Monroe City School Board of Education
2006 Tower Drive
Monroe, Louisiana 71201
November 1, 2022
MINUTES
The Monroe City School Board met in regular session, Tuesday, November 1, 2022 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 Brandon Johnson. Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance was offered by Pastor, Brian Reed New Tabernacle Baptist Church Monroe, La.
Agenda Item 1C – Roll Call
Present: President Brandon Johnson, Vice President Sharon Neal Greer, Mr. Rick Saulsberry, Mr. Daryll Berry, Ms. Jennifer Haneline, Mrs. Betty Ward Cooper, and Mr. Bill Willson
Agenda Item 1D – Adoption of the Agenda
On a motion by Mr. Berry, seconded by Mrs. Greer the Board approved the agenda as printed. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Agenda Item 2 – Consent Agenda
On a motion by Mr. Berry, seconded by Mr. Saulsberry, the Board approved October 4, 2022 board meeting minutes; approval of 2023 board meeting schedule; approval of policies GBDA (Employment of Retired Personnel), GBN (Dismissal of Employees), GBRID (Military Leave), JBCE (Public School Choice), JGCE (Child Abuse); approval of modifications to Carroll High School Band expansion and to postpone the bids; approval to move forward with the Cypress Point Elementary School parking lot project; and approval to hire Fred Bennett as the Architect for the multipurpose building expansion at Sallie Humble Elementary.
Agenda Item 3 – Consent Items for Separate Consideration – Hiring of M3A Architect for Wossman High School Visitor Side Bleachers
Board Member Mr. Willson voiced his concerns on projects going through the appropriate committees first prior to choosing an architect. He does not believe this project was properly vetted through the facilities committee and brought back to the Board to vote. Board President, Mr. Johnson explained and expressed his concerns about previous meeting and why this project should be approved. Board Member Mr. Saulsberry stated he requested a breakdown summary of all projects being done in the district, how much has been spent, how much is left, estimated completion date and what funding source is being used. Mr. Saulsberry stated he asked for the same amount of funding for Carroll High School chillers to be moved that was voted down. He agreed on tabling this until more information is given.
On a motion by Mr. Willson, seconded by Ms. Haneline, to table this matter and take it back to the facilities committee.
In favor: Mr. Saulsberry, Ms. Haneline, Mr. Willson, Mr. Berry, Mrs. Cooper, and Mrs. Greer
Not in Favor: Mr. Brandon Johnson
Agenda Item 5 A and B – Report of Superintendent /Financial Reports
* Financial reports can be viewed on the website (always 60 days behind)
* 9 weeks was ended a couple of weeks ago
* Great participation this past week with parent teacher conferences
* Professional Development was on this past Friday with different trainings
* Election day is next Tuesday
* Veteran’s Day is the following Friday (no school)
Agenda Item 5C – Report of Board Members
Ms. Haneline reported there was a safety committee meeting prior to this meeting and for those that are interested, documents have been uploaded to boarddocs on the Monroe City Schools website main page. She gave kudos to Mr. Sam Moore with Child Welfare and attendance. She noted Dr. Vidrine has invested a lot of funding into ensuring that social emotional learning which promotes a safer school environment. She stated they identified you can’t account for all things but there are many pieces in place to address potential threats and how to respond to those threats. She recognizes Christy Bardell the new Executive Director of the Children’s Coalition and Jan Daniels recognized at state level for her work in suicide prevention throughout the Northeast Louisiana. She reminded everyone there is a School Based Health Center and flu shots are available throughout Northeast Louisiana.
Mr. Saulsberry gave an update on the facilities committee. He believes 90 percent of all the restrooms in the schools are completed; Neville High School band room project has started; Carroll High school was just approved for 5.6 million dollars for their band room; Roy Neal Shelling received painting on the inside as well as the parking lot; Cypress Point parking lot was approved; Wossman Health Clinic is still being worked on. He congratulated Carroll High School on their 8-0 start. He gave a few comments on Carroll High School and Franklin Parish football game.
Mr. Berry stated hopefully when its time for the appeal some of the time will be reduced for the coaches, but the Association will have to make that decision. Mr. Berry recognized Pastor Ambrose Douzart, President of the NAACP.
Mrs. Cooper asked Dr. Vidrine the date, time, and location of the appeal. He stated tomorrow in Baton Rouge at 3:00pm. Mrs. Cooper reported her attendance at the state luncheon on today with Governor Edwards. She noted it was an encouraging presentation from the Governor indicating that the future is brighter for our state. He spoke on improving literacy of our children, homes having internet access if want with proper training when using it. These things can be a game changer. Mrs. Cooper recognized and thanked Representative Pat Moore with district 17.
Mr. Willson thanked his friend Representative Pat Moore for being in attendance on tonight. He recognized Pastor Douzart with NAACP. Mr. Willson thanked Board President Brandon Johnson and Board Member Jennifer Haneline for having a safety committee meeting. He appreciates the remarks from Board Member Rick Saulsberry. He stated he had the pleasure of attending the Carroll and Richwood game. He loved seeing the character of everyone involved. He hopes the appeals come through because the boys do not need to suffer the consequences. Mr. Willson acknowledge Wossman, and Neville are moving forward in the playoffs. He wished the volleyball teams good luck in the playoffs. Mr. Willson asked Dr. Vidrine about the school scores. Dr. Vidrine stated the scores have not been released by the state of Louisiana so we cannot release scores as a school district. Mr. Willson thanked Mr. Saulsberry and Sharon Neal Greer for their efforts in trying to increase parental involvement and engagement.
Mrs. Sharon Neal Greer is concerned about bus transportation with the time changing and students having to walk to their bus stops. She asked whoever make the decision on determining where the students are picked up to consider picking up the students at their home and not letting them walk a long way to the bus stop. She suggested since it will be dark to adjust.
Mr. Johnson noted the board will convene in executive session for no longer than a total of 30 minutes
Mrs. Greer stated due to the executive session the principal’s presentation has been canceled to a later date.
Agenda Item 6 – Executive Session
On a motion by Mr. Willson and seconded by Ms. Haneline, the board convened in executive session at 6:51pm, to receive information and consider a complaint regarding a student misconduct incident; and to receive information and consider an employee complaint regarding misconduct.
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Note: Mrs. Cooper, Ms. Haneline and Mr. Willson left the session at 7:33pm
Reconvene in open session
On a motion by Mr. Saulsberry, seconded by Mr. Berry the Board reconvened in open session at
7:42 p.m. No action was taken.
Agenda Item 7 – Future Meetings
Board of Education Meetings – December 6, 2022, at 6:00p.m.
Action Item 8 – Recess/Adjourn
There being no further business to come before the board, on a motion by Mr. Saulsberry, seconded by Mr. Berry the meeting adjourned at 7:43 p.m.
Bottom of Form
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Bottom of Form
___/Brandon Johnson/_ /Brent Vidrine/ _
Brandon Johnson 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
