Monroe City School Board of Education
2006 Tower Drive
Monroe, Louisiana 71201
MINUTES
The Monroe City School Board met in regular session, Tuesday, September 14, 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. Pastor Alonzo Clark, St. Luke Missionary 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 Ms. Haneline and seconded by Mr. Willson, the Board approved the agenda as printed. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 2 – Consent Agenda
On a motion by Ms. Haneline and seconded by Mr. Willson, the Board approved August 10, 2021 board meeting minutes; adopted policies: DFF (Grants), DIE (Records Retention), GBQ (Retirement), JCD (Student Count), JCDAB (Dangerous Weapons), JCDAC (Student Alcohol and Drug Use), JD (Discipline), JDD (Suspension), JDE (Expulsion); approved 2021-2022 Writing Revolution contract; purchased ExploreLearning Reflex Math Curriculum; granted permission to advertise for district WAN & Internet Service Connectivity and granted permission to advertise bottle fillers at all schools and central office complex. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 3 – Consent Items for Separate Consideration
None
Agenda Item 4A – Contract for North Delta Regional Planning for Reapportion School Board member districts
Dr. Vidrine noted that he attended a meeting with Mr. Berry, Mr. Lawrence, and representatives from North Delta Regional Planning to discuss plans for redistricting. The contract has been reviewed by the attorney and requires approval before proceeding.
Ms. Shelly Rybicki, North Delta Regional Planning, explained the process for redistricting. The 2020 census data reveals that the population has declined. The current deviation is thirty-two percent and should be ten percent or less. Because of the deviation, redistricting is required. She noted that two original signed copies of the contract are needed to begin the process.
On a motion by Mr. Willson and seconded by Ms. Haneline, the board approved a contract with North Delta Regional Planning for reapportion of school board member districts. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Agenda Item 4B – Adoption of General Fund and Special Revenue Funds Budget Resolution
It was moved by Ms. Haneline and seconded by Mr. Willson, to adopt the General Fund and Special Revenue Funds budget resolution and revised budgets for 2020-2021 and beginning budgets for 2021-2022.
Ms. Cooper offered a friendly amendment. She asked that board members be notified via email whenever there is a deviation from the approved budget. She noted that the resolution addresses ten percent; however, she is referring to the other one to nine percent of the budget. Dr. Vidrine asked if she is referring to revisions made by the CFO. Ms. Cooper responded, yes. She is not requesting every change come before the board. Ms. Haneline asked if she is referring to one to nine percent of the overall budget. Ms. Cooper responded, yes. She clarified that she is referring to notification, not approval, of one to nine percent deviation.
Ms. Haneline amended her motion to approve the agenda item with the addition of board notification of budget revisions over one percent. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Agenda Item 5A – Report of Superintendent
* Plans for after school tutoring was sent in last week’s board notes.
* He thanked Carmel Hill for assistance with district libraries.
* 120 students are currently enrolled in on-line tutoring.
* Roof repairs are near completion at Jefferson Elementary and inside cleanup will begin thereafter.
Agenda Item 5B – Report of Board Members
Ms. Cooper reported that Mr. Ross Slack, Chief Executive Officer of the African American Museum, donated sanitizer wipes, masks, and free-standing dispensers. She noted that the Louisiana School Boards Association provided important legislative updates that affect school boards. She encouraged board members to listen to the recorded session.
Ms. Haneline thanked various organizations that held school supply drives for students. She reported that a policy committee meeting will be announced.
Mr. Saulsberry asked that the board revisit the Covid policy for staff. Ms. Haneline noted that the policy will be reviewed by the policy committee.
Mr. Johnson reported on his visits to various schools. He also noted that there are vacancies in pre-k classes. He emphasized the need for early education.
Mr. Willson acknowledged the passing of Ms. Kathy Spurlock, retired News-Star editor and Dr. Henry Bonner, community advocate.
Mr. Berry acknowledged a monetary donation from PEEP, Inc. to Roy Shelling Elementary and Carver Elementary.
Agenda Item 6 – Future Meetings
Board Meetings – October 5, 2021 and November 9, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
Action Item 7 – Recess/Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the board, the meeting adjourned at 6:38 p.m.
Bottom of Form
/Daryll Berry/ /Brent Vidrine/
Daryll Berry 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 laura.jacobs@mcschools.net.
