The Monroe City School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, February 7, 2006 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 Reverend Rodney McFarland. 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 Shelling
Mrs. Stephanie S. Smith
Mr. James "Mickey" Traweek
Reverend Rodney McFarland

Superintendent, Administrative Staff and Board Attorney
Dr. James A. Dupree
Mrs. Vickie Irwin
Dr. Tammye Turpin
Mrs. Julie Staley
Mr. Andrew Hill
Ms. Mamie Williams
Mrs. Theresa Foreman
Ms. Mai Bui
Mrs. Derenda Flowers
Attorney L. Douglas Lawrence

Action Item 5:

Adoption of the Agenda

On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the Board adopted the agenda with the following changes as presented by the Superintendent:

Change: Agenda Item 13:A-B from discussion/action to first reading

Deletion: Agenda Item 11:3 (Clara Hall school presentation)

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. Dayton, the Board adopted the January 10, 2006 minutes as printed.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Agenda Item 7

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

Action Item 8

Actions from the Superintendent

Robert Johnson, principal of Barkdull Faulk Elementary, briefed the Board on the Closing the Gap Award that was presented to him at the National Title One Conference in Dallas, Texas on Saturday, January 28, 2006. Title I Distinguished Schools are recognized as having the highest scores and making the most progress toward closing the achievement gap among all subgroups in the school.

Action Item 9

Human Resources Agenda Items A-F

Rachelle May addressed the Board on Human Resources Agenda Item A (Professional Leave of Absence).

On a motion by Rev. McFarland that was seconded by Mr. Cain, the Board approved Agenda Items A-F as recommended by the Superintendent.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 10:A

Permission to advertise for bids - "Magna Wall" climbing system

On a motion by Mrs. Smith that was seconded by Mrs. Dayton, the Board authorized the administration to advertise for bids for a "Magna Wall" climbing system.

Mrs. Smith asked that Board members be notified as to which schools will receive the climbing wall system.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 10:B

Awarding of Bid - School Food Service

On a motion by Mr. Cain that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the Board awarded the School Food Service bid to Sysco Food Services of Jackson, MS. (See addendum for spreadsheet)

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 10:C

Awarding of Bids - E-rate 2006-2007

On a motion by Rev. McFarland that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the Board awarded E-rate bids 2006-2007 as presented by Ms. Mai Bui. (See addendum for spreadsheet)

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Agenda Item 11

School Support Presentations:

The following principals presented School Support PowerPoint presentations to the Board:
Dr. Phedra Brantley - Carver Elementary School
Mrs. Tammie McDaniel - Lee Junior High School

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

Agenda Item 12

Curriculum Committee report

Dr. Tammye Turpin briefed the Board on the Curriculum Committee meeting that was held Monday, January 23, 2006. (See addendum for minutes)

Agenda Item 13

First Reading of Policies - Discussion Only

Mr. Andrew Hill briefed the Board on additions to the existing Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Policy. Mrs. Shelling asked that a procedure/policy be put in place for employees that take no action when a student reports an incident of abuse or harassment.

Dr. Dupree briefed the Board on the facility usage policy/application.

Agenda Item 14

Board Travel - Discussion Only

Mr. Traweek asked that Board members take into consideration a policy to allow Board members the option to donate their unused portion of travel to the school of their choice.

Board members discussed the pros and cons of this item. This agenda item was discussion only; no action was taken.

Mrs. Shelling encouraged fellow Board members to attend the swearing-in ceremony as she takes the office of President of the Louisiana School Boards Association. Mrs. Shelling also encouraged Board members to attend the Louisiana School Boards Association Convention in Baton Rouge, LA and the National School Boards Association Conference in Chicago, IL.

Mr. Cain left the meeting at 8:17 p.m.

Agenda Item 15

Superintendent's Announcements

Installation of Mrs. Shelling as President of the Louisiana School Boards Association - March 11, 1006 - Holiday Inn Select - Baton Rouge, LA
Presidents' Day Holiday - February 20, 2006
National Renaissance Conference in Nashville, TN - February 9 -12, 2006 - Dr. Dupree will represent the District

Agenda Item 16

Public Comments

Ms. Sandie Lollie addressed the Board on equality and unity for all employees.

Action Item 17

Adjournment

On a motion by Mrs. Smith that was seconded by Rev. McFarland, the meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

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