The Monroe City School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, September 14, 2004, at 6:00 p.m.. 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 Mr. James "Mickey" Traweek. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.

Item 4: Roll Call :

Members Present:

Mr. Jessie L. Handy
Mr. Anthony "Tony" Cain
Mrs. Victoria "Vickie" Dayton
Mrs. Brenda M. Shelling
Mrs. Stephanie S. Smith
Mr. James "Mickey" Traweek

Member Absent:

Reverend Rodney McFarland

Superintendent, Administrative Staff and Board Attorney:

Dr. James A. Dupree
Dr. Daphene Singleton
Miss Maria Maggio
Mrs. Bobbie Hamilton
Mrs. Teresa Foreman
Mrs. Vickie Irwin
Attorney L. Douglas Lawrence

Mrs. Edith Lowe-Douzart was absent due to death of her brother.

Mr. Shane Sumrow, Public Relations, Mrs. Baird's Bread, Attorney Charles Ryan, Boles Law Firm, Mrs. Dianne Cage, Friends/Alumni of Georgia Tucker Elementary School, administrators, parents, citizens of Monroe, and the news media were in attendance.

Action Item 5:

Adoption of the Revised Board Agenda and Addendum:

Dr. Dupree presented the revised board agenda and addendum for adoption. Mrs. Shelling asked for a fifteen minute recess to review the revised board agenda. The Board took a fifteen minute recess at 6:09.p.m. reconvened 6:15 p.m., and continued with the board meeting.

On a motion by Mr. Cain that was seconded by Mr. Traweek, the Board adopted the agenda as follows:

1. Delayed action on agenda item 9 - Pupil Progression Plan for 2004-05 until the next
board meeting.

2. Delayed items 13G - 13 L - Personnel items as listed on the addendum until the next
board meeting.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote of members present.

Action Item 6:

Adoption of the Minutes of August 31, 2004:

On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the Board adopted the minutes of August 31, 2004. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Report Item 7:

The President's Report and Announcements:

President Handy announced that Reverend McFarland called to remind him that he would be out of town this evening. However, Reverend McFarland had requested, at the last board meeting, that this meeting be held at 5:00 p.m. so he could attend.

Report Items 8A through 8D:

The Superintendent's Report:

Dr. Dupree presented Mrs. Dianne Cage, who addressed the Board on behalf of the Friends of Georgia Tucker Elementary School. She stated that the "Friends of Georgia Tucker Elementary School" is interested in converting the school into a cultural arts center. To accomplish this goal, private, local, state, and federal funds will be sought after. Mrs. Cage also stated that they, the Friends of Georgia Tucker Elementary School, are requesting assistance from the School District.

Their request was made in the form of obtaining ownership by donating the property or to engage in cooperative endeavors with the school district.

Mr. Douglas Lawrence, Board Attorney, and Mr. Charles Ryan, an attorney from the Boles Law Firm who is representing the Friend of Georgia Tucker School, addressed the Board on the legal aspects of the request.

During the discussion Mr. Lawrence stated that the Board should request an opinion from the Attorney General as it relates to any cooperative endeavor agreement that is formed between the Monroe City School Board and the Friends of Georgia Tucker School.

On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Mr. Cain, the Board voted to change agenda item 8 A from a report to action. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Mr. Cain, the Board authorized Mr. Lawrence to meet with the Attorney General as it relates to legal steps that the Board must take to bring closure to the Georgia Tucker School property. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Mr. Traweek, Chairman of the Facilities Committee and the board member that represents the Georgia Tucker School District, asked that he be notified when Mr. Lawrence is to meet with the Attorney General, because he would like to be included in the discussion/conference.

Mr. Lawrence gave each board member a copy of a memorandum that he has submitted to Mr. Charles Ryan, The Boles Law Firm.

Dr. Dupree stated that he will have Mr. Monroe and Mr. Clark use maintenance employees to secure the Georgia Tucker School building.

Report Item 8 B:

Presentation: Mrs. Baird's Bread:

Dr. Dupree stated that Mr. Gray was absent from tonight's meeting due to the illness of his mother. Dr. Dupree presented Mr. Shane Sumrow, Mrs. Baird's Bread Public Relations, who presented the Board with a check in the amount of $5,000 as a part of their campaign called "Raising Dough for Kids."

Mr. Sumrow stated that Mrs. Baird's Bread is the largest wholesale baking company in Texas with seven baking facilities located throughout the state of Texas. He further stated that, as the company grows in the Monroe area, greater financial contributions will be given to the local school children.

Dr. Dupree thanked Mr. Sumrow and Mrs. Baird's Bread for their contribution. He assured Mr. Sumrow and the public that the $5,000 contribution will be used wisely for the children of this school district.

Report Item 8C:

Information - Carroll High School Medical Magnet Program:

Miss Maria Maggio, Supervisor of Secondary Education, and Mr. Corey Denton, classroom teacher at Carroll High School, gave an update on the medical program at Carroll High School. Their presentation included funding from community resources. Miss Maggio stated that there are students from Neville and Wossman High Schools enrolled in the program. However, transportation is needed.

Mrs. Dayton asked that, periodically, progress reports be made to the board she further stated, "with programs like this and upon graduation, students will be ready for the work force."

Report Item 8D:

Information: Change in Board Meetings Format:

Dr. Dupree stated that the change in the format of board meetings will be: One meeting will be an information and presentations meeting. The other meeting will be an action meeting. Additional information will be shared with the Board prior to implementation.

Discussion/Action Item 10:

General Fund and Special Revenue Fund Final Revised Budget FY 2003-2004:

Mr. Cain and Mrs. Flowers presented the final revised Monroe City School Board General Fund and Special Fund Revised Budget for FY 2003-2004. The presentation included a positive fund balance in the General Fund Final Revised budget for 2003-2004 and the School Food Service Final Revised Budget for 2003-2004.

The Board congratulated Mrs. Flowers and staff on their accomplishments and the timely manner the Budgets were presented to the Board for action.

On a motion by Mr. Cain that was seconded by Mrs. Shelling, the Board adopted the final revised Monroe City School Board General Fund and Special Fund Revised Budget for FY 2003-2004. The motion carried on a unanimous vote. (See addendum for Budgets).

Action Item 11:

Permission to Advertise for Bids:

On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the Board authorized the administration to advertise for bids to acquire bleachers for Wossman High School gymnasium, using funds from the 2001 sales tax.

Dr. Dupree recommended that the Board approved all personnel changes in action item 12 through 14E.

Mrs. Shelling asked the Board to take action on each item separately.

Action Item 12:

Resolution

On a motion by Mrs. Smith that was seconded by Mrs. Dayton, the Board adopted a resolution to create 1.0 FTE Guidance Counselor position at Carroll High School. This position will be paid through Title One funds, one year only, effective the 2004-2005 academic year. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 13A: Request to Rescind Retirement:

On a motion by Mrs. Smith that was seconded by Mr. Traweek, the Board approved the request of Janis Alston, guidance counselor at Carroll High School, to rescind her previously granted request for retirement, effective June 11, 2004. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 13B: Certified Sick Leaves:

On a motion by Mrs. Dayton that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the Board approved the following requests for sick leave using accumulated sick days:

Mona LeBlance, Cypress Point University Elementary School
Position: Kindergarten Teacher
Effective: August 12, 2004 - March 3, 2005

Mary Wilhite, Lexington Elementary School
Position: Special Education Teacher
Effective: October 13, 2004 (1/2) day - March 14, 2005

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 13C: Certified Resignations:

On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the Board approved the following certified resignations:

Adrianne Freemont, Barkdull Faulk Elementary School
Position: Third Grade Teacher
Reason: Not listed
Effective: August 3, 2004

Lisa R. Jackson, Berg Jones Elementary School
Position: Kindergarten Teacher
Reason: Not listed
Effective: August 4, 2004

Pamela L. Williams, Berg Jones Elementary School
Position: Speech Therapist
Reason: Not listed
Effective: August 10, 2004

Rena Lucas, Clara Hall Elementary School
Position: Kindergarten Teacher
Reason: Not listed
Effective: August 9, 2004

Jennifer Lawson, Clark Magnet Elementary School
Position: Fifth Grade Teacher
Reason: Relocating
Effective: July 22, 2004

Angela Kranzman, Jefferson Upper Elementary School
Position: Teacher
Reason: Not listed
Effective: August 12, 2004

Denise Simpson, Lexington Elementary School
Position: Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Reason: Career move
Effective: July 27, 2004

Renee Martin, Lee Junior High School
Position: English Teacher
Reason: Not listed
Effective: August 12, 2004

Latonia Bridges, Martin Luther King Middle School
Position: Speech Therapist
Reason: Career move
Effective: August 11, 2004

Shane Pittard, Neville High School
Position: Teacher/Coach
Reason: Career move
Effective: August 13, 2004

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 13D: Sabbatical Leaves for Professional Improvement and Rest and Recuperation-Medical:

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

Harvetta Reddix, Carver Elementary School
Position: Teacher
Professional Improvement
Years of Service: 18
Effective: September 3, 2004 - May 30, 2005

Victoria Silk, Sallie Humble Elementary School
Position: Teacher
Rest and Recuperation-Medical
Years of service: 28
Effective: August 12, 2004 - January 3, 2005

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 13E: Professional Leaves Without Pay:

On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Mrs. Dayton, the Board approved the following professional leaves without pay:

Ralph Ellis, Carroll High School
Position: Art Teacher
Years of Service: 25
Effective: August 12, 2004 - May 30, 2005

Eunhee Choi, Martin Luther King Middle School
Position: Teacher
Years of Service: 3
Effective: August16, 2004 - May 31, 2005.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 13F: Employment of Certified Applicants:

On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Mrs. Dayton, the Board employed the following certified applicants:

LaShondra Pridgett-Allen, Berg Jones Elementary School
Position: Second Grade Teacher
Replacing: Lisa Jackson
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

Kristin Abah, Carver Elementary School
Position: Teacher
Replacing: Ernestine Davis
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

Jennifer Lord, Carver Elementary School
Position: First Grade Teacher
Replacing: Deborah Fortner
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

Julie Exell, Clara Hall Elementary School
Position: Kindergarten Teacher
Replacing: Rena Lucas
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

Kelly Riley, Clark Magnet Elementary School
Position: Fifth Grade Teacher
Replacing: Jennifer Lawson
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

Marion Willson, Clark Magnet Elementary School
Position: Pre Kindergarten Teacher
Replacing: Beverly Hodge
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

Jana Fleming, Madison James Foster Elementary School
Position: Third Grade Teacher
Replacing: Nicole Dodson
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One semester only

Mary Cooper (a retired teacher), Jefferson Upper Elementary School
Position: Third grade Teacher
Replacing: Ella Rayford
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

Berdinia Ludley (a retired teacher), Jefferson Upper Elementary School
Position: Music Teacher
Replacing: Gwendolyn Rodgers
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

Tiffany M. Adams, Lexington Elementary School
Position: Kindergarten Teacher
Replacing: Linda Maddox
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

Charlotte Gnemi, Lexington Elementary School
Position: First Grade Teacher
Replacing: Self
Effective: August 12, 2004

Kathi H. Jackson, Lexington Elementary School
Position: Special Education Teacher
Replacing: Mary Wilhite
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

Ann Nance, Lexington Elementary School
Position: Second grade Teacher
Replacing: Self
Effective: August 12, 2004

Tifarah Dial, Lincoln Elementary School
Position: Teacher
Replacing: Betty Scott
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

Sherry Knox, Lincoln Elementary School
Position: Sixth Grade Teacher
Replacing: Beverly Halsell
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

Cynthia Wimberly Rice, Lincoln Elementary School
Position: Guidance Counselor
Replacing: Rita Miles
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

Latoya Williams, Lincoln Elementary School
Position: Third Grade Teacher
Replacing: Wenda Carr
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

Alicia Hardy, Minnie Ruffin Elementary School
Position: Teacher
Replacing: Nicole Hester
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

Tracy Cargile, Sallie Elementary School
Position: Second Grade Teacher
Replacing: Victoria Silk
Effective: August 12, 2004 - January 3, 2005
One semester only

Angela Rychart, Sallie Humble Elementary School
Position: Special Education Teacher
Replacing: Deborah Young
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

Matthew Garrett, Sherrouse School
Position: DAP Teacher
Replacing: Self
Effective: August 12, 2004

Michael Stone, Sherrouse School
Position: DAP Teacher
Replacing: Self
Effective: August 12, 2004

William E. Lee, Carroll Junior High School
Position: Assistant Principal
Replacing: Roy Breithupt
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

Lyndsey Ewing, Lee Junior High School
Position: Teacher
Replacing: Genevieve Armstrong
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

Jacqueline Gibson, Martin Luther King Middle School
Position: Special Education Teacher
Replacing: DeAnne Williams
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

Yvette Woods-Griffin, Martin Luther King Middle School
Position: Special Education Teacher
Replacing: Self
Effective: August 12, 2004

Kenneth Mann, Martin Luther King Middle School
Position: Choir Teacher
Replacing: Laketra Brown
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

Glen Patrick Watkins, Martin Luther King Middle School
Position: Eighth Grade Teacher
Replacing: Jackie Rice-Gipson
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

Rebecca Atkins, Carroll High School
Position: Art Teacher
Replacing: Ralph Ellis
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

Alexis Robinson, Carroll High School
Position: Passroom Teacher
Replacing: Phillip Payne
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

Brett Lemoine, Neville High School
Position: Teacher
Replacing: Shane Pittard
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

Stephanie Viator, Neville High School
Position: French Teacher
Replacing: Valerie Matejowsky
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

Donald Ellison, Wossman High School
Position: Music Teacher
Replacing: LaDonald Ensley
Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only

Maurice Johnson, (A retired teacher), Wossman High school
Position: Band Teacher
Replacing: Self
Effective: August 12, 2004

Teicha Warner, Wossman High School
Position: Teacher
Replacing: Ola Tennant
Effective: August 12, 2004

Donald Ray Givens, Career Development Center
Position: Teacher
Replacing: Laraun Ambrose
Effective: August 12, 2004

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 14A: Sick Leave- Using Accumulated Sick Days:

On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Mrs. Dayton, the Board approved the listed classified sick leave using accumulated sick days.

Kelly Magee-Prichard, Central Office
Position: Community Relations
Effective: August 5 through September 20, 2004

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 14B: Upgrading of Classified Positions:

On a motion by Mrs. Smith that was seconded by Mr. Traweek, the Board upgraded the following classified employees:

Lenora Foster Madison James Foster School
Position: Food Technician
To: Cafeteria Manager
Carroll High School
Replacing: Mamie Boatner
Effective: August 12, 2004

Robert Bilton Carroll High School
From: Custodian
To: Food Technician
Replacing: Annie Tidwell
Effective: August 12, 2004

Mark Eleam Transportation Department
From: Bus Attendant
To: Bus Operator
Replacing: Georgia Ellis
Effective: August 12, 2004

Janet Lancaster Transportation Department
From: Bus Attendant
To: Bus Operator
Replacing: Beverly Leonard
Effective: August 12, 2004

Michelle Williams Transportation Department
From: Bus Attendant
To: Bus Operator
Replacing: Willie Newton
Effective: August 12, 2004

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 14C: Classified Resignations:

On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the Board approved the following list of classified resignations:

Nicey Winters, Berg Jones Elementary School
Position: Special Education Aide
Reason: Career Change
Effective: August 4, 2004

Juanita Parker, Clara Hall Elementary School
Position: Title One Tutor
Reason: Not listed
Effective: August 16, 2004

Jimmy Brown, Lexington Elementary School
Position: Custodial Worker
Reason: Medical
Effective: August 6, 2004

Lisa Robinson, Martin Luther King Middle School
Position: Special Education Aide
Reason: Not listed
Effective: July 31, 2004

Ernestine Releford, Carroll High School
Position: Food Technician
Reason: Relocating
Effective: August 12, 2004

Basil Nwufoh, Transportation Department
Position: Bus Operator
Reason: Not listed
Effective: August 19, 2004

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 14D: Employment of Classified Applicants:

On a motion by Mrs. Dayton that was seconded by Mr. Traweek, the Board employed the following list of classified applicants, one year only:

Andrew Bias, Berg Jones Elementary School
Position: Title I Tutor
New Position
Effective: August 12, 2004

Neysa Newbill, Berg Jones Elementary School
Position: Special Education Aide
Replacing: Nicey Winters
Effective: August 12, 2004

Cheryl Walker, Carver Elementary School
Position: Special Education Aide
Replacing: Marshall Monroe
Effective: August 16, 2004

Valerie Bowlin, Clark Magnet Elementary School
Position: Secretary
Replacing: Tonya Morris
Effective: July 30, 2004

Fredrick Parson, Cypress Point Elementary School
Position: Food Technician
Replacing: Junius Kelly
Effective: August 12, 2004

Shelia Drake, Madison James Foster Elementary School
Position: Secretary
Replacing: Gloria Moore
Effective: July 30, 2004 - (ten months)

Thomas Lovett, Jefferson Upper Elementary School
Position: Custodian
Replacing: Tyrone Sharp
Effective: August 12, 2004

Joyce Wade, Jefferson Upper Elementary School
Position: Parent Facilitator
Vacant Position: Title I Part Time
Effective: August 12, 2004

Quonita Cooper, Lexington Elementary School
Position: Title I Tutor
Replacing: Self
Effective: August 12, 2004

Leslie Joseph, Lexington Elementary School
Position: Computer Lab Manager
Replacing: Self
Effective: August 12, 2004

Shirley A. Neal, Minnie Ruffin Elementary School
Position: Special Education Aide
Replacing: Self
Effective: August 12, 2004

Wynona Harris, Sherrouse School
Position: Instructional Aide
Replacing: Self
Effective: August 12, 2004

Angela Fountain, Carroll Junior High School
Position: Food Technician
Replacing: Willie Sharp
Effective: August 12, 2004

Antoinette Santiago, Neville High School
Position: Special Education Aide
Replacing: John Milonsky
Effective: August 16, 2004

Alvin Calhoun, Jr., Transportation Department
Position: Bus Attendant
Replacing: Janet Lancaster
Effective: August 12, 2004

Martha B. Carr, Transportation Department
Position: Bus Attendant
New Position
Effective: August 12, 2004

Yashika Hawkins, Transportation Department
Position: Bus Attendant
Replacing: Rosie Jiles
Effective: August 12, 2004

Veronica Little, Transportation Department
Position: Bus Attendant
Replacing: Michelle Williams
Effective: August 12, 2004

Jeanette Tarver, Transportation Department
Position: Bus Attendant
Replacing: Sharon James
Effective: August 12, 2004

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 14 E: Classified Termination:

On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the Board approved the termination of Sharon James, bus attendant, effective May 26, 2004. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Classified Retirement:
Herbie Carter, Berg Jones Elementary School
Position: Food Technician
Years of Service: 15 Years
Effective: August 12, 2004

Report Item 15:

The Superintendent's Announcements:

Dr. Dupree briefed the Board on the "New Superintendent's Workshop" that was sponsored by the Louisiana School Boards Association, Wednesday, September 8, 2004. Copies of information received were shared with the members of the Board. Dr. Dupree also stated that, when he attends superintendent's conferences, he will share information that is pertinent to the District with the members of the board.

Brief comments were voiced concerning the Board Retreat. Dr. Dupree will meet with board members and staff to finalizing the retreat.

Mrs. Smith stated that the Board, administrators, staff, and community will come together very soon to plan a reception for Dr. Dupree and family.

Dates will be set for the following Board Committees:

1. Curriculum Committee, Mrs. Stephanie S. Smith, Chairperson
2. Facilities Committee, Mr. Mickey Traweek, Chairman
3. Personnel Committee, Mrs. Brenda M. Shelling, Chairperson

Action Item 16:

Adjournment:

On a motion by Mrs. Smith that was seconded by Mr. Traweek, the Board adjourned at 7:55 p.m. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.


Mr. Jessie L. Handy, President

James A. Dupree, Ed.D., Superintendent