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The Monroe City School Board met in
regular session on Tuesday, February 17, 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 Bill Lewis,
Pastor of Swartz Assembly of God. 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. Julia Gray
Mrs. Derenda Flowers
Miss Maria Maggio
Mrs. Bobbie Hamilton
Mrs. Edith Lowe-Douzart
Dr. Daphene Singleton
Dr. LaVargne Gunn-Ford
Attorney L. Douglas Lawrence
Administrators, employees, parents, representatives from professional
organizations, and the news media were in attendance.
Action Item 4:
Adoption of the Agenda:
On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Reverend McFarland, the Board
adopted the agenda with the following changes. The motion carried on a unanimous
vote.
Agenda Item 8 Changed to Report/Discussion/Action: Proposal - Bible as
Literature/History. Agenda Item 15B (1) changes from a "A Leave Without Pay" to
a "Suspension Without Pay."
Action Item 5:
Adoption of the Minutes of January 13, 2004:
On a motion by Mr. Cain that was seconded by Mr. Traweek, the Board tabled
action on the January 13th board minutes until the next meeting of the Board.
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Report Item 6:
The President's Report and Announcements:
President Handy thanked the administrators, teachers, parents , Mr. Mickey
Cleveland, and the news media for their presence. He also recognized the
presence of former board member, Mr. Ed Hodges. The President stated that the
following persons will address the Board:
Ms. Eva Wilson, Louisiana Association of Educators,
Dr. LaVargne Gunn-Ford, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and
Mrs. Sherry Murphy, a classroom teacher at Minnie Ruffin Elementary School
Ms. Eva D. Wilson, Uni-Serv Director, Louisiana Association of Educators,
announced that on March 2nd the NEA will join Dr. Seuss Enterprises in
celebration of Dr. Seuss's 100th birthday.
Ms. Lin Jarrette, President, Monroe City Association Educators, announced that
Congressman Rodney Alexander will read to the students at Minnie Ruffin
Elementary School on March 1st. Ms. Jarrette asked Dr. Cannon to issue a
Proclamation to Congressman Alexander in support of the System's active
participation in the "NEA's Read Across America" celebration.
Dr. LaVaragne Gunn-Ford presented Mrs. Lorraine Slacks who briefed the Board on
services rendered by the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She also stated, "We are
here to let you know that we are in the community working with education. When
our organization can be of service to the System please contact us. We have
Deltas serving in this System as teachers, principals, and supervisors. When you
need us, just contact us."
Mrs. Slacks presented the Deltas by asking them to stand.
Mrs. Sherry Murphy thanked the Board and Dr. Cannon for allowing Minnie Ruffin
Elementary's second through fifth grade students to travel to New Orleans to
visit the King Tut Exhibit and Aquarium of America. Thank you cards were given
to Dr. Cannon, board members, and the bus driver.
Mrs. Murphy also informed the Board that on January 31st the fifth grade
students participated and won first place in the "Black Heritage Bowl" at
Carroll High School. Each student won $100.00 and Minnie Ruffin Library received
$2,150.00.
The sponsors of the Black Heritage Bowl are Representative Willie Hunter and
Hampco, Inc.
Action Item 7:
Field Trips:
On a motion by Mr. Cain that was seconded by Mr. Traweek, the Board approved the
listed field trips:
A. Madison James Foster School to Baton Rouge
Effective: February 19, 2004
Transportation: Skyline Tours
B. Madison James Foster School to Arcadia
Effective: April 22, 2004
Transportation: School Bus
C. Thomas Jefferson Upper Elementary School
Effective: March 11, 2004
Transportation: School Bus
The Motion carried on a unanimous vote. (See addendum for Travel information.)
Report/Discussion/Action Item 8:
Proposal - Bible as Literature/History:
Mr. Mickey Cleveland presented for discussion and action a proposal, "The Bible
as Literature/History." Mr. Cleveland stated, if approved, the King James
Version of the Bible will be the textbook.
Dr. Cannon stated that this course will be taught as an elective at the junior
high school level. This elective must be taught by a certified teacher. Dr.
Cannon also stated that no additional teachers will be employed to teach this
elective.
Miss Maggio and the junior high principals will meet and approve the curriculum
as an elective. Mr. Mickey Cleveland will present his proposal to Miss Maggio
and the junior high school principals.
On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Reverend McFarland, the Board
approved the Bible as Literature/History to be taught as an elective at the
junior high school level. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 9:
Permission to Declare an Emergency for a Boiler at Wossman High School.
On a motion by Mr. Cain that was seconded by Mrs. Shelling, the Board authorized
the administration to declare an emergency to purchase a boiler for Wossman High
School. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 10:
Awarding of Band Uniform Bid:
On a motion by Mrs. Smith that was seconded by Reverend McFarland, the Board
awarded the Wossman High School Band Uniform bid to Fruhouf in the amount of
$34,654.32 as presented by Mr. Brett Smith and recommended by Dr. Cannon. The
motion carried on a unanimous vote. (See addendum for tabulation sheet.)
Action Item 11:
Awarding of School Food Service Bid:
On a motion by Reverend McFarland that was seconded by Mrs. Dayton, the Board
awarded the School Food Service Bid to Sysco in the amount of $558,081.64 as
recommended by Dr. Cannon. The motion carried on a unanimous vote. (See addendum
for tabulation sheet).
Action Item 12:
Contracted Services:
On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Mr. Cain, the Board entered into
contract agreements as listed below:
A. Tamika D. Williams, Louisiana Tech University, to evaluate screened and
referred
potential talented art students.
B. Kathy Amman Vellard, Louisiana Tech University, to evaluate screened and
referred
potential talented art students.
Information Item 13:
Monroe City Schools Revised Dress Code Policy:
A revised copy of the Monroe City schools Dress Code Policy for students and
school employees was given to all board members as an informational item. After
board review, action will be taken at a later date.
Action Item 14:
Board/Superintendent's Retreat:
On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Mr. Traweek, the Board
re-scheduled its Board/Superintendent Retreat for Sunday, February 22, 2004,
from 2:30-5:00 p.m., in the Superintendent's Conference Room at the Central
Office. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Personnel Changes:
Action Item 15A through 15E:
On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Mr. Cain, the Board approved all
personnel changes that were recommended by the Superintendent.
Certified Leave With Pay:
Michael Bryan, Martin Luther King Middle School
Position: Classroom Teacher
Effective: January 8, 2004 -
Suspension Without Pay:
Don Zimmerman, Martin Luther King Middle School
Position: Classroom Teacher
Effective: February 2-6, 2004
Certified Retirements:
Janis Alston, Carroll High School
Position: Guidance Counselor
Years of Service: 39
Effective: June 11, 2004
Margaret Roy, Carroll High School
Position: Mathematics Teacher
Years of Service: 41
Effective: May 31, 2004
Certified Resignations:
Fannie Thomas, Jefferson Upper Elementary School
Position: Retired Classroom Teacher
Reason: Not listed
Effective: January 9, 2004
Regina Alexander, Martin Luther King Middle School
Position: Classroom Teacher
Reason: Family
Effective: January 12, 2004
Sabbatical Medical Leaves:
Sherry Bell, Lee Junior High School
Position: Classroom Teacher
Years of Experience: 9
Effective: January 5 through May 28, 2004
Natasha Bosworth, Carroll High School
Position: Science Teacher
Years of Service: 4
Effective: December 11, 2003 - June 1, 2004
The motion Carried on a Unanimous vote.
Action Items 15F through 15H:
Certified Extended Sick Leaves:
Molly Storm, Barkdull Faulk Elementary School
Position: Teacher
Effective: October 23, 2003 - March 16, 2004
A Total of 90 days
Earnestine Ross, Carver Elementary School
Position: Teacher
Effective: October 28-30, 2003
A total of 4 days
Rachelle May, Clara Hall School
Position: Teacher
Effective: January 15-26, 2004
A total of 6 days
Lywanda Knox, Carroll Junior High School
Position: Teacher
Effective: January 13 - February 2, 2004
A total of 13 days
Michelle Spears, Neville High School
Position: Teacher
Effective: January 23 - March 5, 2004
A total of 31 days
William Erwin, Sherrouse School
Position: Teacher
Effective: January 8 - May 25, 2004
A total of 90 days
Employment of Retired Teachers - Second Semester Only:
Amanda Johnson, Barkdull Faulk Elementary School
Position: Kindergarten Teacher
Replacing: Molly Storm
Effective: January 6, 2004
Mary Cooper, Jefferson Upper Elementary School
Position: Fourth Grade Teacher
Replacing: Adrienne Freemont
Effective: January 8, 2004
Evelena Johnson, Martin Luther King Middle School
Position: Sixth Grade Teacher
Replacing: Willie Minchew
Effective: January 12, 2004
Earlene Bryant, Wossman High School
Position: P. E. Teacher
Replacing: Otis Robinson
Effective: January 14, 2004
Certified Applicants - Second Semester Only:
Stephanie Stewart, Berg Jones Elementary School
Position: Fifth Grade Teacher
Reason: Increased Enrollment
Effective: December 15, 2003
Barbara Simmons, Carver Elementary School
Position: Teacher (Full Time)
Effective: September 11, 2003
Deborah Martin, Itinerant: Clark, Barkdull Faulk, Berg Jones, and Madison James
Foster
Elementary Schools
Position: Gifted Teacher
Effective: January 26, 2004
Jennifer Gail Parker, Cypress Point University School
Position: First Grade
Reason: Increased Enrollment
Effective: January 5, 2004
Paul Copeland, Jefferson Upper Elementary School
Position: Special Education Teacher
Reason:: New position
Effective: January 5, 2004
Angela W. Kranzman, Jefferson Upper Elementary School
Position: Fourth Grade Teacher
Replacing: Barbara Slack
Effective: January 5, 2004
Alan Williams, Jefferson Upper Elementary School
Position: Fifth Grade Teacher
Replacing: Jocelyn Hebert
Effective: January 20, 2004
Michael Coleman, Lee Junior High School
Position: Teacher
Replacing: Sherry Bell
Effective: January 5, 2004
Shervonda Head, Martin Luther King Middle School
Position: Seventh Grade Teacher
Replacing: Regina Alexander
Effective: January 20, 2004
Burk L. Picard, Carroll High School
Position: Science Teacher
Replacing: Natasha Bosworth
Effective: January 20, 2004
Laraun Ambrose, Adult Education Center
Position: GED Options
Replacing: Antonio Britton
Effective: January 5, 2004
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 15I:
Change in Employment Status:
On a motion by Mrs. Dayton that was seconded by Mrs. Shelling, the Board
approved the change in Mary Menyweather DeWitt employment status from classroom
teacher to principal intern at Cypress Point University Elementary School,
effective September 23, 2003. The motion carried six to one. Mr. Cain opposed.
Action Item 15J:
Tenure Hearing:
On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the Board set the
date and time of Michael Bryant’s tenure hearing as Tuesday, March 23, 2994 at
5:00 p.m., Monroe City School Board Media Center, 2009 Auburn Avenue, Monroe,
LA. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Items 16A - 16D
Classified Personnel:
On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Mrs. Dayton, the Board approved
the listed personnel items as recommended by Dr. Cannon.
Retirement::
Mamie Boatner, Carroll High School
Position: Cafeteria Manager
Years of Service: 32
Effective: June 1, 2004
Resignations:
Tonya Lenard, Madison James Foster School
Position: Special Education Aide
Reason: Not listed
Effective: February 23, 2004
John Milonski, Neville High School
Position: Special Education Aide
Reason: Not listed
Effective: December 19, 2003
Upgrading of Positions:
Evelyn Hall, Madison James Foster Elementary School
From: Acting Cafeteria Manager
To: Manager
Replacing: Lottie Dickson
Effective: December 1, 2003
Eddie Drake, Barkdull Faulk Elementary School
Position: Custodian
To: Jefferson Upper Elementary School
Position: Building Supervisor
Effective: January 5, 2004
Classified Applicants - Second Semester Only:
Ramona Grayson, Carver Elementary School
Position: Special Education Aide
Replacing: Rozena Ford
Effective: January 26, 2004
Marshal Monroe, Carver Elementary School
Position: Special Education Aide
Reason: New Position
Effective: January 12, 2004
Sharon Staten, Cypress Point University Elementary School
Position: Special Education Aide
Reason: New Position
Effective: February 2, 2004
Stephanie Augurson, Jefferson Upper Elementary School
Position: Special education Aide
Reason: New Position
Effective: January 5, 2004
Natasha Norwood, Lincoln Elementary School
Position: Title I Tutor
Replacing: April Williamson
Effective: January 26, 2004
Shirley A. Neal, Minnie Ruffin Elementary School
Position: Special Education Aide
Reason: New Position
Effective: January 26, 2004
Kathy Evans, Sallie Humble Elementary School
Position: Special Education Aide
Replacing: LaKeith Perkins
Effective: January 5, 2004
Sandra Crittle, Lexington Elementary School
Position: Custodial Worker
Completed Probationary Period
Replacing:: Mary Lawson
Effective: February 2, 2004
Nathaniel Carter, Maintenance Department
Position: Laborer-Ground Crew
Replacing: O. C. Willis, Jr.
Effective: February 2, 2004
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 17:
Counselor at Jefferson Upper Elementary School:
Dr. Cannon recommended Barbara Hodges as counselor at Jefferson Upper Elementary
School, effective February 18, 2004.
Mrs. Gloria Walker addressed the Board on this agenda item.
On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Reverend McFarland, the Board
approved the appointment of Barbara Hodges as counselor at Jefferson Upper
Elementary School, effective February 18, 2004. The motion carried six to one.
Mr. Cain opposed.
Reports:
Finance Committee Meeting:
Mr. Cain reported on the Finance Committee meeting that was held on February
12th at 4:00 :p.m. Mr. Cain briefed the public on the following items that were
discussed in the Finance Committee meeting:
Activity Funds,
District Travel,
State Farm impact of the System's Budget,
Supplemental pay for employees,
Tobacco tax proposal,
Teacher Retirement - Employer Contribution Rate,
The Revised General Fund Budget: Funding source - local, state, federal, all
other funding sources.
Copies of the draft copy of the revised budget was made available to all board
members.
Ms. Sandie Lollie addressed the Board on this agenda item.
NSBA Federal Relations Network 31st Annual Conference:
Mrs. Shelling gave a report to the Board on the 2004 NSBA Federal Relations
Network Conference that was held in Washington, D. C. on February 1-3, 2004.
Mrs. Shelling reported on the following clinics/conferences:
School Lunch Program,
IDEA Disability,
Vending Machines in schools during lunch period,
No Child Left Behind,
Qualified Teachers, and
Meetings with Congressman Rodney Alexander, U. S. Secretary of Education Rod
Paige, and Senator Mary Landrieu.
Mrs. Shelling is now serving on the LSBA Board of Directors, NSBA Southern
Regional Nominating Committee, and Vice President of LSBA
A representative from the Wossman High School Parent Group read a list on
concerns as it relates to Wossman High School.
Mrs. Anna Reed addressed the Board as it relates to the procedure that was used
in the interview process for the Athletic Director/Head Football Coach at
Wossman High School.
Mrs. Gloria Walker addressed the Board on concerns at Wossman High School.
Dr. Cannon stated that some of the issues mentioned have been taken care of. My
staff members will review the list of concerns and take the appropriate action.
The ROTC Program application has been filed.
The Board asked the Superintendent to instruct his administration to bring
closure to those issues that can be addressed immediately. On those items that
require a long term solution the Superintendent should bring the final plan to
the Board for consideration.
Maria Tucker addressed the Board as it relates to issues at Clark Magnet School
with her child.
Report Item 19:
Superintendent's Report and Announcements:
Dr. Cannon stated the he and Mrs. Flowers will be attending a meeting at the
State Department of Education with the Board of Elementary and Secondary
Education on Wednesday and Thursday, February 18-19, 2004. The agenda will
include:
FY 2003-04 Budget Letter,
Retirement Contribution, and
Health Insurance.
Dr. Cannon also stated that Mrs. Pine will make a follow-up call to board
members in reference to the Board/Superintendent Retreat that will be held on
Sunday, February 22nd from 2:20 - 5:00 p.m. This retreat will be held in the
Superintendent's Conference Room, 2101 Roselawn Avenue, Monroe, LA.
Action Item 20:
Adjournment:
On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the Board adjourned
at 8:45 p.m. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Mr.
Jessie L. Handy, President
George
D. Cannon, Ed.D., Superintendent
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