The Monroe City School Board met in regular session, Tuesday, December 20, 2005 at 6:00 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 Rev. McFarland. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.

Item 4: Roll Call

Members Present
Mrs. Victoria "Vickie" Dayton
Mr. Anthony "Tony" Cain
Mr. James "Mickey" Traweek
Mr. Jessie L. Handy
Reverend Rodney McFarland
Mrs. Stephanie S. Smith
Mrs. Brenda Shelling

Superintendent and Administrative Staff
Dr. James A. Dupree
Mrs. Betty Carroll
Dr. Tammye Turpin
Mr. Bobby Williams
Ms. Edith Douzart
Mrs. Julie Staley
Ms. Mamie Williams
Mr. Andrew Hill
Mrs. Teresa Foreman
Ms. Mai Bui
Mrs. Derenda Flowers
Attorney L. Douglas Lawrence

Action Item 5:

Adoption of the Agenda

On a motion by Rev. McFarland that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the Board adopted the agenda with the following additions as presented by the Superintendent:

Addition - Introduction of Wossman High School JAG (Jobs for American Graduates) Officers
Addition - Revised Human Resources Agenda

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 6

Adoption of the Minutes

On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the Board adopted the December 6, 2005 minutes as printed.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Agenda Item 7

The President's Report and Announcements

The President thanked the administrators, support staff, media and citizens for their attendance. President Handy informed the public on procedures for addressing agenda and non-agenda items.

President Handy wished everyone a safe Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Action Item 8

Action from the Superintendent

Superintendent Dupree introduced Mr. Bobby Williams, Secondary Supervisor.

Mr. Williams congratulated the JAG officers on their accomplishments.

Mrs. Mattie Johnson, JAG sponsor, briefed the Board on the program. Mrs. Johnson then introduced JAG members and commended the following students on their state appointments for 2005-2006:

Odarrius Walker - Vice President of Leadership Development
Amanda Peevy - Vice President of Career Preparation
Sherrica Shaw - Vice President of Community Service
Soried Carroll - Secretary

Action Item 9

Human Resources Agenda

On a motion by Rev. McFarland that was seconded by Mrs. Dayton, the Board approved Human Resources Agenda Items A-E as recommended by the Superintendent.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 10

Resolution - Tax Renewal

Mrs. Derenda Flowers introduced Mr. Grant Schlueter of Foley & Judell, and Mr. West Shafto of Boles Law Firm.

Mr. Schlueter briefed the Board on the tax renewal resolution. Mr. Schlueter stated that the two propositions, which will expire in 2006, reflect the same millage rates and are identical to that which was approved by voters in 1997. The election is slated for April 29, 2006.

Board Comment:

Mr. Cain stated that the date for the tax renewal is the result of the direction of the Ad Hoc Tax Committee. Mr. Cain further stated that this is strictly the renewal of a tax that has been in place for approximately thirty years. The millage will remain the same and no redistribution will occur. Funds will be used for maintenance and operation of facilities.

On a motion by Mr. Cain that was seconded by Mr. Traweek, the Board approved a resolution ordering and calling a special election to authorize the renewal of special taxes for the District.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Agenda Item 11

School Support Presentations:

The following principals presented School Support PowerPoint presentations to the Board:
Mrs. Jackie Matthews/Mrs. Jacqueline Anderson - Jefferson Upper Elementary
Mrs. Sylvia Brass - Minnie Ruffin Elementary
Mrs. Christie Taylor - J. S. Clark Elementary

The Superintendent and Board members praised the principals on their presentations.

Mr. Traweek left the meeting at 6:50 p.m.

Agenda Item 12

Finance Committee Meeting update

Mr. Cain updated the Board on the December 12, 2005 Finance Committee Meeting.

The following items were discussed:

Audit - The audit is near completion and should be submitted on time to the State Department. Board members will receive a copy of the report prior to submission.

Budget revision - Pending the outcome of the audit, the District will end the fiscal year with 1.2 million in revenues over expenditures.

Certified Salary Schedule - The administration will have a revised certified salary schedule ready for the next scheduled Board meeting. If the schedule is approved by the Board, monies could be distributed in January. Mr. Cain stated that the intent of committee members at the meeting is to distribute MFP funds to teachers and not administrators.

Agenda Item 13

Superintendent's Announcements:

Superintendent Dupree noted the announcements on the bottom of the agenda.

Dr. Dupree wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Mr. Handy informed the Board on the death of Mr. Joe Davis; husband of Mrs. Barbara Davis.

Agenda Item 14

Public Discussion and Comments on Non-Agenda Items

Mr. Michael Dorsey requested a hearing to discuss the suspension of his daughter.

A representative of the Neville High School Band Booster Club thanked the Board for their support and for the new band uniforms.

Action Item 15

Adjournment

On a motion by Mr. Cain that was seconded by Rev. McFarland, the meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote of members present.

Mr. Jessie L. Handy, President                                                             
Dr. James A. Dupree, Superintendent