Monroe City School Board of Education
2006 Tower Drive
Monroe, Louisiana 71201
MINUTES
The Monroe City School Board met in regular session, Tuesday, November 9, 2021 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 Daryll Berry. He 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 and Mrs. Sharon Neal Greer
Absent: Mr. Brandon Johnson
Action Item 1D – Adoption of the Agenda
It was moved by Mr. Willson and seconded by Mrs. Greer, to approve the agenda with the addition of naming the Carroll High School gymnasium and gymnasium floor. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Agenda Item 2 – Parental Involvement Taskforce Presentation
Board member Rick Saulsberry presented a PowerPoint presentation on the Parental Involvement Task Force initiative. The purpose of the task force is to ensure the district is uniformed regarding parental involvement as defined in board policy IFD (Parent and Family Engagement). He addressed responsibilities at the district and school level, and responsibilities of parents and guardians. He noted that the Task Force has met four times and will continue to meet monthly for a total of twelve times. The next meeting is November 30th at 5:00 p.m. in the board room.
Action Item 3 – Consent Agenda
It was moved by Ms. Haneline and seconded by Mr. Willson, to approve October 5, 2021 board meeting minutes; 2022 board meeting schedule; approval of policies: BE (School Board Ethics), ID (Curriculum), IDCC (Kindergarten), IDDF (Education of Students with Exceptionalities), JBA (Compulsory School Attendance Ages), JBC (School Admission), JBCE (Public School Choice), JR (Student Records); resolution accepting and approving the Compliance Questionnaire for the Monroe City School Board for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021 and Affiliation Agreement between Monroe City School District/Carroll High School Medical Magnet and Ouachita Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.
Public Comment: Mr. Byron McCoy requested to speak on Action Item 3E (Affiliation Agreement between MCS/CHS Medical Magnet and Ouachita Parish Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center); however, his comments were disallowed as they were not germane to the agenda item.
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 4 – Consent Items for Separate Consideration
None
Action Item 5A – Hiring of Architect for Neville High School Band Room Renovation
On a motion by Mr. Willson and seconded by Mr. Berry, the Board authorized contracting with TBA Studio for renovation of Neville High School band room. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 5B – Naming of Carroll High School Gymnasium and Gymnasium Floor
On a motion by Mr. Willson and seconded by Mrs. Greer, the Board authorized the naming of Carroll High School Gymnasium in honor of Coach Jimmy Jones and Carroll High School Gymnasium Floor in honor of Coach Jesse Burnette. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Agenda Item 6A – Financial Reports
* Sales tax collection for the year is stabilizing.
* August 2021 financial reports can be viewed in BoardDocs.
Agenda Item 6B – Report of Superintendent
* A parent survey is online and will be used to collect information regarding school district initiatives such as tutoring, mental health screening, summer camps, and transportation.
* The board clerk, Mrs. Laura Jacobs is retiring, and will be replaced by Mrs. Tonya Robinson, current administrative assistant in the office of Child Welfare and Attendance.
Agenda Item 6C – Report of Board Members
Ms. Greer wished everyone a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.
Ms. Cooper reported on the Community Redistricting Project, Monroe Early Learning Community Initiative, and Virtual Coffee Conversations with LSBA.
Ms. Haneline thanked Mr. Saulsberry for his efforts in spearheading the Parent Involvement Taskforce. She noted that policies are being reviewed for updates because some of the terminology needs to be broadened. She thanked retired employees and asked if the district does anything to recognized employees for major milestones of service.
Mr. Willson commended Dr. Davis and Carroll High School staff on their homecoming coronation. He also wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Mr. Berry thanked the Board for honoring Coach Jones and Coach Burnette. He noted that Coach Jones’ funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 13th at the Monroe Civic Center.
Agenda Item 7 – Future Meetings
Board Meeting – December 14, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
Action Item 8 – Recess/Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the board, the meeting adjourned at 6:46 p.m.
