Monroe City School Board of Education
2006 Tower Drive
Monroe, Louisiana 71201
MINUTES
The Monroe City School Board met in regular session, Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at Monroe City School District Central Office, 2006 Tower Drive, Monroe, Louisiana 71201. The meeting was called to order at 6:08 p.m. by Board President Jennifer Haneline.. Prayer was offered by Superintendent Sam Moore of Monroe City Schools. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Board President Jennifer Haneline.
Agenda Item 1C – Roll Call
Present:, Mrs. Haneline, Mr. Bill Willson, Mrs. Betty Ward Cooper, Mr. Brandon Johnson
Absent: Mr. Michael Sampognaro, Mr. Daryll Berry, and Mrs. Brenda Shelling
Action Item 1D – Adoption of the Agenda
On a motion by Mr. Willson and seconded by Mrs. Cooper, the board approved adding agenda item 2B, Mrs. Nancy Jefferson from the Neville High School Alumni Association, to the agenda as Point of Pride.
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Mr. Willson motion is to move that the board amend the agenda to add the following item to the agenda:
To authorize the Superintendent to implement a revise facility use policy as drafted by the legal counsel, subject to any subsequent revisions approved by the board at its next meeting. This is in relation to the investigations that went on with NAFA. They have been out of their office since April 1st. He would like revisions to be approved tonight versus them waiting to be approved at June’s meeting. Per Mr. Willson this will be for any organization. These policies revisions should be completed by this Friday. Instead of waiting until the next school board meeting in June he wants to seek approval retroacting as long as both attorneys apply to it, the Superintendent and President look over it and stating it looks fine to move forward.
On a motion by Mr. Willson and seconded by Mr. Johnson the board approved to add the above to agenda item 5B.
It was moved by Mr. Willson and seconded by Mrs. Cooper to approve the adoption of the agenda with the above additions.
Agenda Item 2A – Presentation, Cathy Agan
Mrs. Agan noted that she is a nutrition and community health agent with the LSU AG Center and the parish chair for the parish office. Mrs. Agan shared information on what this program is doing in the Monroe City Schools and opportunities available for the Monroe City School students outside of school.
There are four 4-H Clubs in the Monroe City Schools. In addition to the regular meeting done inside of the schools. There are some enrichment opportunities for students such as photography clubs, and robotics clubs. Robotics camps will be held this summer and 4-H summer camp in the Junior leader program for teens. Outside of 4-H they are doing things with the nutrition community health and agriculture programs that are also working within the schools and benefiting the schools. Through the health community programs they have been working with JS Clark, Cypress Point and Lexington Elementary to do painting playgrounds and faculty funday at JS Clark with teacher in-service programs throughout the year. In the past they have been involved with summer programs at Lexington and Roy Neal Shelling, they will continue to do this during the upcoming summer. Their agriculture agent has been working with schools as well with gardens at Sallie Humble and JS Clark. This program benefits both teachers and students. There is a cooperative agreement with Monro City Schools that is expected to expire in June. Mrs. Agan asked if the Board would consider renewing this agreement for another five (5) years.
Board member Cooper inquired about the board’s financial support to this agreement of up to $10,000. Mrs. Agan stated yes, and they have been doing this currently on an annually basis. Mrs. Cooper inquired about the economic development. Mrs. Agan responded community service learning, things that are working to develop productive citizens.
Board President Haneline thanked Mrs. Agan for her hard work.
Agenda Item 2B (added to the agenda) – Nancy Jefferson Neville High School Alumni Association
Mrs. Nancy Jefferson, Neville High School Alumni Association noted the beginning they existed was to reconnect the Alumni to their school. At the end of each year, the association gives scholarships and awards. This year over $88,000 was given to students. (photo of students were shown). There was a student that placed fourth (4th) in the state track meet for pole vault. Mrs. Jefferson stated NAFA is there for Neville. There will be a tiger scramble on June 7th which is a golf tournament. Mrs. Jefferson stated she approached Wossman and Carroll and offeree her help in organizing their alumni friends and association.
Consent Agenda Item 3
On a motion by Mr. Willson and seconded by Mr. Johnson the board approved moving Agenda item C for separate discussion under new business 5C.
In favor: Mr. Willson, Mr. Johnson and Mrs. Cooper
Opposed: Mrs. Haneline
It was moved by Mr. Johnson and seconded by Mrs. Cooper, the board approved the consent agenda items A and B. Board of Education minutes April 16, 2024; and Proposed Cooperative Agreement between Monroe City School Board and LSU AgCenter
Consent Items for separate consideration-4
None
Agenda Item 5A – Approval of mileage reimbursement to match and adjust according to the mileage reimbursement rate set by the Louisiana Department of Administration.
On a motion by Mr. Johnson and seconded by Mr. Willson the board approved the mileage reimbursement to match and adjust according to the mileage reimbursement rate set by the Louisiana Department of Administration. The motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item 5B – (added by Board Member Mr. Willson)
Mr. Willson stated his motion is to authorize the Superintendent to implement a revise facility use policy as drafted by the legal counsel, subject to any subsequent revisions approved by the board at its next meeting and President input as well. Mr. Willson stated they are trying to expedite the process if possible so that NAFA will be able to move back into their office at Neville High School.
Superintendent Moore stated the proposal would be for the policy and the creation revision of the policy that would impact the district.
Mr. Johnson needed clarification on the purpose of the Alumni Association being in the school house.
Mrs. Jefferson answered this is the most equitable way for her to work and can see what is needed while being present at the school. Ms. Haneline asked why do we need to bypass policy for one entity. Ms. Haneline stated this is up to the board if they would like to pass this motion.
Mr. Willson called for question.
In favor: Mr. Willson
Not in favor: Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Johnson, and Mrs. Haneline
Motion failed
Ms. Haneline encouraged Superintendent Moore to do what he does and she trust that he will handle the situation.
This will be on the agenda for the next policy meeting with Chair, Mrs. Shelling.
Agenda Item 5C – Approval of Board Travel to WIPFLI Conference
Ms. Haneline noted this conference was recommended by the CEO of the Children’s coalition.
On a motion by Mr. Johnson and seconded by Mrs. Cooper. The Board approved the board travel to the WIPFLI conference with the inclusion of the Superintendent and other Board Members if they desire to gain more insight on governing and other things.
Public Comment: Mrs. Bryant stated teachers need professional development badly and other staff members in the district. She noted if you are willing to raise your own travel 200 percent she suggested raising travel 200 percent for teachers and staff also.
Board Member Johnson noted there are other staff member that travel for different trainings. He cannot speak for all but for some this is not a vacation for board members but a learning process for them to be more efficient as a board member. He stated this has already been discussed with the Superintendent on how to move the district forward and better efficient. Superintendent Moore added the district leadership staff are planning for increased professional development for teachers and leaders as well as this coming school year. He believes at the end of this month on the 26-28 they will be traveling to their state teacher leader. He noted the travel was increased on tonight from .51 to .67 for milage.
Public comment: Mr. Michael Brown stated he was asked to address the board on behalf of Linda Nordan, resident of Monroe City School District. Mrs. Nordan comments regarding the consent agenda new business 5C. Mrs. Nordan have reviewed the pre request to travel that was submitted. The request is incomplete, that it does not include an event contact or any way to indicate who is making this request. There is no clear estimate cost of the trip, nor the number of participants to attend, Only request for travel simply stated the fee to attend the conference in Las vegas on July 9-12th.
Ms. Haneline stated this is being addressed as if this is a vacation and she took offense to this as disrespectful. There is a policy in place on how much the board can spend on travel. She is willing to take off her day job to attend to provide better leadership to Monroe City Schools.
Mr. Willson has strong opposition to this travel. He noted the board previously approved LSBA Conference, Southern Region Conference and COSSBA conference. He stated the board can spend up to $7, 500 beginning June 30th – July 1st.
Mr. Johnson called for question.
In favor: Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Johnson and Ms. Haneline
Against – Mr. Willson
The motion Carried
Agenda Item 6A – March 2024 Financia Reports
This can be located online in BoardDocs
Agenda Item 6B – Report of Superintendent
Superintendent Moore noted he has been in communication with Attorney Lawrence and the Auditors. The Auditors are in their final stage. We should have the report later this week or early next week.
* The district teacher job fair was held today at Neville Jr High School from 4pm to 6pm.
* Neville batting cage project has been signed and everything is in place to move forward
* February MFP count was up 115 students which is an increase for the district
* High school graduation will be next week beginning with Wossman at the Monroe Civic Center 7pm followed by Carroll the next night at the Monroe Civic Center followed by Neville the next night which will be held at Neville HS stadium on campus
* In the curriculum meeting they discussed adding different things for students and today Superintendent Moore, part of the staff along with Chief Terry Williams from the Monroe Fire Department discussed the need of students. An approved program in Livingston parish has been implemented. The fire department are looking to partner preferably in the fall to offer our students the opportunity to go through the fire training program. Once all the details are worked out it will take place at the fire safety Center. The fire department will provide the training, syllabus and all the education. We will only need to provide transportation for the kids that are interested in participating in this program. They must be a minimum age of 16 years to participate and 17 years to go through their simulation training for the test certification. This will give students the opportunity for jobs. This program will be open to all three high schools and will be a great opportunity. The certifications will allow students to leave high school and be able to work as a fire fighter in any part of our state. This will add to our economy and make our community better. Moore looks forward to bringing this to the school system. The student can not only be a firefighter but become an EMT which will be an additional income. This is a civil service job; at 30 years of service, they can retire with 100 percent of their salary. We will provide transportation.
Ms. Haneline asked Mr. Moore to share any information so far that he has done, or any changes made throughout the district. Mr. Moore stated Cassie Ownes will be retiring in Accountability and Testing. He asked Mrs. Lissa Dumas Principal at Sallie Humble to join our district staff and she graciously agreed. Her official hire date will be June 1st. Mrs. Shannon Embanato will be Interim Principal at Sallie Humble. Interviews were held yesterday for Chief Academic Officer and Mr. Moore old position child Welfare and Attendance position was advertised. Superintendent Moore will name Director of Child Welfare and Attendance and Chief Academic Officer on Thursday.
Report of Board Members – 6C
Board Member Mr. Willson reminded everyone of Holocaust celebration on last Tuesday.
Graduations for all high schools
* May 14th Wosssman
* May 15th Carroll
* May 16 Neville
Board Member Mrs. Cooper noted on Wednesday, May 1st s curriculum committee meeting was held and discussed some important information. If you missed the meeting, you could watch the replay online on YouTube.
* A new Social Studies curriculum Bayou Bridges was approved
* Currently looking at a new math curriculum call Zearn
* Currently looking at “On your Mark” intensive tutoring that sounds promising.
The student of the year reception was well attended and hats off to the new Superintendent and team that planned the program.
Board Member Mr. Johnson – No comment
Ms. Haneline thanked Mr. Moore for the hard work with the different challenges.
Agenda Item 7 – Future Meetings
Board of Education Meetings – June 11, 2024 and July 9, 2025 at 6:00pm
Action Item 8 – Recess/Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the board, on a motion by Mr. Johnson and seconded by Mrs. Cooper, the meeting adjourned at 7: p.m.Bottom of Form
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Bottom of FormBottom of Form
_/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 at tonya.robinson@mcschools.net
