Monroe City School Board of Education
2006 Tower Drive
Monroe, Louisiana 71201
MINUTES
The Monroe City School Board met in regular session, Tuesday, June 6, 2023 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 Bill Willson. Prayer was offered by Board President, Mr. Bill Willson and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Vickie Krutzer, former Board Member.
Agenda Item 1C – Roll Call
Present: Mr. Sampognaro, Ms. Jennifer Haneline, Mr. Bill Willson, Mr. Daryll Berry, Ms. Betty Ward Cooper, Mr. Brandon Johnson, and Mrs. Brenda Shelling
Action Item 1D – Adoption of the Agenda
On a motion by Mr. Johnson and seconded by Mrs. Haneline, the Board approved the agenda as printed. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Agenda Item 2A – Resolution to approve/ratify a lease of former MLKJrJHS School facilities (on Nutland Road) to Innovative Network of Knowledge (“INK”) for operation of a headstart program, per the written lease agreement.
Dr. Vidrine noted that Primetime lease is up and through the federal government, Innovative Network of Knowledge (INK) out of San Antonio has taken over with an updated year to year lease.
Mrs. Cooper voiced her concerns about the Board input with Primetime and INK. Mrs. Cooper believes the curriculum committee needs to consider this. Mr. Willson asked Attorney Lawrence if there’s a time deadline pertaining to this agenda item. Attorney Lawrence responded he was told June 1st was the deadline. Mr. Lawrence pointed out that in this resolution to the extensive actions that was taken before today, this resolution will operate as a ratification. He stated if June 1st was a hard deadline and action was taken, it would ratify what is being discussed now versus the approval of it. Mrs. Haneline asked has any Board Member come in to learn more about this organization before today. Dr. Vidrine responded, no. Mrs. Shelling noted, Dr. Vidrine mentioned INK was proposing to take over the building and at that juncture questions should have been asked. She stated she does not know who INK is, but she is taking Dr. Vidrine’s word that they are legitimate. Dr. Vidrine stated the federal Government chose this organization and we had no input. Mr. Berry asked if things can be done with other organizations with the building. Dr. Vidrine responded yes. Mr. Willson said yes, but it will need to go through the facilities committee first for consideration.
Public Comment: Mrs. Krutzer inquired about INK. She asked if this organization is the only one that can do headstart in the state. Dr. Vidrine stated he can only speak for Monroe City, Ouachita Parish. Mrs. Krutzer asked if there is data to show the cost for maintenance of the program since Primetime. Dr. Vidine responded yes this is one of the reasons for increasing the rent.
On a motion by Mrs. Shelling and seconded by Mr. Johnson, to approve the Resolution to approve/ratify a lease of former MLKJrJHS School facilities (on Nutland Road) to Innovative Network of Knowledge (“INK”) for cooperation of a head start program, per the written lease agreement.
The motion carried on a majority vote. Mrs. Cooper Opposed.
Agenda Item 2B – Resolution approving acceptance, necessary acquisitions, and implementation of the EPA Clean Bus Program Grant Requirements.
Public Comment: Vickie Krutzer stated she did not understand the Clean Bus Program when it referred to the lottery. Mr. Johnson stated there was a grant that allowed 20 electric buses with charging stations and will be housed at our bus barn. Mrs. Krutzer asked how much a battery replacement cost. Mr. Brad Deglandon with the clean bus program stated the batteries have an eight-year warranty and he cannot determine the cost in eight years from now.
Mrs. Haneline asked if the grant went through the facilities committee. Dr. Vidrine responded no. Ms. Haneline noted as a Board member she requested this go through the facilities committee. She did her research and is ok with approving the clean bus program.
Attorney Lawrence wanted to make sure the Board and everyone understood accepting the grant and buying things to go with it, he stated we are the record owners of this and the procurement process going on record being the purchaser of it.
On a motion by Mr. Johnson and seconded by Mr. Sampognaro the board approved the resolution approving acceptance, necessary acquisitions, and implementation of the EPA Clean Bus Program grant requirements.
Agenda Item 2C – Adoption of the Resolution Regarding Employment of Special Counsel in Accordance with Louisiana Revised Statute 42:263
On a motion by Mr. Sampognaro and seconded by Mr. Johnson the board approved adoption of the resolution regarding employment of special counsel in accordance with Louisiana revised statute 42:263.
Action Item 3A-H – Consent Agenda
On a motion by Ms. Haneline and seconded by Mr. Johnson the Board approved Board of Education Minutes for April 11, 2023 and May 9, 2023; permission to advertise for bids for 2023-2024 school food service products; permission to advertise bids for 2023-2024 instructional and janitorial supplies; Carroll High School Band permission to travel to Greenwood High School in Mississippi; Neville High School Senior Class to travel to Europe; Roy Neal Shelling Elementary travel to Jackson Mississippi and Barkdull Faulk Elementary travel to Jackson Mississippi. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Agenda Item 4A New Business – Naming of 2023-2024 Official Journal for the Monro City School Board
On a motion by Ms. Haneline and seconded by Mrs. Shelling the board approved naming Free Press for the Monroe City school Board Official Journal. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Agenda Item 5A-C Reports
* Detailed February, March and April financial reports can be viewed in BoardDocs.
Agenda Item 5D- Report of the Superintendent
* Sales tax for all employees will be distributed June 15th
* Mrs. Davona Howard is currently working on the 2023-2024 school budget
* There has been a large turnout for summer camps
* Construction on playgrounds will begin on Monday – first three will be Madison James Foster, Barkdull Faulk and Berg Jones Elementary
* $31 million dollars’ worth of projects are currently out
Agenda Item 5E – Report of Board Members
Mrs. Cooper reported it has been a busy May with all the graduations and honoring the students, teachers, and principals. She stated it was good times at great events.
Mr. Sampognaro – No comment
Mr. Johnson reported he has been out the last couple of meetings due to work and personal things that needed to be taken care of. Business is handled and he is back. He has been keeping an eye on his districts and appreciates Dr. Vidrine and Mr. Monroe. He believes the schools have done a great job this past school year. Mr. Johnson is excited about some schools that are almost at capacity with summer camps and would like to keep it going this way. Mr. Johnson plans to visit his schools during summer camp.
Mrs. Haneline reported to keep in mind previous problems with flooding, drainage, and possible chiller problems while working on the expansion at Sallie Humble. She wants to make sure everything is where it needs to be and not create more problems. She complimented the Neville High School addition progress and sure it will be beautiful when completed.
Mrs. Shelling asked when will the dedication be for the library at Roy Neal Shelling, the family is waiting and hope to be at the beginning of the school year. Mrs. Shelling attended all the graduations and was on program at Roy Neal Shelling. Mr. Johnson asked when we will add Roosevelt Pine to the music building. Dr. Vidrine stated we will be in contact with the family.
Mr. Berry – No comment
Mr. Willson thanked Mrs. Shelling for attending all the graduations with himself and the other Board Members that attended the ones they could. Mr. Willson gave an overview of upcoming parental involvement and what he is trying to accomplish. He noted he has been working with Mr. Berry and other board members for about a year and a half. He stated he’s trying to generate more parental involvement and engagement, especially with the southside schools. Dr. Vidrine stated there is a parental involvement meeting on June 14th at 11:30. Ms. Haneline noted the Children’s Coalition needs input on how to affect young children in Northeast Louisiana and asked everyone to come out this Thursday at 4:30 on Tower Drive and 19th. She stated it will be beneficial if the Board can be present at this event. Mr. Willson reported Mr. Berry will be the ad hoc of this committee. Mr. Johnson asked if funds were available to support these meetings. He noted in certain areas you need to reach a little further and we need community partners to help. Mr. Johnson stated give a reason to make parents come out, they are not coming just to hear you talk. Mr. Willson stated this is in his plan and is currently working with organizations so Monroe City Schools don’t have to bear the cost. Mr. Willson welcomes comments, input, and volunteers to the extent you have time available.
Agenda Item 6 – Future Meetings
Board Meetings – July 11, 2023, and August 15, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.
Action Item 7 – Recess/Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the board, on a motion by Mr. Sampognaro and seconded by Mrs. Cooper, the meeting adjourned at 6:49 p.m.
Bottom of Form
****Bottom of Form
/William Willson/ _______ /Brent Vidrine/
William “Bill” Willson 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.
