Monroe City School Board of Education
2006 Tower Drive
Monroe, Louisiana 71201
MINUTES
The Monroe City School Board met in regular session, Tuesday, September 15, 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. Father Adrian Fischer, Little Flower of Jesus Catholic Church, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Notice: In compliance with Governor Edwards’ Executive Order and the Attorney General’s open meetings guidance concerning the worldwide pandemic COVID-19, the Board will adhere to the in-person capacity attendance limit and practice social distancing while in the meeting. The meeting will be livestreamed to allow the community to virtually attend the meeting and see actions of the Board in real time.
Agenda Item 2C – 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 2D – Adoption of the Agenda
On a motion by Mrs. Haneline and seconded by Mr. Johnson, the Board approved the agenda as printed. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 3 – Renaming of Robert E. Lee Junior High School
Mr. Johnson noted that a Facilities Committee meeting was held, and the committee recommends changing the name to Neville Junior High.
It was moved by Mr. Berry and seconded by Mrs. Haneline to change the name of Robert E. Lee Junior High to Neville Junior High.
Public Comments: Mr. Ishaq Mubarak inquired about the renaming process. Mr. Frank Nettles spoke in favor of renaming Lee to Neville Jr. High. Ms. Natalie Stevenson stated that she was hopeful that the name would be changed to H. M. Williams Jr. High. She thanked the Board on behalf of her family for their consideration. An email comment from Ms. Rachel Shelby, in support of naming the school Neville Jr. High, was read by the Board clerk. (A copy of the email will be placed in the official minute book)
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 4A – Superintendent’s Contract
Attorney Lawrence stated that the superintendent’s contract will end on December 31, 2020. State law mandates that the Board must make a decision at least ninety days prior to the end of the contract to either grant a new contract or not offer a contract. He noted that the parameters of state law, which include special provisions that apply to school districts under the Louisiana Accountability System, must be followed if a new contract is offered.
It was moved by Mr. Willson and seconded by Ms. Haneline, to extend Dr. Brent Vidrine’ current and existing contract for twelve months.
Ms. Haneline stated that the superintendent has a tough job and he has led the district through many issues without faltering. No employee is perfect, but he has worked to make improvements. He is to be commended for bringing programs into the district that are not available in surrounding school districts.
Mr. Willson spoke of Dr. Vidrine’s accomplishments; praising him on his leadership. He noted that the superintendent led the district through perilous times – a cyber-attack, pandemic and several natural disasters. He then read a letter from former Monroe City Councilman Kenneth Willson in support of renewing the superintendent’s contract.
Mr. Saulsberry noted that the only issue he has with the current contract is that there are a lot of grey areas. The contract needs modifying to ensure the Board that the superintendent has met the performance objectives.
Mr. Johnson stated that the district, as a whole, may be rated a “C” but every elementary school on the south side is rated a “D” or “F” school. There are some great things going on in the district and the Board and staff has played a part in that success.
Ms. Cooper asked for clarification on the statement Mr. Saulsberry made about the contract. She asked the attorney if the actual contract is a separate motion. Attorney Lawrence stated that a motion and second is on the floor and it is to be voted on.
Public Comments: Mr. Mickey Traweek commended Dr. Vidrine on his work as superintendent and asked the Board to extend his contract. Mr. Greg Jones noted that under the leadership of Dr. Vidrine the district has a healthy surplus and has obtained and maintained a bond rating of AA-minus. Mr. Dwayne Ludley stated that his father, former Board member Glynn Ludley, supports the renewal of the contract. He also commended Dr. Vidrine on his accomplishments during his tenure. Mr. Frank Nettles asked the Board to extend the superintendent’s contract. Rev. Ambrose Douzart stated that he has heard all praises for the superintendent; yet, schools on the south side are failing. Ms. Sandra Shaw inquired about plans to use some of the surplus funds to assist failing schools. Ms. Marie Brown stated that she supports a contract renewal. She also stated that the Board needs to take responsibility for making sure the superintendent does what he is hired to do. Emailed comments from Christine Michener, Dena Leggett, Jill Mouk, Bishop Rodney McFarland, Sr., Laura Vidrine, Shannon Embanato, Allison Jarrell, Kelsey Laudenheimer, Mary and Michael Durham, Rachael Shelby, Zach Pickett, Ashley West, Ryan Hemrick and Elizabeht Loftin, in support of the superintendent’s contract, were read by the Board clerk. (A copy of emailed comments will be placed in the official minute book)
The motion carried on a majority vote. In favor: Mr. Saulsberry, Ms. Haneline, Mr. Willson, Mr. Berry and Mrs. Greer. Opposed Mr. Johnson and Ms. Cooper.
Action Item 4B –Board of Education Minutes
On a motion by Mr. Berry and seconded by Ms. Haneline the Board approved August 25, 2020 board meeting minutes. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 4C – Naming of Carroll High School Science Building
Mr. Berry asked to table the renaming of Carroll High School Science Building. No action was taken.
Action Item 4D – Hiring of Architect for Junior and Senior High Bathroom Renovations
It was moved by Mr. Johnson and seconded by Mr. Willson, to contract with Architecture Alliance Group for renovation of junior and senior high school bathrooms. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 4E – Adoption of Budgets
On a motion by Mrs. Greer and seconded by Mr. Berry, the Board adopted the General Fund and Special Revenue Funds Budget Resolution – revised budgets for 2019-2020 and beginning budgets for 2020-2021. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Agenda Item 5A – Report of Superintendent
Dr. Vidrine reported that student enrollment is down, and truancy is looking for students that are enrolled but have not been in attendance. Also, the state of Louisiana has moved to Phase III of the reopening plan. Group size increased from twenty-five to fifty percent; school bus capacity increased to seventy-five percent; and band/choir can resume in-door and out-door activities with appropriate distancing.
Agenda Item 5B – Report of Board Members
Ms. Haneline thanked staff for continuing to work hard with all the new changes and challenges. She also thanked the community for attending the meeting.
Mr. Willson noted that parental involvement is an issue and is, in part, a cause of low performance scores. While serving as president, he appointed Ms. Cooper as chair of the Parental Involvement Ad Hoc Committee and to his knowledge no meeting has been held. He thanked the Board for voting on the contract extension.
Mr. Berry stated that he is pleased that Dr. Vidrine’s contract has been extended.
Mr. Johnson stated that prior to the start of school he visited nearly every school and spoke with principals about their immediate needs. He encouraged everyone to continue taking precautions as the state transitions to Phase III.
Ms. Cooper thanked everyone for attending the meeting. The goal of the Board is to make sure every child has a high-quality rigorous education.
Note: Ms. Haneline left the meeting after Board member comments.
Agenda Item 6 – Future Meetings
Future Meetings: October 6, 2020 and November 10, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.
Action Item 7 – Executive Session
On a motion by Mr. Berry and seconded by Mr. Willson, the Board convened in executive session at 7:48 p.m. to discuss the litigation of Jaylen Sewell v. Monroe City School Board, et al, Case No.18-31086 {U.S. 5th Cir. Ct. of Appeal}. Any required action will be taken when the Board reconvenes in open session.
Reconvene in Open Session
The Board reconvened in open session at 8:13 p.m. with no action taken.
Action Item 8 – Recess/Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 8:16 p.m.
/Betty Ward-Cooper/ /Brent Vidrine/
Betty Ward-Cooper 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.
