Monroe City School Board of Education
2006 Tower Drive
Monroe, Louisiana 71201
MINUTES
The Monroe City School Board met in regular session, Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Monroe City School District Central Office, 2006 Tower Drive, Monroe, Louisiana 71201. The meeting was called to order at 6:18 p.m. by Board President Jennifer Haneline. Prayer was offered by Board Member Betty Ward Cooper of Monroe City Schools. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Board President Jennifer Haneline.
Agenda Item 1C – Roll Call
Present: Mr. Bill Willson, Mrs. Betty Ward Cooper, Mr. Brandon Johnson, Mr. Daryll Berry Board President Jennifer Haneline
Absent: Mr. Michael Sampognaro, and Mrs. Brenda Shelling
Action Item 1D – Adoption of the Agenda
Mr. Johnson asked for 2C to be moved to New Business agenda item 4C; add food & produce under consent to advertise for bid; and add permission to advertise bid for auditor for next term.
On a motion by Mr. Johnson and seconded by Mr. Berry, the Board approved to adopt the agenda with the above changes and additions. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Consent Agenda Item 2
On a motion by Mr. Johnson and seconded by Mr. Willson the board approved the consent agenda with the moving of agenda item 2B to agenda item 3A consent item for separate consideration. The Board approved
Board of Education Minutes May 7, 2024; Consideration of policy amendments (First Reading) GBN (Dismissal of Employees); Consideration of policy amendments (First Reading) BCAC (Disability Accommodations for School Board Meeting Participation); Consideration of policy amendments (First Reading): CBD (Employment of the Superintendent); Consideration of policy amendments (First Reading): CB (School Superintendent); food & produce advertise for bid and permission to advertise bid for auditor for next term.
Consent Items for Separate Consideration 3A – Approval of Gallagher insurance program renewal package including renewal of property, casualty and student accident coverages (scope of all coverages summarized in Gallagher insurance plan summary attached) Moved from agenda item 2B
Public comment: Mrs. Krutzer inquired about employment practices and employee and benefits liability premium, what caused it to double from $61,000 to $120,000
No action taken
Agenda Item 4A – Naming of 2024-2025 Official Journal for the Monroe City School Board
Mr. Willson motion to adopt the NewStar World as official journal.
Motion failed
On a motion by Mr. Johnson and seconded by Mrs. Cooper the board approved to continue with the Free Press. Motion carried on a unanimous vote.
In favor: Mr. Berry, Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Johnson, Ms. Haneline
Opposed: Mr. Willson
It was moved by Mr. Johnson and seconded by Mrs. Cooper to approve the Chief Operational Officer.
Mr. Willson stated for the record, he has concerns about this position being created. 1. He believes this is a position the Superintendent should basically be over. 2. He stated we have a great need for the southside schools, which he believes is 10 D and F schools. He thinks this resource could be better devoted to and diverted to improving the education in those schools. He stated 105,000 to 120,000 when added in the
HR additional cost increases, you’re looking at $150,000 to $160,000 annually, he believes could be spent on these schools that we have great need for. This is why he is against this and realizes the votes aren’t here and that’s part of the deal but at the same time he’d rather that money be spent in another way.
Ms. Haneline commented on both candidates as interim Superintendents said in their interview that they would look sat a COO and CAO. Mr. Johnson called for question.
In Favor: Mr. Berry, Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Johnson, Ms. Haneline
Against: Mr. Willson
Agenda Item 4C School Support Group/Auxiliary use of school office space (moved from agenda item 2C)
Attorney Guice explained the rough draft policy that they hope to refine and get back at the next meeting. They attempted to come up with a district wide policy that will allow support groups at any of the schools, if the principals of the schools and Superintendent deemed that support group to be beneficial to the district that will allow them to execute a lease agreement (Mr. Lawrence and Mr. Guice) and then will allow them to utilize a space designated by the principal and that school. This does not entail the free use of the school facilities. It will be limited to that designated space which would be under lock and key. They will supply their own office supplies, computer system and their own insurance. They will give a list of eople that will be affiliated with them and will need to have a background check. This is what the policy entails. Before this is brought back to the board, the Attorneys and0 Mr. Moore will meet with the principals to make sure this adequately meets their needs. Ms. Haneline suggested a policy meeting before the end of the month.
No Action.
Agenda Item 5A Reports April 2024 Financial Reports
Mr. Johnson noted that the financial reports are located on boardDocs. A finance committee meeting is held before each board meeting. Mr. Johnson encourages everyone to attend the meeting if they have questions or concerns.
Mr. Willson scheduled an insurance committee meeting for Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 6:00pm
Public comment: Mrs. Vickie Krutzer stated looking at the finances we get five (5) reports and asked if the board could get a report that says all funds. She noted we are at an estimate of $160 million dollars for budget. She asked if the public could get a breakdown of all funds.
Agenda Item 5B – Report of Superintendent
Superintendent Moore noted:
* Summer camps are in full swing with 1, 528 campers daily in the district
* The teacher leader conference was the largest attendance this year. Mrs. White and her team presented and was well received with the data that was share was outstanding
* New Principals in the district
Mr. Bakari Beckwith – Barkdull Faulk Elementary
Mrs. Wendy LaSuzzo – J.S. Clark Elementary
Mr. Gary Jackson – Madison James Foster Elementary
Mrs. Shannon Embanato – Sallie Humble Elementary
Mrs. Shantaye Wilson – Clara Hall Elementary
Mr. Matthias Drewry Assistant Principal – Sallie Humble Elementary
* Brittany Robinson – Supervisor for Pre-k – 3rd
* Dr. Brian Bush – Director of Child Welfare and Attendance
* Shinae Herron – Over Federal Programs
* Serena White Chief Academic Officer
* In 2024-2025 school year if the child is not reading on grade level, then the child will be retained
* Carroll High School construction band room expansion update – instruments, cabinet shelves are being installed and fire sprinklers being completed, flooring, painting to begin after carpentry placement and estimated certificate of completion is July 2024
* Neville High School final preparation on going fire inspection partially completed. The preliminary punch list work is being addressed by the contractor. Completion date July 2024
* Sallie Humble incomplete but moving along fast. Completion is scheduled for January 2025
* Neville School batting cage should be shipped on 09/2024
Report of Board Members 5C
Mr. Willosn noted that there will be an Insurance Committee Meeting on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 6:00pm. He congratulated Superintendent Moore on Principals assignment for every indication.
Mr. Moore added the sales tax check will be issued on June 18th.
Mrs. Cooper was happy to attend the three graduations and stated it was a very special moment for the students’ families and friends. Mrs. Cooper is proud and praying for them all.
Mr. Johnson congratulated Mr. Gary Jackson and was glad to have him back. He looks forward to great things at Madison James Foster. Mr. Johnson stated Mr. Willson informed the board of some things at J.S. Clark need attention. Mr. Johnson requested to have Mr. Monroe or someone to look at the curtains in the school’s auditorium.
Mr. Berry – No reports
Ms. Haneline congratulated Mrs. Haneline cp on Chief Academic Officer (CAO) and Mr. Jackson as Principal. There will be a meet and greet for Principal Beckwith on June 27th at 8:30am. She congratulated Mrs. Farmer from Sallie Humble on her retirement and years of service.
Mr. Moore added the district is moving forward with the jumpstart pathway that will be fully funded by Chief Williams and the fire department. We will provide transportation to the public safety building. Once the student has completed and received their certificate, they can be employed as fire fighters in Louisiana. There will be a preliminary meeting with Mr. Robert Jordan to discuss bringing in auto mechanic which has several pathways. The ages start at 16 and 18 to take the test for the fire department. The school will make sure it can fit in with the student’s class schedule.
Mrs. White stated she asked the gifted and talented art department to expand this ti talented music and talented theater. The first round of auditions is completed.
Ms. Haneline noted that BESE (Board of Elementary and Secondary Education) is voting tomorrow on high school accountability measures. The encouragement was to the BESE board members to tell them how you feel about it. Ms. Haneline thanked the supportive atmosphere of the board and the system. She believes we are moving in a positive direction. Ms. Haneline publicly apologized to being over responsible when she took over on the board. She received great advice to step back and let the people that are experts do what they do. She appreciates the ones that provide input and feedback.
Agenda Item 6 – Future Meetings
Board of Education Meetings – July 9, 2024, and at 6:00pm and August 13, 2024, at 6:00pm; Southern Region Leadership Conference July 21-23, 2024
Agenda Item 7 Executive Session – The Board will convene in executive session regarding the lawsuit Brent Vidrine v. Monroe City School Board Case No. C-20241301(4th Judicial District Court, Parish of Ouachita). Any necessary Board action will be taken in open session.
On a motion by Mr. Johnson seconded by Mr. Willson the board approved to convene in executive session at 7:16pm not to exceed ten (10) minutes. The motion carried unanimously.
On a motion by Mr. Johnson seconded by Mr. Willson the Board reconvened in regular session at 7:27pm.
The motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Mr. Johnson and seconded by Mrs. Cooper the Board authorized to proceed as recommended to the board in executive session. The motion carried unanimously
Action Item 8 – Recess/Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the board, on a motion by Mr. Johnson and seconded by Mr. Willson the meeting adjourned at 7: 28p.m.
_/Jennifer Haneline/__________ /Sam Moore, III/____________
Jennifer Haneline Sam 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 tonya.robinson@mcschools.net
