The Monroe City School Board met in a call meeting on Monday, August 16, 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 M. Shelling
Mrs. Stephanie S. Smith
Mr. James "Mickie" Traweek

Assistant Superintendent and Staff:

Mr. Julian Gray, Sr.
Dr. LaVargne Gunn-Ford
Mrs. Derenda Flowers
Mrs. Vickie  Irwin
Mrs. Edith Lowe-Douzart
Mrs. Bobbie Hamilton

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

Action Item 3:

Adoption of the Agenda:

On a motion by Reverend McFarland that was seconded by Mrs. Shelling, the Board adopted the agenda with the following additions:

Report Item  4A:  

Focus Group Meetings

Report Item 4B:

Superintendent Search Timelines

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Report Item 3A:

The President's Report and Announcements:

President Handy thanked the administrative staff, school  employees, parents, and the news media for their presence.  He also stated that the purpose for this call meeting is to receive the Superintendent Site Visits Findings. Prior to receiving the report, the President thanked the delegation of board members who traveled to Newburgh, New York and Houston, Texas to conduct the site visits.

Superintendent Site Visits:

            Mrs. Brenda M. Shelling

            Mrs. Stephanie M. Smith

            Reverend Rodney McFarland

Mrs. Shelling, the spokesperson for the group, thanked Mrs. Flowers for the many hours she gave in making sure the trips would be successful.  She also thanked Mrs. Flowers for the professional way she worked with Ray and Associates in setting up all steps necessary for the interviews.   Mrs. Shelling thanked President Handy for his support in making sure that all areas of the interviews and the site visits were carried out in a timely manner.  Special thanks was given to Mrs. Karla Bowlin for preparing and operating the power point presentation.

Superintendent Site Visit Presentation:

                  Dr. James Dupree, Associate Superintendent of School Improvement

First Visit:  Newburgh, New York, Thursday, August 12, 2004

                  Newburgh School District

Interviews were held with the following individuals:

      Superintendent Annette Satumelli

      The Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources

      Mr. Runston Lewis, Board President

      Central Office Personnel, Support Staff, Parents, Principal

The Board President, Mr. Runston  Lewis,  provided the history of   Dr. Dupree’s two and a half  year in the district.  The interview process included but was not limited to the  following:

      Background/History

      Management/Leadership Skills

      Organizational Skills

      Strengths/Weaknesses

Those who were interviewed spoke very highly of  Dr. Dupree  and what positive impact he has made on the community as well as the district.

Dr. Julia Earl, Associate Superintendent of Curriculum/Instruction

Second Visit:  Houston, Texas, August 13, 2004

                Klein Independent School District

                Klein, Texas

    Dr. Jim Cain, Superintendent

The interview process followed the format that was used on the first day. Those who were interviewed also spoke very highly of Dr. Earl.  Mrs. Shelling stated that the Board has a very difficult task in selecting a Superintendent, because their accomplishments, work ethics,  and successes are almost identical.  

Ms. Danna Jefferson, Mrs. Gloria Walker, and Mr. Frank Nettles addressed the Board to ask for clarifications in areas of the presentation and the selection process of what board members would take part in the site visits.

Mr. Cain stated that he first said he would be a part of the site visits, but later changed his mind.

Report Item 4A:

Focus Group Meetings:

Mrs. Flowers stated that the focus group meetings will be held at Carroll High School, Saturday, August 21, 2004. 

Mr. Cain asked that the focus group meeting include parents, PTO Organizations, School District Employees,  Professional Organizations, and Transportation Employees.

The final draft of the focus group meetings will include the  list as stated by Mr. Cain

Focus Group Schedule:    8:30 A. M.  -  12:30 A. M.

Community Forum:           5:30 P. M. 

Report Item 4B:

Superintendent Search Suggested Process and Timeline:

The week of August 16, 2004, will include on-site visits, discussions between the consultants and the finalist about contract terms, the contract offer and the process release of  new superintendent.

Other:

The next board meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 31, 2004 at 6:00 P.M.           

Mr. Traweek asked Mr. Gray if the school supplies have been delivered to the schools.  Mr. Gray  replied that only those school who have submitted a list requesting school supplies. have received them..

Mr. Traweek reminded Mr. Gray that all requests to change school zones must have prior approval by the Board.

Mrs. Gloria Walker asked the Board if prior approval had been given to a school to change their school uniforms.  Mr. Gray will research this information and inform the Board.  Mr. Gray will also research placing an over-age elementary child in the seventh grade at a junior high school.. 

Mrs. Shelling stated that board attorney should be present at all board meeting, if possible.

Action Item 5:

Adjournment:

On a motion by Reverend McFarland that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the Board adjourned at 7:48 P. M.  The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Mr. Jessie L. Handy, President                                                             

Mr. Julian Gray, Sr., Assistant Superintendent