022. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 4 – Consent Items for Separate Consideration
None
Action Item 5A – 2021-2022 District Insurance Coverage
On a motion by Mr. Saulsberry and seconded by Ms. Haneline, the Board accepted Option 1 for FY2021-2022 district insurance coverage and rejected uninsured motorist coverage. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 5B – Superintendent’s Contract
It was moved by Mr. Willson and seconded by Ms. Haneline to approve a contract for Dr. Vidrine.
Public Comment: Ms. Sandie Lollie stated that she supports the superintendent’s contract renewal.
Mr. Willson asked Dr. Vidrine if he is okay with the contract as presented. Dr. Vidrine responded that there is one detail that will be worked out with the board president.
Mr. Johnson noted that the Board received the contract only hours before board meeting. Mr. Berry responded that changes to the existing contract was emailed to board members more than a week ago.
Ms. Cooper stated that the Board has not had time to review the entire contract. She is concerned about voting on a contract that is not finalized.
Ms. Haneline and Mr. Willson thanked Dr. Vidrine for leading the district in a positive direction and through the pandemic.
The motion carried on a majority vote. Ms. Cooper and Mr. Johnson, opposed.
Agenda Item 6A – Financial Reports
* The business department is closing out the FY2020-2021district budget.
* The chief financial officer is preparing next year’s budget.
* Detailed May 2021 financial reports can be viewed in BoardDocs.
Agenda Item 6B – Report of Superintendent
* Materials for Jefferson Upper Elementary are scheduled for delivery on July 16th and work will begin on the 19th if weather permits. Since the last Facilities Committee meeting, the school has received additional water damage due to excessive rain. If the school cannot be occupied, those students will begin school at the old M.L.K. school. Prior to occupancy, an environmental agency will ensure that Jefferson is safe for students and staff.
* The district will offer insurance for at home Chromebook usage. The $30 cost will cover lost and damages. If a parent opts out of the insurance, they are responsible for replacement cost.
Agenda Item 6C – Report of Board Members
Mrs. Greer announced a parent/community meeting on July 27th at Barkdull Faulk Elementary. The time will be announced.
Ms. Cooper announced a Curriculum Committee meeting on July 28th at 6:00 p.m.
Ms. Haneline thanked Dr. Vidrine and Mr. Monroe for their responsiveness to damages at Jefferson and movement of staff from the building.
Mr. Saulsberry reported on the Parental Involvement meeting that was held on June 29th. A follow-up meeting will be announced.
Mr. Johnson thanked Dr. Vidrine, Mr. Saulsberry and Ms. Haneline for meeting with him to assess damages at Jefferson.
Mr. Willson noted that a family with students in the district lost their home when lightning struck their house. The house is a complete lost; however, no lives were lost. He encouraged everyone to contribute to their GoFundMe account. He also encouraged parents to send their students back to school because face-to-face instruction is more beneficial than virtual.
Mr. Berry congratulated Dr. Vidrine on his contract and he looks forward to continuing the work of the district.
Agenda Item 7 – Future Meetings
Board Meetings – August 10, 2021 and September 14, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
Action Item 8 – Recess/Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the board, the meeting adjourned at 6:44 p.m.
Bottom of Form
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/Daryll Berry/ /Brent Vidrine/
Daryll Berry 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 laura.jacobs@mcschools.net.
