The Monroe City School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, April 20, 2004, at the Monroe City School Board Media Center, 2009 Auburn Avenue, Monroe, Louisiana 71201. The meeting was called to order by the President. Prayer was offered by Reverend Rodney McFarland. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.

Members Present:

Mr. Jessie L. Handy
Mr. Anthony "Tony" Cain
Mrs. Victoria Vickie Dayton
Reverend Rodney McFarland
Mrs. Brenda Shelling
Mr. James Mickey Traweek

Superintendent and Administrative Team:

Mr. Julian Gray
Mrs. Derenda Flowers
Mrs. Edith Lowe Douzart
Dr. Daphene Singleton
Dr. LaVargne Gunn-Ford
Miss Maria Maggio
Mrs. Bobbie Hamilton
Mrs. Teresa Foreman
Attorney L. Douglas Lawrence

Administrators, employees, parents, representatives from professional organizations, and the news media were in attendance.

Action Item:

On a motion by Mr. Cain that was seconded by Reverend McFarland, the Board adopted the agenda with the following changes:

Additions: Report Item 5A: President's Report and Announcements
Action Item 9A: Proposed School Calendar for 2004-2005
Action Item 17D: Tenure Hearing

Deletions: Discussion/Action Item 11: Rezoning Proposal.
The motion carried on a unanimous vote of members present.
Action Item 5:

Adoption of Board Minutes for March 16 and April 6, 2004:

On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Mr. Cain, the Board adopted the board minutes of March 16 and April 6, 2004, on a unanimous vote.

Report Item 5A:

The President's Report and Announcements:

President Handy stated that Dr. Cannon was out of the district on business and that Mrs. Stephanie Smith is absent tonight because her son is being inducted into the National Beta Club at Martin Luther King Middle School.

Recognition:

Mrs. Tammie McDaniel, principal at Lee Junior High School, presented the Lee Junior High School Regal Eagles and Ms. Julia Marzula, sponsor for their accomplishments in the American All-Star, Louisiana State Competition on January 25th at LSU Assembly Center in Baton Rouge. They received the following awards:

First Place Trophy High-Kick
First Place Trophy Pom-Pom
First Place Trophy Jazz Routine
Sweepstakes Award
State Championship Trophy

Coach Marzula presented the team to the Board. Mr. Traweek congratulated the school and the team on their accomplishment.

Action Item 7:

Field Trips:

On a motion by Mr. Cain that was seconded by Reverend McFarland, the Board approved the following field trips as presented:

A. Berg Jones School to New Orleans, May 21, 2004
Transportation: School Bus

B. Carver School to Shreveport, April 21, 2004
Transportation: School Bus

C. Minnie Ruffin School to Arlington, Texas, April 30, 2004
Transportation: Mayo Bus Tours, Inc.

D. Carroll Junior High School to New Orleans, April 30, 2004
Transportation: School Bus

E. Carroll Junior High School to Lafayette, May 6, 2004
Transportation: School Bus

F. Lee High School to Houston, Texas, April 28 - May 2, 2004
Transportation: Mayo Tours, Imc.

G. Lee Junior High School to New Orleans, May 6-8, 2004
Transportation: Fred's Tours, Inc.

H. Lee Junior High School to Orlando, Florida, June 1-6, 2004
Transportation: Mayo Tours, Inc.

I. Martin Luther King Middle School to New Orleans, April 30, 2004
Transportation: Skyline Bus Tours

J. Carroll High School to Florida and the Bahamas, May 12-17, 2004
Transportation: Duckie's Tours & Travel

The motion carried on a unanimous vote. (See addendum for field trips).

Action Item 8:

Permission to Advertise for Bids:

On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Reverend McFarland, the Board authorized the administration to advertise for bids as listed:

General Funds:

A. Janitorial Supplies for the 2004-2005 school year
B. Sale of Used School Buses
School Food Service Department:
C. Bread Products
D. Food Products
E. Milk & Orange Juice
F. Paper & Cleaning Supplies
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 9:

Proposed Summer School Fees:

Mr. Gray presented the proposed summer school fees as follows:

Monroe City - Senior High Schools::

Per Half Unit $120.00
Driver's Education $150.00

(The driver education instructor will be paid a flat rate of $80.00 per student. The student must be 15 years of age at the time of registration.)

Other School Systems:

Per half unit $155.00
Driver's Education $195.00

Monroe City Middle/Junior High Schools:

One Unit $115.00
Two Units $220.00

Other School Systems:

One Unit $150.00
Two Units $300.00

Mrs. Shelling stated: "My statement is the same as it has always been. Leave the fees as they are, and in addition to that, make sure the teacher who failed these students will not be the teacher who will teach them in summer school.

It was moved by Mrs. Shelling that the Board adopt the summer school fees with the system's school fees to remain at the current rate. The out-of-district fees will be those that are proposed. The summer school teacher not be the same teacher who failed the student.

The motion died for a lack of a second.

Mr. Gray briefed the Board on the loss of summer school revenues to the system in 2002 and 2003. He further stated that the Superintendent stated that he would like for the Board to adopt this proposal.

The Board, public, and staff, discussed the proposal as presented.

On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Mr. Cain, the Board adopted the summer school proposal as presented. The motion carried five to one. Mrs. Shelling opposed.

Mrs. Shelling: "I opposed this agenda item for the reason I previously stated."

(See addendum for the summer school schedule.)

Action Item 9A:

Monroe City School System Proposed School Calendar for 2004-2005:

Mr. Gray presented the proposed school calendar for 2004-2005 as recommended by the Calendar Committee.

On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Mr. Cain, the Board approved the school calendar as presented.

Discussion:

Reverend McFarland asked the administration to meet/discuss with the Ouachita Parish School System about the proposed graduation dates for 2005. There are board members and employees that will be affected by this proposal as presented.

Mr. Cain addressed the proposed spring break schedule. He further stated that this schedule is in conflict with Ouachita Parish. In the past we have had the same schedule for the reason employees in both systems will be affected by our proposed spring break schedule.

Mrs. Shelling withdrew her motion to give the administration time to work collaboratively with Ouachita Parish to present a calendar with the same holidays. (Graduation is another issue.) Mr. Cain withdrew his second.

The Board will take action on the proposed school calendar for 2004-2005 at the next scheduled meeting of the Board.


Report Item 10:

State Farm Insurance Company:

Dr. Robert C. Eisenstadt, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Louisiana at Monroe, presented a “Forecast of Tax Revenues and Other Operating Revenue for the Monroe City Schools.” This study was prepared by Dr. Eisenstadt and Dr. Paul S. Nelson, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Louisiana at Monroe.

This study included the loss of funds to the Monroe City School System by the closing of State Farm Operations Center and the downsizing of employees at Riverwood.

The study was for a period beginning with the year 2002 through the year 2010. The Board discussed the report and stated that additional information will be requested at a later date.

(See addendum for proposal.)

Discussion/Action Item 12:

Monroe City Schools Revised Dress Codes for Students and School Employees:

Dr. Gunn-Ford stated that the Revised School Employees Dress Code Policy will be presented by Mr. Harrington Watson and the Revised Student Dress Code Policy will be presented by Mr. Anthony Turner. She further stated that the representatives from the MCAE and the Monroe Federation of Teachers were inadvertently left off the list of committee members.

Mr. Watson presented the revised Monroe City Schools Employees Dress Code for administrators, teachers, clerical, para educators, and custodial staff for discussion and action.

Mr. Turner presented the revised Monroe City Schools Student Dress Code for discussion and action.

The Board discussed the revised dress codes policies as presented.

Mr. Traweek made a motion that the Board adopt the dress codes policies with the deletion of item 9 (Males shall wear socks at all times.) and. Item 10 (Dresses worn at or above the knee requires hose or stockings.)

During the discussion of the two policies, Mr. Traweek withdrew his motion.

On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Mr. Cain, the Board adopted the dress code policies as presented with the deletion of item 10 in the Administrators/Teachers/Clerical/Para Educators/Custodial: policy.

The Student Dress Code Policy was approved as printed.

Mrs. Shelling stated that if she had known that Mr. Traweek was going to withdraw his original motion and exclude item 9 from his second motion, she would have made the motion. However, she understand why he changed his motion.

The motion carried four to two. Mrs. Shelling and Reverend McFarland opposed.

Report Item 13:

Assistant Principal for Carroll Junior High School:
Dr. Singleton gave a status report on the position of Assistant Principal for Carroll Junior High School. Dr. Singleton stated that the advertisement was within the school district and two applicants met state certification, and two have applied for certification.. Mr. Jimmy Jones will conduct the interviews next week and the folders will be forwarded to him.

Mrs. Shelling asked for a list of those who have applied for the position.

Reverend McFarland stated that, when a board member request any information from the central office, all board members be given a copy of the requested information.

Action Item 14:

Wossman High School Principal:

On a motion by Mr. Cain that was seconded by Mr. Traweek, the Board changed action item 14 to a report. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Dr. Singleton stated that advertisement went out within the school district. Faxed information was sent to all public school districts in the state. Information was sent to the following news media:

The Advocate (Baton Rouge)
The Clarion Ledger (Jackson, MS)
The Dallas Morning News
Education Week
Shreveport Times
Times Picayune (New Orleans)
The Town Talk (Alexandria).

The deadline is April 15, 2004, or until the position if filled.

Eight certified applicants
Three applicants who are certified in administration in other states
One applicant has applied for certification.

Each board member received a memorandum from Dr. Singleton in reference to Carroll Junior High Assistant Principal and Wossman High School Principal.

Mrs. Shelling requested a list of all applicants for the principalship of Wossman High School.. Reverend McFarland stated that, when one board member request information from the central office, all board members receive a copy of the requested information.

Reverend McFarland stated that, when an out-of- state- applicant, that is certified in the state where they are employed apply for employment in this system, ample time is given to them to meet Louisiana state certification. This is the procedure that has been followed by previous board in this system.

Mr. Gray stated that, if an applicant is certified in another state, they are eligible for a provisional certificate. If an applicant have met all requirements and are waiting on their certificate of certification, they will be interviewed

Those applicants that did not meet certification requirements as listed in the advertisement will receive a letter notifying them that they will not be interviewed.

Discussion/Action:

Carroll High School Science Program:

Mr. Donald Green briefed the Board on a proposal for strengthening the Carroll High School Medical program. He stated that no action is required at this time. However, after the enrollment has been taken, he will com back to address the Board as it relates to funding of the medical program.

Action Items 16A through 17C:

Personnel Changes:

On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Reverend McFarland, the Board approved all personnel items 16A through 17C with the deletion of 17C (2).

Certified Extended Sick Leaves:

Annie-Marie Martin, Berg Jones Elementary School
Position: Teacher
Effective: March 9, 2004 (A total of 1 day)

Amanda Davis, Lexington Elementary School
Position: Teacher
Effective: April 26 - May 26, 2004 (A total of 25 days)

Kelly Bankston, Minnie Ruffin Elementary School
Position: Teacher
Effective: February 9 - March 29, 2004 (A total of 34 days)

Patricia Carter, Lee Junior High School
Position: Teacher
Effective: February 23 - March 12, 2004 (A total of six weeks)

Ermon Oliver, Neville High School
Position: Teacher
Effective: March 3 - May 28, 2004 (A total of 56 days)

Michelle Spears, Neville High School
Position: Teacher
Effective: March 8-26, 2004 (A total of 15 days)

Mollie Hicks, Adult Education Department
Position: Teacher
Effective: February 9 for .5 day - April 16, 2004 (A total of 41.5 days)

Certified Resignation:

Linda Thomas (Retired Teacher), Cypress Point Elementary School
Position: Teacher
Effective: May 29, 2004

Certified Retirements:

Mary Causey, Carver Elementary School
Position: Teacher
Years of Service: 36
Effective: May 29, 2004

Jean Dunham, Clara Hall Elementary School
Position: Teacher
Years of Service: 10
Effective: May 29, 2004

Harrington Watson, Jr., Clara Hall Elementary School
Position: Principal
Years of Service: 40
Effective: July 1, 2004

Gwendolyn Rogers, Jefferson Upper Elementary School
Position: Music Teacher
Years of Service: 30
Effective: June 29, 2004

Philman Taylor, Jefferson Upper Elementary School
Position: Teacher
Years of Service: 42
Effective: June 1, 2004

Brenda LaRose, Lexington Elementary School
Position: Special Education Teacher
Years of Service: 33
Effective: June 1, 2004

Patsy Stewart, Lexington Elementary School
Position: Third Grade Teacher
Years of Service: 31
Effective: May 31, 2004

Shirley Yates, Lexington Elementary School
Position: Teacher
Years of service: 31
Effective: April 20, 2004

Patricia "Pat" White, Sallie Humble Elementary School
Position: Principal
Years of Service: 31
Effective: July 1, 2004

Linda Strother Carter, Lee Junior High School
Position: Teacher
Years of Service: 23
Effective: May 29, 2004

Beverly Sivils, Lee Junior High School
Position: Teacher
Years of Service: 34
Effective: May 28, 2004

Marty Somoza, Lee Junior High School
Position: Teacher
Years of Service: 22
Effective: May 31, 2004

Annie Wilson, Lee Junior High School
Position: Art Teacher
Years of Service: 17
Effective: April 19, 2004

Certified Applicant - Second Semester Only:

Vernon Hall, Madison James Foster School
Position: Special Education Teacher
New Position
Effective: March 1, 2004

Classified Family - Medical Leave:

Willie Mae Sharp
Carroll Junior High School
Position: Food Technician
Effective: January 21 - April 23, 2004

Classified Retirements:

Kalmuth Hilburn, Maintenance Department
Position: Master Craftsman
Years of Service: 22
Effective: July 1, 2004

Rosie B. Jiles, Transportation Department
Position: Bus Attendant
Effective: July 24, 2004

Classified Resignations:

Jarvis Woods, Carver Elementary School
Position: Special Education Aide
Effective: March 22, 2004

Christie Middleton, Sallie Humble Elementary School
Position: Interpreter
Effective: January 23, 2004

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 17D:

Tenure Hearing

Attorney Lawrence stated that he requested that this item be place on tonight's agenda and asked the Board to take action on this agenda item.

On a motion by Mr. Cain that was seconded by Mrs. Dayton, the Board set a tenure hearing for Michael Bryan, May 24, 2004, at 6: p.m., at the Media Center. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Reverend McFarland requested that, on the next board agenda, an item will be listed dealing with the Georgia Tucker School.

Report Item 18:

The Superintendent's Report and Announcements:

President Handy stated that Dr. Cannon is out of the state.

Action Item 19:

Adjournment:

On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Mr. Cain, the Board adjourned at 8:08 p.m. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Mr. Jessie L. Handy, President                                                             

George D. Cannon, Ed.D., Superintendent