The Monroe City School Board met in a called session, Monday, July 31, 2006 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. Jessie L. Handy
Reverend Rodney McFarland
Mrs. Stephanie S. Smith
Mrs. Brenda Shelling

Member Absent
Mr. James "Mickey" Traweek

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

Action Item 5:

Adoption of the Agenda

Dr. Dupree recommended the following changes/additions to the agenda:

Change: 8:B (appointment of interim principal of Lee Jr. High) to information only - no action needed
Addition: 9:A - Addendum to the Human Resources Agenda
Deletion: 9:B - Revised Certified Personnel Evaluation Plan
Addition: 10:E - Resolution giving preliminary approval to the issuance of bonds not exceeding One Million Four Hundred Thousand Dollars for financing of school buses

Board Discussion

Rev. McFarland stated that since the interim principal position was advertised, it must be acted upon by the Board.

Dr. Dupree stated that the position of interim principal is a long term substitute position, and Board policy states that temporary positions can be filled by the Superintendent. Dr. Dupree further stated that the position was not advertised. A committee was assembled at the request of a Board member so that the community could have a discussion with the candidates.

Mrs. Shelling asked if everyone that was interested in the position was given the opportunity to apply.

Dr. Dupree stated that he shared with the Board that the position of interim principal would be a Superintendent's appointment. The intent was to look for individuals within the District that had experience and also to look at other individuals as potential lead administrator for vacant positions. Three high school assistant principals and one curriculum specialist was considered.

Mrs. Shelling asked if the position became vacant would the interim principal have first choice.

Dr. Dupree stated that once the position is vacant, anyone can apply.

It was moved by Mr. Cain and seconded by Rev. McFarland, to approve the agenda with recommended changes with the exception of agenda item 8:B.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Mrs. Shelling stated that she voted for the adoption of the agenda but she would like to hear input from the parents at tonight's meeting.

Action Item 6

Adoption of the Minutes

On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Rev. McFarland, the Board approved the June 27, 2006 minutes as printed.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Agenda Item 7

The President's Report and Announcements

President Handy thanked everyone for their attendance at tonight's meeting. President Handy informed the public on procedures for addressing the Board on agenda and non-agenda items.

Action from the Superintendent:

Action Item 8:A - Memorandum of Understanding - Education Opportunity Center Inc./Dr. Linda Heard

On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Rev. McFarland, the Board authorized the administration to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding between Education Opportunity Center, Inc. and Monroe City School District to write and submit a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 8:B - Appointment of Interim Principal of Lee Junior High School

Public Comment:

Ms. Carroll Rhymes addressed the Board on the interim position at Lee Junior High.

Mr. James Jopling addressed the Board on the selection process for the position of interim principal at Lee Junior High.

Board Discussion:

Mr. Cain stated that he appreciates the position that the parents are taking in wanting to select a certain person for the position of interim principal at Lee, but the Board and the Superintendent is in a difficult position. If the interim position is filled by the person that the parents want, another program would be jeopardized and placed at risk for the sake of a one year position. A failed program can not continually change leadership. Mr. Cain further stated that he understands that the parents want what is best for their children, but the Board has to consider what is best for the entire District.

Rev. McFarland stated that the process was not fair and should be reopened. Rev. McFarland further stated that the Board should have the final word on the approval of this position.

Attorney Lawrence stated that this Agenda Item should not have been on the agenda as an action item - the Superintendent has the authority to appoint interim positions.

It was moved by Mrs. Shelling and seconded by Rev. McFarland to table this agenda item and call a special Board Meeting to address this issue.
In favor: Mrs. Dayton, Rev. McFarland, Mrs. Shelling
Opposed: Mr. Cain, Mr. Handy, Mrs. Smith

The motion did not pass. (3 yeas and 3 nays)

Mrs. Carol Rhymes asked if she could address the Board again.

Addition to the Agenda - Suspension of Procedural Interaction

On a motion by Mr. Cain that was seconded by Rev. McFarland, the Board added to the agenda the suspension of the rules of procedural interaction for this agenda item only as it regards to audience participation.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

On a motion by Mr. Cain that was seconded by Rev. McFarland, the Board approved the addition to the agenda to suspend the rules of procedural interaction for Agenda Item 8:B only.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Public Comment:

Mrs. Carol Rhymes made additional comments on the interim principal position at Lee Junior High.

Ms. Gloria Walker addressed the Board on the timeline for the interim principal position

Addition to the Agenda - Five Minute Recess

It was moved by Mrs. Shelling and seconded by Mrs. Dayton, to add to the agenda a five minute recess.

The motion carried on a majority vote.

Mrs. Smith opposed.

On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Mrs. Dayton, the Board approved a five minute recess.

The motion carried on a majority vote.

Mrs. Smith opposed.

After a five minute recess, the Board reconvened and the meeting continued.

Dr. Dupree apologized to the public for what seems to be confusion on this Agenda Item. Dr. Dupree stated that he does listen to community members and staff and that he has to think about every school in the District. Dr. Dupree reiterated that Agenda Item 8:B was informational only and not an action item.

Dr. Dupree recommended Mr. David Breithaupt as Interim Principal at Lee Junior High.

In Mr. Breithaupt's address to the Board, he stated that he understood the concerns of the parents and he assured the community and the Board that he would give his very best to the school.

It was moved by Mrs. Smith and seconded by Mr. Cain to accept the appointment of Mr. Breithaupt as interim principal of Lee Junior High as recommended by the Superintendent.

In favor: Mr. Cain, Mr. Handy, Mrs. Smith
Opposed: Mrs. Dayton, Rev. McFarland, Mrs. Shelling

The motion did not pass. (3 yeas and 3 nays)

Mrs. Shelling stated that she is not opposed to Mr. Breithaupt, but she is opposed to the process.

Action Item 9:A - Human Resources Agenda and Addendum

It was moved by Mr. Cain and seconded by Rev. McFarland, to accept Human Resources Agenda Items A-H and Human Resources Addendum Items B,C,D,F,G

Public Comment:

Ms. Gloria Walker and Ms. Sandie Lollie addressed the Board on Human Resources Agenda Item G-12 (LEADS Specialist).

Mrs. Smith offered a friendly amendment to accept Human Resources Agenda Items A-H with the exception of Agenda Item G:12 (LEADS Specialist) and Addendum Items B,C,D,F,G

Mr. Cain and Rev. McFarland accepted the friendly amendment.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 10:A - Awarding of Bid - Janitorial Supplies

On a motion by Mr. Cain that was seconded by Rev. McFarland, the Board awarded the janitorial supplies bid to the low bidders. (See addendum for spreadsheet)

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 10:B - Awarding of Bid - Paper and Cleaning Supplies

On a motion by Mr. Cain that was seconded by Rev. McFarland, the Board awarded the paper and cleaning supplies to the low bidders. (See addendum for spreadsheet)

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 10:C - Awarding of Bid - Milk and Orange Juice

On a motion by Mr. Cain that was seconded by Rev. McFarland, the Board awarded the milk and orange juice bid to Borden's. (See addendum for spreadsheet)

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 10:D - Awarding of Bid - School Food Service Food Products

On a motion by Mr. Cain that was seconded by Rev. McFarland, the Board awarded the school food service food products bid to Sysco. (See addendum for spreadsheet)

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 10:E - Resolution - Financing of School Buses

On a motion by Mr. Cain that was seconded by Rev. McFarland, the Board approved a resolution giving preliminary approval to the issuance of bonds not exceeding One Million Four Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,400,000) of Certificates of Indebtedness, Series 2006, of the Monroe City School Board of the City of Monroe, State of Louisiana; providing certain terms of said certificates; making application to the State Bond Commission for approval of said Certificates; and providing for other matters in connection within. (See addendum for resolution)

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Agenda Item 11

Superintendent's Announcements
 Dr. Turpin addressed the Board on the Back-to-School Rally to be held at Carroll High School on August 10th
 Ms. Mamie Williams announced the retirement reception for Ms. Edith Douzart on August 4th

Agenda Item 12

Public Discussion and Comments on Non-Agenda Items

Ms. Sandie Lollie addressed the Board on in-service for support staff and air conditioning for custodians that work during the summer.

Ms. Gloria Walker addressed the Board on Title programs and Reading First.

Action Item 13

Adjournment

On a motion by Mr. Cain that was seconded by Mrs. Dayton, the meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

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