Monroe City School Board of Education
2006 Tower Drive
Monroe, Louisiana 71201
MINUTES
The Monroe City School Board met in regular session, Tuesday, November 10, 2020 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 Cooper. Pastor Eddie R. Stewart, Sr., Triumph Baptist Church, offered prayer and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Agenda Item 1C – Roll Call
Present: Mr. Rick Saulsberry, Ms. Jennifer Haneline, Mr. Bill Willson, Mr. Daryll Berry, Ms. Betty Ward-Cooper, Mr. Brandon Johnson and Mrs. Sharon Neal-Greer.
Action Item 1D – Adoption of the Agenda
On a motion by Mr. Berry and seconded by Ms. Haneline, the Board approved the agenda as printed. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 2 – Consent Agenda
On a motion by Mr. Johnson and seconded by Ms. Haneline, the Board approved October 6, 2020 board meeting minutes; Neville High School seniors to England, France and Germany, May 15-24, 2021; first reading of policies: BCAD (New Policy – Teleconference/Remote Participation in School Board Meetings), BD (Employment of Superintendent), DJE (Purchasing), DJED (Bids and Quotations), EFD (Business Continuity and Technology Disaster Recovery), GBDA (Employment of Retired Personnel), IDFAB (Sports Injury Management and Concussions), JGC (Student Health Services), JGCE (Child Abuse); and 2021 board meeting schedule. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 3 – consent Agenda Items for Separate Consideration
None
Agenda Item 4A – Strong Start 2020 Schedule Adjustment
Dr. Vidrine noted that a meeting was held with several principals, teachers and board members in small groups to discuss a flex day for teachers. After that meeting, teachers were given an opportunity to email the superintendent with their choice of Monday or Friday – approximately two hundred emails were received. Thereafter, another survey was sent which allowed all staff and parents to participate. Most staff chose Wednesday and most parents chose no flex day. His recommendation is Wednesday because it is a better day academically as it give teachers a break in the middle of the week. He stated that many of the teachers are teaching virtual and face-to-face and it is a tremendous task. He is aware of the burden on parents to keep students at home for one day during the week, but teachers are overwhelmed. On the flex day virtual students can be brought in for face-to-face instruction if needed, special needs students can receive additional assistance, students will work on assignments in Google classroom and the school can receive additional cleaning. He reiterated that the flex day is a working day for all staff.
It was moved by Mr. Willson and seconded by Ms. Haneline to designate Wednesday as the flex day and allow each school the flexibility to adjust the day as needed.
Mr. Johnson asked for clarification on the motion. He asked if a school will have an option to participate because one school may not want to utilize the flex day. If they decide to bring in every student, it defeats the purpose of giving a break to teachers and allowing for proper sanitizing of the entire school. Dr. Vidrine stated that principals have that option, but the day is still considered a flex day. He then asked if transportation will be provided. He is concerned that some parents will send their students to school on the flex day even if they aren’t asked to attend. Dr. Vidrine responded that not providing transportation will put a burden on economically disadvantaged parents.
Mrs. Greer noted that the flex day must be monitored and structured with proper documentation –
this is not a free day; it’s a planning day.
Mr. Berry stated that there must be some flexibility because each school and their students are different. He agrees that there must be accountability for this to work.
Mr. Willson stated that he was contacted by six principals and two assistant principals asking for support of the flex day and the ability to be flexible because “one size does not fit all.”
Ms. Cooper stated that safety is a very important part of this plan. She asked how deep cleaning can be done if the school is full of students. Dr. Vidrine responded that the custodial staff is doing a phenomenal job and each six-hour custodian receives an extra two hours each day.
Ms. Haneline noted that some parents are concerned that their children will lose instructional time with the use of a flex day.
Mr. Saulsberry stated that he understands parent’s concerns; however, teachers are stressed, and this day is needed. Also, the Curriculum Committee voted to evaluate the flex day at the end of the second nine weeks. He then offered an amendment to the motion to include an evaluation. Mr. Willson accepted the amendment.
Public Comments: Ms. Heather Cushman, Ms. Sandie Lollie, Ms. Ashely Ellis and Mr. Mickey McCarty spoke in support of a flex day and the need for flexibility.
Amended Motion: It was moved by Mr. Willson and seconded by Ms. Haneline to designate Wednesday as the flex day, allow each school the flexibility to adjust the day as needed and evaluate the schedule adjustment at the end of the second nine weeks. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Agenda Item 5A – Report of Superintendent
* Touchless hand clocks have been installed at all facilities.
* Digital platform training for teachers continues through the IT Department.
Agenda Item 5B – Financial Reports
* The district has implemented electronic payment options for student fees, fundraisers, etc.
* September sales tax collection has increased by 17%.
* Sales tax distribution is November 12th.
* Detailed August 2020 financial statement can be viewed in BoardDocs.
Agenda Item 5C – Report of Board Members
Mr. Saulsberry noted that a Policy Committee meeting is needed to receive information from the Disciplinary Policy Review Committee before December 31st.
Ms. Haneline encouraged everyone to be mindful of their interactions during the holiday seasons because Covid cases are on the rise again.
Mr. Willson asked to schedule a Finance Committee meeting prior to the next board meeting to discuss bond refinancing. Also, representatives from Delta Community College would like to present on Jump Start at the December board meeting.
Ms. Greer noted that the Chief Financial Officer is out, and a Finance Committee meeting will be scheduled when she returns.
Mr. Johnson stated that Covid cases are increasing daily and will continue during the holidays and cold and flu season. A plan needs to be put in place after the return from holiday breaks because teachers, students and parents will gather. He stated that the district must do a better job at communicating when there are positive cases in the building.
President Cooper thanked the Board for their support of the flex day. She assured everyone that progress will be monitored, and adjustments made if needed. She reported that LSBA awarded board members up to four credit hours for the October 17th Board work session.
Agenda Item 6– Future Meetings
Board Meetings – December 1, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.
Action Item 7 – Recess/Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 7:18 pm.
Bottom of Form
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/Betty Ward-Cooper /Brent Vidrine/
Betty Ward-Cooper, Board President Brent Vidrine, Ed., 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.
