The Monroe City School Board met in a special meeting on Tuesday, August 24, 2004, at 4:00 p.m. in 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 "Mickey" Traweek

Administrative Staff:

Mr. Julian Gray, Sr.
Miss Maria Maggio
Mrs. Teresa Foreman
Mrs. Edith Lowe Douzart
Mrs. Derenda Flowers
Attorney L. Douglas Lawrence

Administrators, teachers, principals, parents, support staff, concerned citizens, and the news media were in attendance.

Action Item 4:

Adoption of the Agenda:

On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Mrs. Shelling, the Board adopted the agenda as printed. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Report Item 5:

The President's Report and Announcements:

President Handy thanked the administrative staff, support staff, teachers, citizens, parents, and the news media for their support.

Mrs. Flowers read a fax she received from Dr. William L. Newman, Ray and Associates, that stated, "In a telephone conservation this morning (Tuesday, August 24th) Dr. Julia Earl withdrew her name for consideration of the superintendent position at Monroe City Schools. Dr. Earl felt that it is in the best interest of the district and the school board not to split the vote. However, Dr. Earl would reconsider if the Board found it necessary to contact her regarding the position."

Action Item 6:

The Appointment of a New Superintendent of Schools:

On a motion by Mrs. Smith that was seconded by Mr. Cain and Reverend McFarland, the Board accepted Dr. James Dupree as the Superintendent of the Monroe City School System.

Mrs. Shelling offered the following friendly amendment:

"It is with great humbleness that I move to elect Dr. James Dupree as Superintendent of the Monroe City School District with terms to be negotiated between Dr. James Dupree and the Monroe City School Board to include:

1. Minimum base salary of $125,000.00
2. Four- year term contract
3. Relocation and temporary housing expenses
4. Use of vehicle/or car allowance
5. Pay increase based on performance
6. Absolute right to make recommendations regarding personnel issues

Mrs. Smith, Mr. Cain, and Reverend McFarland accepted the friendly amendment.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

The President stated that Dr. Dupree will be coming to the district the middle of September. Board attorney will be working with Dr. Dupree as it relates to his contract. The contract will be presented to the full board for ratification.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Mr. Traweek asked if the Board will be a part of finalizing the contract agreement. Mr. Handy and Mr. Lawrence replied yes.

Mrs. Smith stated that the Board will meet in a special meeting to go over the contract after a final copy has been completed, prior to Board approval.

Other: Mr. Cain announced that the Finance Committee will meet on Monday, August 30th at 5 p.m. in the conference room at the Central Office.

Mrs. Smith announced that the Curriculum Committee will meet in September with the date and time to be announced.

President Handy thanked everyone for their support during the Superintendent Search for the Monroe City School System. He further stated that the support of the community, citizens, school employees, and parents, is still needed.

Action Item 7:

Adjournment:

On a motion by Mr. Cain that was seconded by Mrs. Shelling, the Board adjourned at 7:27 p.m. The motion carried in a unanimous vote



Mr. Jessie L. Handy, President                                                             

Mr. Julian Gray, Sr., Assistant Superintendent