The Monroe City School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, October 28, 2003, 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 Charles Stevenson, Pastor, Bethel Church of God in Christ.

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
Mrs. Derenda Flowers
Mrs. Edith Lowe-Douzart
Miss Maria Maggio
Dr. Daphene Singleton
Dr. LaVargne Gunn-Ford
Mrs. Teresa Foreman
Mrs. Bobbie Hamilton

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 Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Mr. Traweek, the Board adopted the agenda with the deletion of item 4 page 8: Upgrading of Title I and Special Education Aides. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 5:

Adoption of the Minutes of October 7 & 20, 2003:

On a motion by Mrs. Smith that was seconded by Mr. Traweek, the Board adopted the minutes of October 7 & 20, 2003, as corrected. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Report Item 6:

The President's Report and Announcements:

The President thanked the public for their support. He also asked for their continued support of the schools.

Louisiana School Boards Association:

President Handy stated that December is the deadline for submitting resolutions to the LSBA for consideration at the LSBA Convention, March 4-6, 2004.

The Monroe City School Board Resolution Committee is as follows:

Mr. James "Mickie" Traweek, Chairman,
Mrs. Victoria "Vickie" Dayton, Member, and
Mr. Jessie L. Handy, Member.

Action Item 7:

Field Trips:

On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the Board approved the following field trips as recommended by Dr. Cannon:

Berg Jones School to Folsom, LA., November 1, 2003
Transportation: School bus

Lee Junior High School to Hammond, November 19, 2003
Transportation: Fred's Travel Service ­ Mayo Bus

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

Report Item 8:

Berg Jones PTO:

Mrs. Annie McKinley, President of Berg Jones PTO, read a statement that outlined construction, maintenance, and cafeteria needs for Berg Jones School. Mrs. McKinley concluded her presentation by thanking Dr. Cannon, his administration, and board members for their past support and asked for their continued support for the students, faculty, and parents of Berg Jones School.

Each board member and the Superintendent received a copy of Mrs. McKinley's presentation.

On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Reverend McFarland, the Board added to the agenda Berg Jones School PTO's need list. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Reverend McFarland stated that time lines should be set for the completion of these requested items.

Mr. Cain stated that the administration should be instructed to come to the Board with a plan to improve the delivery of maintenance services in the district.

Mrs. Shelling made a motion, that was seconded by Mr. Traweek, that the Board direct the Superintendent to meet with his staff to take care of the listed items immediately, with the exception of the four classrooms. The four classrooms will be dealt with later. Mr. Monroe and Mr. Pickering will make a report to the Board on the items that are under their supervision.

The Board asked that priority lists be brought to the Board, indicating the responsibilities of the Maintenance Department, the Construction Department, and the City of Monroe. However, Berg Jones' listed item will be take care of immediately, where possible.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote (See addendum for list)

Action Item 9:

Sale of Portable Buildings::

On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Mrs. Dayton, the Board authorized the administration to advertise for bids for the sale of the portable buildings at Sherrouse Elementary School. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 10:

Awarding of Janitorial Bids:

On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the Board awarded the janitorial bid as indicated on the tabulation sheet. (See addendum for tabulation sheet).

Action Item 11:

Teen Court:

Mrs. Shelling made a motion, that was seconded by Reverend McFarland, that Board authorize the System to support the Teen Court Program, this year only, in the amount of $5,000.

The Board asked Ms. Valisia Tisdale, Administrator, Teen Court Program, to bring a report to the Board, by race, on the youth participation. The Board asked Ms. Tisdale to research the number of members on the Board of Directors, in that this Board is one of the funding sources, and have only one representation of the Board of Directors. (See addendum for report).

Discussion/Action Item 12:

Plan of Action:

The Superintendent presented his recommendation pertaining to administrative appointments for the remainder of the 2003-2004 school year.

Report Item 12A:

Mrs. Deborah Martin, principal at Jefferson Upper Elementary School, was reassigned to a gifted/talented teaching position, effective October 30, 2003.

Report Item 12B:

Mrs. Jackie Matthews, assistant principal at Carroll High School, was reassigned to acting principal at Jefferson Upper Elementary School, for the remainder of the school year, effective October 30, 2003.

The Superintendent recommends that the Board authorize the administration, in the Spring of 2004, to announce a vacancy in the principalship of Jefferson Upper Elementary School for the 2004-2005 school year using the Board's procedures established for hiring a permanent principal.

Report Item 12C

The Superintendent requested that the Board declare a vacancy in the assistant principalship at Carroll High School so the administration can advertise for said position.

Action Item 12D:

Lee Junior High School

The Superintendent recommends that Lee Junior High School be approved for an administrative assistantship for the remainder of the 2003-2004 school year, based upon enrollment trends at Lee.

Mr. Traweek made a motion that was seconded by Mrs. Dayton, that the Board approve the recommendation of Dr. Cannon to appoint an administrative assistantship at Lee Junior High School, effective the remainder of the 2003-2004 school year. Voting in favor were: Mrs. Dayton and Mr. Traweek. The motion failed for a lack of a majority vote.

Action item 12E:

Lincoln Elementary School:

The Superintendent recommended that the principal of Lincoln be permitted to employ an assistant to the principal for the remainder of the school year in lieu of an assigned principal intern , effective October 30, 2003.

Mrs. Shelling made a motion that was seconded by Reverend McFarland, that the Board deny the recommendation of Dr. Cannon to employ an assistant to the principal at Lincoln School for the remainder of the 2003-2004 school year, effective October 30, 2003. Voting against the recommendation were: Mrs. Shelling, Reverend McFarland, Mr. Traweek, and Mr. Cain. Voting in favor of the recommendation were: Mrs. Dayton, Mrs. Smith, and Mr. Handy. The motion carried on a majority vote.

Action Item 12F:

Sallie Humble Elementary School:

Dr. Cannon recommends that Sallie Humble Elementary School be awarded a principal intern for the remainder of the 2003-2004 school year.

Mr. Traweek made a motion that was seconded by Mrs. Dayton, that the Board approved the recommendation of Dr. Cannon to appoint a principal intern to Sallie Humble school for the remainder of the 2003-2004 school year. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Report Item 13:

Results of the Sales Tax Survey:

Mrs. Flowers presented the results of the sales tax survey and gave each board member a copy of the results.

See addendum for results of sales tax survey.

Action Item 14:

Certified Job Descriptions:
On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the Board tabled action on certified job descriptions until the next meeting of the Board. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 15:

Sales Tax Recommendation:

Dr. Cannon recommended that the distribution of sales tax checks remain as is for the remainder of this academic year. A plan will be presented to the Board for the 2004-2005 academic year.

On a motion by Mrs. Smith that was seconded by Reverend McFarland, the Board approved the recommendation of Dr. Cannon to leave the distribution as is for the remainder of this year. The motion carried four to three. Mr. Cain, Mrs. Shelling, and Mr. Traweek opposed.

Action Item 16:

Student Transfers:

Dr. Cannon stated that Mr. Gray is ill. However, he has made available the information on student transfers.

Mr. Cain stated that the Board requested a summary report, for action.

Dr. Cannon stated that at the next board meeting Mr. Gray will bring a comprehensive report, for action, at the next board meeting.

On a motion by Mrs. Smith that was seconded by Reverend McFarland, the Board tabled action on student transfers until the next board meeting. The motion carried on a four to three vote. Mr. Cain, Mrs. Shelling, and Mr. Traweek opposed.

Action Item 17A-17# and 18A ­ 18E:

On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Mrs. Shelling, the Board approved all personnel changes as recommended by Dr. Cannon.

Sabbatical Leave ­ Rest and Recuperation:

Shirley Yates, Lexington School
Position: First Grade
Effective: August 4 through October 21 (1/2), 2003
A total of 47.5 days

Extended Sick Leaves:

Billy Johnson, Lincoln School
Position: Classroom Teacher
Effective: August 18 through October 27, 2003
A total of 49 days

Jenette Conway, Minnie Ruffin Elementary School
Position: First Grade Teacher
Effective: October 9 ­ March 8, 2004
A total of 90 days

Linda Carter, Lee Junior High School
Position: History Teacher
Effective: September 22 ­ February 17, 2004
A total of 90 days

Ann Cookston Brown, Neville High School
Position: Art Teacher
Effective: October 28 ­ April 25
A total of 90 days

Ann Pardue, Neville High School
Position: Algebra Teacher
Effective: November 17 ­ December 19, 2003
A total of 20 days

Employment of Retired Applicants ­ One Year Only ­ August 14, 2003:

Wanda Ramsley Barkdull Faulk School Kindergarten
Ernestine Ross Carver School First Grade
Linda Thomas Cypress Point School Fourth Grade
Margaret Newman Jefferson Upper Fourth Grade
Fannie Thomas Jefferson Upper Fourth Grade
Cyrenthia Dunn Minnie Ruffin Classroom Teacher
Effective: October 9, 2003
Hershell West Carroll Junior Pre-Algebra
Yvonne Reed Carroll High English
Phillip Payne Carroll High Passroom
Roosevelt Pine Carroll High Vocal Music
Ola Tennant Wossman High Science
Dorothy King Wossman High Science
LeDonald Ensley Wossman High Vocal Music
Maurice Johnson Wossman High Band

Certified Resignation:

Vickie Williams, Jefferson Upper Elementary School
Position: Accountability Specialist
Effective: October 21, 2003

Certified Applicants ­ One Year Only:

Rachel Turnbough, Barkdull Faulk School
Position: First Grade Teacher
Replacing: Tracey Woodhead
Effective: August 14, 2003

Jennifer Morgan, Barkdull Faulk School
Position: Teacher
Effective: August 14, 2003

Laura Turner, Berg Jones School
Position: Librarian
Replacing: Evelyn Gilbert
Effective: September 11, 2003

Erin Lynn Turner, Berg Jones School
Position: First Grade Teacher
Replacing: Tonya Vickers
Effective: August 14, 2003

Alana Fortson, Clark School
Position: Second Grade
Replacing: Keneshala Martin
Effective: August 14, 2003

Brandi Rene' Ardoin, Lincoln School
Position: Special Education Teacher
Replacing: Bernadette Monroe
Effective: August 14, 2003

Cheryl Purvis, Madison James Foster School
Position: Sixth Grade Teacher
Replacing: Sherry Claibone
Effective: September 22, 2003

Michael J. Richey, Madison James Foster
Position: Mathematics Teacher
Replacing: Jabar Rodney
Effective: August 14, 2003

Tapesos Walters, Madison James Foster
Position: Pre-Kindergarten
Replacing: Cascille Newcomer
Effective: August 14, 2003

Sonia Washington, Madison James Foster
Position: Sixth Grade Teacher
Replacing: T. Cooper
Effective: August 14, 2003

Kimberly Hales, Carroll Junior High School
Position: Science Teacher
Replacing: Daryl Savage
Effective: September 22, 2003

Dana Mullins, Lee Junior High
Position: Teacher
Replacing: Sarah Mabry
Effective: August 14, 2003

Misty Dawn Trichell, Lee Junior High
Position: Teacher
Replacing: Linda Carter
Effective: September 23, 2003

Cynthia Dunlop, Martin Luther King School
Position: Title I Teacher
Replacing: Self
Effective: August 14, 2003

Emalie Dunn, Neville High School
(One Semester)
Position: Algebra Teacher
Replacing: Ann Pardue
Effective: August 14, 2003

Emma Beth Heatherly, Neville High School
Position: Special Education Teacher
Replacing: Mary Frances Young
Effective: September 15, 2003

Loni Ingram-Senyard, Neville High School
Position: English Teacher
Replacing: Marilyn Rawls
Effective: August 14, 2003

Bryan Singleton, Wossman High School
Position: Special Education
Replacing: Ruby Johnson
Effective: September 17, 2003

Gaylord Burrows, Alternative Center
Position: Teacher
Replacing: Daniel Manjum
Effective: August 14, 2003

Matthew Garrett, Alternative Center
Position: Teacher
Replacing: Billy Johnson
Effective: August 14, 2003

Melomda B. Rigsby, Alternative Center
Position: Teacher
Effective: August 14, 2003

Brandi Ecklund, Special Education Department
Position: Speech Therapist
New Position
Effective: August 14, 2003

Selida Dawkins, Career Development Center
Position: GED Reading
Effective: August 25, 2003

Upgrading of Classified Employees:

Karen Brown, Carver School
From: Library Aide (Berg Jones)
To: Computer Lab Manager
Effective: October 6, 2003

Jimmy O'Quinn, Lincoln School
Position: Food Technician
From: Part-Time
To: Full-Time
Effective: October 6, 2003

Sherry Stephens, Neville High School
Position: Workroom Worker
From: Part-Time
To: Full-Time
Effective: July 20, 2003

Extended Sick Leave:

Carrie Burks, Transportation Department
Position: Bus Operator
Effective: August 18 to October 20 (1.2)
A total of 43 _ days

Classified Retirement:

Lottie Dickson, Madison James Foster
Position: Cafeteria Manager
Years of Service: 32
Effective: December 1, 2003

Classified Leave Without Pay:

Barbara Clary, Transportation Department
Position: Bus Operator
Effective: October 9 ­ January 22, 2004

Classified Applicants ­ One Year Only:

Donna Jackson, Barkdull Faulk School
Position: Custodian
Replacing: Eddie Mitchell
Effective: October 1, 2003

Sharon Ann Owens, Berg Jones School
Position: Special Education Aide
Replacing: Brenda Sholars
Effective: October 6, 2003

Shirley Ruth Wallace, Berg Jones School
Position: Kindergarten Tutor
New Position
Effective: October 20, 2003

Connie Shaw, Carver School
Position: Kindergarten Tutor
New Position
Effective: October 13, 2003

Someka Bias, Clara Hall School
Position: Title I Tutor
New Position
Effective: September 25, 2003

Gloria Young, Martin Luther King Middle School
Position: Custodian
Replacing: Mary Johnson
Effective: October 1, 2003

Charlotte McLemore, Carroll High School
Position: Custodian
Replacing: Frozine Henry
Effective: September 11, 2003

Ernestine Releford, Carroll High School
Position: Food Technician
Replacing: Nicolas Vaughn
Effective: September 4, 2003

Chris Campbell, Neville High School
Position: Special Education Aide
Effective: August 14, 2003

Wynona Harris, Alternative ­ DAP Program
Position: Instructional Aide
Replacing: Tia Elzie
Effective: September 29, 2003

Anthony Jones, Adult Education Center
Position: Lab Manager
Effective: September 2, 2003

Kim Tarvin, Adult Education Center
Position: Lab Manager
Effective: August 14, 2003

Paula Williams, Adult Education Center
Position: Aide
Replacing: Self
Effective: August 14, 2003
Charlotte Holder, Media Center
Position: Resource Facilitator
New Position
Effective: September 8, 2003

Mark Taylor, Special Education Department
Position: Custodian
New Position
Effective: October 1, 2003

Shelia Nettles, Neville High School
Position: 504 Clerk
Effective: September 2, 2003

Andrew Bias, Vocational Education
Position: Special Education Aide
Effective: September 24, 2003

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 17F:

TAT Applicants ­ One Semester Only:- Effective - August 14, 2003:

On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Mrs. Dayton, the Board approved all listed TAT applicants, for one semester only. Their requirements will be reviewed prior to re-employment for the second semester.

Sharon Pohlman Barkdull Faulk Elementary School
Janice Cyrus Berg Jones School
Brandi Cain Carver School
Shalanda James Carver School
Pretesia Brice Carver School
Rochelle Williams Cypress Point School
Jotavis Jones Jefferson Upper
Charlotte Gnemi Lexington School
Kendra Stanley Lincoln School
Ericka Broadnax Lincoln School
Ruthie Player Lincoln School
Angela Spivey Lincoln School
Jemekia Dial Madison James Foster
Tammy Hopkins Madison James Foster
KaTonja Jenkins Madison James Foster
Bridget Hunter Madison James Foster
Sheik Bacchus Carroll Junior

Tammy Gray Carroll Junior
Jocelyn Hebert Carroll Junior
LaWanda Knox Carroll Junior
Bernadine Staten Carroll Junior
Jennifer Sweeney Lee Junior
Pam Robinson Lee Junior
LaKeithra Brown Martin Luther King
Chris Rodgers Martin Luther King
Freddie Varner Martin Luther King
Bernadette Monroe Carroll High
Verna Campbell Carroll High
Stephanie French Carroll High
Levi Washington Carroll High
Kevin Oliver Neville High (Part ­ Time)
Margaret Becton Neville High
Angela Webb-Bass Wossman High
Shameka Mitchell Wossman High
Ozel Givens Alternative Center
William Erwin Alternative Center
Antonio Baritton Adult Education
John Thornton Adult Education

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Report Item 19:

The Superintendent's Report and Announcements.

The Superintendent announced that information as it relates to the District Report Card is forthcoming. He also informed the Board of the illnss of Mr. Gray.

Other:

Mrs. Shelling requested that an executive session be included in the November18th agenda as it relates to a letter board members received from Attorney Lawrence.

Mr. Cain announced that the Finance Committee meeting has been post poned. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 11th at 4:30 p.m. This meeting will be held at the Central Office.

Mr. Clark addressed the Board in reference to custodial workers buying supplies. To his knowledge, no custodial worker had to buy school supplies. School supplies are disbursed by requisition only.

Members of the Jefferson Upper Elementary School addressed the Board concerning issues at their school. They also asked for immediate help

Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Shelling stated that the Board will address the concerns of the Jefferson School staff.



Mr. Jessie Handy, President

George D. Cannon, Ed.D., Superintendent