Monroe City School Board of Education
2006 Tower Drive
Monroe, Louisiana 71201
MINUTES
The Monroe City School Board met in regular session, Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at Monroe City School District Central Office, 2006 Tower Drive, Monroe, Louisiana 71201. The meeting was called to order at 6:00p.m. by Board President Betty Ward Cooper. Board Member Daryll Berry offered prayer, Wossman High School ROTC presented the Colors. Daryll Berry led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Agenda Item 1C – Roll Call
Present: Mr. Sampognaro, Betty Ward Cooper, Bill Willson, Mr. Daryll Berry, Brandon Johnson and Brenda Shelling
Absent: Jennifer Haneline
Agenda Item 1D – Adoption of the Agenda
A motion was made by Mr. Berry and seconded by Mrs. Shelling to adopt the agenda with the additional item Attuned Progress Monitoring and Vision of Student Learning & Graduate Profile to the consent agenda item 3F. The motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item 2A – Carroll Jr. High School 4-H Club received Ouachita Parish 4-H Rookie Club of the Year Global Youth Service Day Grant from Youth Service America – LSU Ag Center, Bethany Corona
The Board recognized Carroll Junior High School 4-H Club for being named Rookie Club of the Year in Ouachita Parish. The service project Crown and Care Closet was chosen as the top project of the year and received Youth Service America National Grant for Global Youth Service Day to expand essentials (hair care, hygiene, clothing).
Agenda Item 2B – Carroll High School Medical Magnet Program Recognition – Roslind Loyd-Chisley, RN
Mrs. Roslind Loyd Chisley, Program Coordinator for the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program, presented an overview of Carroll High School’s Medical Magnet Program. Carroll High School Medical Magnet Program Certified Nurse’s Assistant (CNA) found in substantial compliance by state survey. The program offers three different certification pathways including CNA, Dental Assistant, Sports Medicine, EMR, (planned to be restored) Medical Assistant, and Pharmacy Technician (previously offered), allowing students to earn up to three certifications before graduation. Mrs. Chisley reported that the program received positive results from a recent state survey and highlighted student success, including Khyra Robinson’s near-perfect score on the state CNA exam and a recent graduate who received a $3,000 signing bonus and currently earns $17 per hour as a CNA. Mrs. Loyd-Chisley thanked the board for their support with this program.
Consent Agenda Item 3A-F
It was moved by Mr. Berry and seconded by Mr. Johnson, to approve September 9, 2025, board meeting minutes; awarded bid #MC26-01 instructional supplies; awarded bid #MC26-02 janitorial supplies; attuned: care observation tool and SPARK survey; and approved extracurricular and athletic summer compensation. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Agenda Item 4A- Consent Items for Separate Consideration – Renewal: Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Boys & Girls Club of North Louisiana
On a motion by Mr. Johnson and seconded by Mrs. Shelling the board approved the renewal cooperative endeavor agreement with the Boys & Girls Club of North Louisiana. The motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item 5A New Business – Millage Renewal – Resolution Calling Election
On a motion by Mr. Johnson and seconded by Mr. Berry the board approved the Millage Renewal. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Agenda Item 5B – Engagement of a design professional (architect) for the Carroll High School ticket booth project
The board discussed appointing an architect due to the prior architect withdrawal.
It was moved by Mrs. Shelling to appoint Mr. McElroy of Jackson Mississippi as the architect.
In Favor: Mr. Berry, Mr. Johnson, Mrs. Shelling, and Mrs. Cooper
Opposed: Mr. Sampognaro and Mr. Willson
The motion passed by majority vote.
It was moved by Mr. Sampognaro to appoint TBA a local architect.
In favor: Mr. Sampognaro, Mr. Willson, Mr. Johnson
Opposed: Mr. Berry, Mrs. Shelling and Mrs. Cooper
The motion failed
Agenda Items 6A,B and C Report of the Superintendent and Financial Report July and August 2025
July and August 2025 Financial Reports were reported in the finance committee meeting and can be found online
Academic Team Updates
The academic team reported significant progress, visiting approximately half of district campuses to share initiatives and gather teacher feedback. These interactions have been instrumental in aligning district initiatives with classroom needs and teacher perspectives. The team is also exploring expanded autonomy for schools based on performance levels.
Curriculum and Assessment
A focus group for K–3 teachers is being scheduled to address curriculum and assessment concerns. The goal is to ensure that assessment methods effectively support learning without creating unnecessary burdens for teachers or students.
Assessments and Tutoring
DIBELS Beginning-of-year assessments completed with increases over last year; Cycle 1 targeting below/ well-below benchmark and non-proficient students per new accountability (basic/approaching basic no longer sufficient; proficiency targeted).
Talented Arts Program
Talented Arts testing was conducted for qualifying elementary students to identify and nurture artistic talent within the district.
21st Century After-School Learning Program
21st Century After-School Program will host Phase I of “Lights On After School” in partnership with the Children’s Coalition and the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo. The annual event will include enrichment activities designed to engage students beyond regular school hours.
Zearn Math Initiative
Monroe City Schools was recognized by the State Superintendent Cade Brumley for 45% of students completing 3 or more Zearn lessons weekly; one of only 10 districts in the state. Research shows a 5.7% increase in state test scores for students.
Child Nutrition
Discussions were held regarding the cafeteria RFP process for Carroll, Neville, and Wossman High Schools. Madison James Foster Elementary was recognized as Cafeteria of the Month.
Custodial and Facilities Department
Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School was recognized as Facility of the Month. The Warehouse Department is evaluating purchasing shipping label scanners to reduce manual box opening and expedite deliveries.
Warehouse
HVAC systems at Shelling have been repaired, however additional work remains to address air conditioning in the hallways. Consideration is being given to transition from a four-pipe to a two-pipe system.
Maintenance
The Maintenance Department are in the process of installing and training users for the Brightly Solutions automated ticketing system, with the next implementation meeting scheduled for October 20.
Safety & Security
District leadership held meetings with local law enforcement officials, including the Monroe Police Chief, Ouachita Parish Sheriff, and City Marshal, to discuss strategies for improving school safety. The district is exploring technology that would allow law enforcement to access real-time campus security. Off-duty police details morning and afternoon have been implemented at Lexington Elementary School, Sallie Humble Elementary School, Roy Neal Shelling Elementary School, and Berg Jones Lane Elementary School, with plans to expand coverage to additional sites.
Transportation
Implementation of the new TripFinder System in progress to improve operational efficiency.
Superintendent Moore expressed his concerns over community division and emphasized commitment to integrity, equality, and student-centered service within the Monroe City Schools.
Agenda Item 6C – Report of Board Members
Mr. Johnson thanked the district Supervisors for their hard work and the Wossman High school Color Guard for their attendance and participation.
Mr. Willson expressed appreciation to Louisiana Blue Cross and Blue Shield for their ongoing partnership with the district.
- The organization previously sponsored a Winter Coat Drive for all students at Cypress Point Elementary School, with approximately 30 volunteers participating.
- This year, the initiative expanded to J.S. Park Magnet Elementary School, where Blue Cross Blue Shield again provided volunteers and coats for all students.
- Superintendent Mr. Sam Moore attended the event and shared words of appreciation on behalf of the district.
- announced that Century Next Bank adopted J.S. Park Magnet Elementary School as part of the district’s Adopt-A-School program.
- board members were encouraged to explore opportunities to connect local businesses with schools to strengthen community engagement.
- The board member discussed efforts to establish a partnership between the Carroll High School Medical Magnet Program and the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), located on the University of Louisiana–Monroe campus.
- The initiative is designed to inspire middle and high school students to pursue careers in the medical field.
- Meetings were held with Dr. Ray Morrison and Dr. Jonah Flowers of VCOM to plan the collaboration.
- Century Next Bank agreed to sponsor two student programs at VCOM:
o October 31: Carroll High School students will attend a two-hour session including five learning stations promoting health awareness and careers in medical science. Also to introduce and encourage students in the
o November 21: Neville Junior High students will participate in the tour
o The district will provide transportation for participating students.
Agenda Item 7 – Board of Education Meetings – November 4, 2025 and December 9, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. Agenda Item 8 – Recess/Adjourn
There being no further business to come before the board, on a motion by Mrs. Shelling and seconded by Mr. Johnson, the meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.Bottom of Form
\Betty Ward Cooper/ \Sam L. Moore III/
Betty Ward Cooper Sam L. Moore III
Board President Superintendent
Bottom of FormNote: 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.robinsons@mcschools.net.
