The Monroe City School Board met in regular session on Monday, August 2, 2004, at 6 P.M., 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 M. Shelling
Mrs. Stephanie S. Smith
Mr. James "Mickey" Traweek

Superintendent and Administrative Team:

Dr. George D. Cannon
Mr. Julian Gray
Mrs. Derenda Flowers
Dr. LaVargne Gunn-Ford
Mrs. Teresa Foreman
Miss Maria Maggio
Dr. Daphene Singleton
Mrs. Bobbie Hamilton
Mrs. Vickie Irwin

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

Action Item 4:

Adoption of the Agenda and Addendum:

On a motion by Reverend McFarland that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the Board adopted the agenda and the addendum as presented.

Addendum:

Action Item 6A:

Executive Session
1) Discussion of investigation findings regarding WRC Media.
2) Discussion of the Superintendent's Contract of Employment and matters relevant to his competency and fitness.

Discussion/Action Item 7A & 7B:

1) Change in the Sales Tax Distribution.
2) Contract Renewal of Dr. Daphene Singleton.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 5:

Adoption of the Minutes of July 8 & 27, 2004:

On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Mrs. Shelling, the Board adopted the minutes of July 8 & 27, 2004, with a correction in the minutes of July 8, 2004.

Correction:

Report Item 8:

Principalship at Wossman High School:

Dr. Cannon stated the interview process ended today, Thursday, July 8, and he would interview the three finalists on tomorrow, Friday, July 9, and inform the Board of his recommendation, effective July 30, 2004. The Board will ratify the Superintendent's recommendation at its next scheduled meeting.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Report Item 6:

The President's Report and Announcements:

President Handy thanked the administrative staff, school employees, parents, representatives from professional organizations, and the news media for their presence and support.

Action Item 6A:

Executive Session:

On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Reverend McFarland, the Board went into executive session at 6:18 p.m. for a period of time not to exceed one hour to discuss:

1) Discussion of investigation findings regarding WRC Media.
2) Discussion of the Superintendent's Contract of Employment and matters relevant to his competency and fitness.

The Board reconvened at 8:30 p.m. and continued with the agenda.

Mr. Handy asked Mr. Lawrence to give a report on WRC Media.

Mr. Lawrence stated the ad hoc committee of the Board was appointed to work with him in conducting a limited investigation of WRC Media. The purpose of this investigation was to respond to Securities and Exchange Commission's request for information. "In the executive session we gave a report of what information the committee obtained as well as the information that will be submitted to the Commission."

Dr. Cannon announced to his staff and the public that beginning tomorrow (Tuesday, August 3, 2004), he will be on vacation using some of his accumulated vacation days until September 3. At which time he will announce his retirement as Superintendent of the Monroe City School Board. He further stated that he was looking forward to his retirement. He stated, "the timing is right, by doing so now it will give this Board the opportunity over the next several weeks to work hard in the possibility of selecting a new superintendent. I have been in this superintendency for twelve years and two months; we have accomplished a lot of successes and progress. Under new leadership, it will be a great opportunity for the district to move to new heights. That is really, really, important to me because I want this system to get even better that we are now. The foundation has been laid and the community has been good to us. We have renovated all of your schools and built two new schools; and our staff is in place.

I will take this opportunity to thank the past boards and the present board for their support. At this time I am asking Mr. Julian Gray to come up and take the gavel."

Dr. Cannon asked the President for permission to leave.

Action Item 7:

Louisiana Educational Agency Application for IDEA Flow Through Funds for FY 2005:

On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Mr. Cain, the Board approved the Louisiana Educational Agency Application for IDEA Flow Through Funds for FY 2005, as presented. The motion carried on a unanimous vote. (Application of File).

Discussion/Action Item 7A:

Change in the Sales Tax Distribution for Classified Employees:

On a motion by Mrs. Smith that was seconded by Reverend McFarland, the Board approved the change in the distribution format in the classified 1994 sale tax supplemental checks. To be added the monthly payroll check, listed as a supplemental check. The motion carried on a unanimous vote. (See addendum for proposed distribution information).

Action Item 7B:

Contract Renewal of Dr. Daphene Singleton:

Mr. Lawrence: "It is my understanding that the Board wishes to know what its options are with respect of contract renewal of Dr. Daphene Singleton." Mr. Lawrence recommended the following

     Provide a notice of non renewal if it is even possible or conceivable that you would not want to renew.

     This decision will have to be made today because you are exactly 120 days from the end date of that contact. If you do not provide a notice today, the  contract will reconduct, meaning the contract will renew for an additional term.

     The Board asked for clarification on the time frame of this notice.

     Mr. Lawrence stated that a hand delivered notice should be delivered tonight to Dr. Singleton stating the action of the Board.

On a motion by Mr. Cain that was seconded by Mrs. Shelling, the Board voted not to renew the contract of Dr. Daphene Singleton, Personnel Director of Human Resources, which has a renewal date of November 30, 2004. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

President Handy stated that Dr. Singleton has already been placed in the position of “Grant Writer” and she will remain in that position until her contract runs out on November 30, 2004. At that time the Board will take further action

Personnel Changes:

Action Item 8A: Certified Resignations:

On a motion by Reverend McFarland that was seconded by Mr. Cain, the Board approved the following certified resignations:

Patsy Powell, Barkdull Faulk Elementary School
Position: Special Education Teacher
Reason: Relocating
Effective: July 19, 2004

Carla Walters, Berg Jones Elementary School
Position: First Grade Teacher
Reason: Not listed
Effective: July 28, 2004

Deborah Martin, Clark Magnet Elementary School
Position: Gifted Teacher
Reason: Not listed
Effective: July 26, 2004

Rebekah Watson, Cypress Point Elementary School
Position: Music Teacher
Reason: Not listed
Effective: July 27, 2004

Damon Nailer, Lexington Elementary School
Position: Teacher
`Reason: Not listed
Effective: June 30, 2004

Adele Gremillion, Madison James Foster Elementary School
Position: Third Grade Teacher
Reason: Relocating
Effective: July 7, 2004

Nicole Hester, Minnie Ruffin Elementary School
Position: Third Grade Teacher
Reason: Relocating
Effective: June 7, 2004

Janice Ashbrook, Neville High School
Position: Music Teacher
Reason: Not listed
Effective: May 29, 2004

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 8B: Certified Extended Sick Leaves:

On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the Board approved
the following certified extended sick leaves:

Erin Turner, Berg Jones Elementary School
Position: First Grade Teacher
Reason: Maternity Leave
Effective: October 28 (1/2) - December 17, 2004 - A total of six weeks.

Jamekia Dial, Madison James Foster Elementary School
Position: Special Education Teacher
Reason: Maternity Leave
Effective: January 1-20, 2004 - A total of 13 days.

Patricia Stephens, Minnie Ruffin Elementary School
Position: Teacher
Reason: Maternity Leave
Effective: September 12, 2004 - January 10, 2005 - A total of 66 days.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 8C: Sabbatical Leaves:

On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the Board approved the following sabbatical leaves:

Gayle Madison, Cypress Point Elementary School
Position: Kindergarten Teacher
Rest and Recuperation
Years of Service: 23
Effective: September 7, 2004 - May 31, 2005

Beverly Halsell, Lincoln Elementary School
Position: Kindergarten Teacher
Rest and Recuperation
Years of Service: 35
Effective: August 12, 2004 - January 10, 2005

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 8D: Certified Applicants:

On a motion by Mrs. Smith that was seconded by Mrs. Shelling, the Board approved employment of all listed certified applicants:

Marci Gross Leonard, Barkdull Faulk Elementary School
Position: Teacher - One year only
Replacing: Patsy Powell - resigned
Effective: August 12, 2004

Tonia Buckley, Berg Jones Elementary School
Position: Fourth Grade Teacher
Replacing: Carla Walters - resigned
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

Shalanda James, Carver Elementary School
Position: Special Education Teacher
Replacing: Self
Effective: August 14, 2004

Alana Brooke Fortson, Clark Elementary School
Position: Second Grade Teacher
Replacing: Self
Effective: August 12, 2004

Rebekah Baker, Cypress Point Elementary School
Position: Music Teacher - One year only
Replacing: Rebekah Watson - resigned
Effective: August 12, 2004

Kaye L. Pace, Cypress Point University Elementary School
Position: Kindergarten Teacher - One year only
Replacing: Gayle Madison - Medical Sabbatical Leave
Effective: August 12, 2004

Mira Ford, Jefferson Upper Elementary School
Position: Librarian - One year only
Replacing: Authurine Murphy
Effective: August 12, 2004

Kelly McCready, Jefferson Upper Elementary School
Position: Special Education Teacher - One year only
Replacing: Dorothy Lewis - retired
Effective: August 12, 2004

Wendi Tilmon, Jefferson Upper Elementary School
Position: Fifth Grade Teacher
Replacing: Judith McConnell
Effective: August 12, 2004

Sally Stidham, Lexington Elementary School
Position: Special Education Teacher
Replacing: Debbie Lewis
Transferred to Sallie Humble Elementary School
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

Erica Broadway, Lincoln Elementary School
Position: Fourth Grade Teacher
Replacing: Self
Effective: August 12, 2004

Donna Cummins, Lincoln Elementary School
Position: Fourth Grade Teacher
Replacing: Ruthie Player - TAT
Effective: August 12, 2004 – One year only

Laura Green, Lincoln Elementary School
Position: Teacher - One semester
Replacing: Angela Spivey - TAT
Effective: August 12, 2004

Jessica McDonouth, Lincoln Elementary School
Position: Special Education Teacher
Replacing: Denise Smith
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

Shandra Naylor, Lincoln Elementary School
Position: Sixth Grade Teacher
Replacing: Clydell Jones - retired
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

Cheryl Walker, Lincoln Elementary School
Position: Kindergarten Teacher
Replacing: Edna Wilson - One year only
Effective: August 12, 2004

DeAnn Sherman, Madison James Foster Elementary School
Position: First Grade Teacher
Effective: August 12, 2004

Kendra Stanley, Madison James Foster Elementary School
Position: Third Grade Teacher
Replacing: Adele Gremillion - resigned
Effective: August 12, 2004

Jalaine Price, Minnie Ruffin Elementary School
Position: Special Education teacher
Replacing: Joyce Johnson - TAT
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

Evelyn Coward, Carroll Junior High School
Position: Gifted Teacher
Replacing: Petrecia Babers
Transferred to regular education
Effective: August 12, 2004

Ella G. Taylor, Carroll Junior High School
Position: Mathematics Teacher
Replacing: Hershell West - Retired teacher
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

Charles Amos, Lee Junior High School
Position: Special Education Teacher
Replacing: Beverly Sivils - retired
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

Patti Cogburn, Lee Junior High School
Position: Special Education Teacher
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

Jeff Gregory, Lee Junior High School
Position: Teacher
Effective: August 12, 2004

Melanie Hewins, Lee Junior High School
Position: Science Teacher
Replacing: Lisa Durham - retired
Effective: August 12, 2004

Jerald Kennedy, Lee Junior High School
Position: Science Teacher
Replacing: Marty Somoza - resigned
Effective: August 12, 2004

Rebecca King, Lee Junior High School
Position: Reading Teacher
Effective: August 12, 2004

Robert Mitcham, Lee Junior High School
Position: Passroom Teacher
Replacing: Donald Givens
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

Barry Mitchell, Lee Junior High School
Position: Teacher
Effective: August 12, 2004

Paula Morrison, Lee Junior High School
Position: Mathematics Teacher
Effective: August 12, 2004

Dana Mullins, Lee Junior High School
Position: Science Teacher - One year only
Replacing: Debra Hamilton
Transferred to Cypress Point Elementary School
Effective: August 12, 2004

Katrina H. Roberson, Lee Junior High School
Position: Science Teacher - One year only
Replacing: Debra Hamilton
Transferred to Cypress Point Elementary School
Effective: August 12, 2004

Misty Trichell, Lee Junior High School
Position: Teacher
Effective: August 12, 2004

Pam Wilkins, Lee Junior High School
Position: Special Education Teacher
Effective: August 12, 2004

Anthony Pitts, Martin Luther King Middle School
Position: Reading Teacher
Replacing: Evelena Johnson - retired teacher
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

Maurice Batiste, Carroll High School
Position: Special Education Teacher
Replacing: Levi Washington - TAT
Effective: August 12, 2004

Jason Thompson, Neville High School
Position: Teacher/Coach
Replacing: John Carr - resigned
Effective: August 12, 2004

Robert Arvie, Wossman High School
Position: P. E. Teacher - One year only
Replacing: Charles Smith - transferred to Martin Luther King Middle School
Effective: August 12, 2004

Richard Ross, Wossman High School
Position: Junior ROTC Instructor
New Position
Effective: August 2, 2004

Michael Fontana, Sherrouse School
Position: Teacher - One semester
Replacing: William Erwin - TAT
Effective: August 12, 2004

Michael Miller, Sherrouse School
Position: Teacher - Transferred from Neville High
Replacing: Jennifer Kimble - resigned
Effective: August 12, 2004

Susan Holloway, Special Education Center
Position: Educational Diagnostician
Replacing: Karten Hamilton - Retired
Effective: July 30, 2004

Deborah Young, Special Education Center
Position: Educational Diagnostician
Effective: July 30, 2004

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 8EA:

Ratification of Employment:

On a motion by Reverend McFarland that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the Board ratified the employment of Sam Moore, principal of Wossman High School, effective July 30, 2004.

Mr. Cain offered the following friendly amendment:

     Ratify the employment of Christy Taylor, principal of Clark Magnet Elementary School, effective August 3, 2004.

     Ratify the employment of Jacqueline Matthews, principal of Jefferson Upper  Elementary School, effective August 3, 2004.

Reverend McFarland and Mrs. Smith accepted the friendly amendment.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote as amended.

Action Item 9A:

Classified Resignations:

On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Reverend McFarland, the Board approved the following classified resignations:

Stephanie Augurson, Jefferson Upper Elementary School
Position: Special Education Aide
Reason: Not listed
Effective: May 28, 2004

Sharon D. Pollard, Jefferson Upper Elementary School
Position: Secretary
Reason: Not listed
Effective: July 12, 2004

Patricia Garrett, Lexington Elementary School
Position: Secretary
Reason: Relocating
Effective: July 28, 2004

Gloria M. Seegers, Madison James Foster School
Position: Secretary/Bookkeeper
Reason: Returning to school
Effective: July 29, 2004

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 9B:

Transfer of Classified Employees:

On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Mrs. Dayton, the Board approved the transfer of the following employees:

Latronne Davis From: Jefferson Upper Elementary School
To: Carver Elementary School
Replacing: Jarvis Woods - resigned
Position: Special Education Aide
Effective: August 12, 2004

Tonya Small Ward From: Carroll High School
Position: Guidance Clerk
To: Wossman High School
Position: Secretary
Effective: July 28, 2004

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 9C:

Classified Applicants:

On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Reverend McFarland, the Board employed the following classified applicants:

Lynda Kwentoh, Berg Jones Elementary School
Position: Special Education Aide
Replacing: Jacqueline Allen
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

Susan Turner, Madison James Foster Elementary School
Position: Special Education Aide
Replacing: Zetta Grant
Effective: August 2, 2004 - One year only

Kemario Elliott, Jefferson Upper Elementary School
Position: Special Education Aide
Replacing: Stephanie Augurson - resigned
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Report Item 10:

Superintendents Report and Announcements: No report

Other:

Mr. Handy stated that all business that require the Superintendent's attention will be directed to Mr. Julian Gray.

Action Item 11:

Adjournment:

On a motion by Mrs. Smith that was seconded by Mrs. Shelling, the Board adjourned at 9:00 p.m. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
 

Mr. Jessie L. Handy, President                                                             

George D. Cannon, Ed.D., Superintendent