The Monroe City School Board met in a special call session on Tuesday, March 28, 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

Members Absent
Mr. Anthony "Tony" Cain - Conflict in schedule
Mrs. Brenda Shelling - Attending the State Legislative Session


Superintendent, Administrative Staff and Board Attorney
Dr. James A. Dupree
Dr. Tammye Turpin
Mrs. Julie Staley
Mrs. Betty Carroll
Ms. Mamie Williams
Mrs. Theresa Foreman
Mr. Bobby Williams
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 Rev. McFarland, the Board adopted the agenda as printed.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Agenda Item 6

The President thanked everyone for their attendance. President Handy also thanked Mr. Rich Bailey, Tax Assessor, for his presence.

Agenda Item 7

Report from the Superintendent

Discussion/Presentation - Millage Rate Options

Dr. Dupree introduced Mr. Rich Bailey and asked him to give a brief overview of the millage rate options. Dr. Dupree stated that this presentation is informational only and no action is needed.

Mr. Rich Bailey, Tax Assessor for Ouachita Parish, stated that he received information from the State Legislative Auditor that identified area governmental agencies which will have a loss in revenue associated with the removal of taxable property. State Farm Insurance and North Monroe Hospital represent approximately 29.5 million in assessed value; this loss will effect how much revenue the District would have received. The Attorney General's Opinion states that personal property and public service property which is assessed by the Louisiana Tax Commission is appraised yearly; therefore, the millage rates can be adjusted annually to address the annual reassessment of personal and public service properties.

Rev. McFarland stated that he is not in favor of any millage rate increase and the Board should work toward passing the tax renewal.

Mrs. Dayton stated that the Superintendent has done a great job holding down expenses this past year and at this point the Board should do everything possible not to impose additional expense on the citizens.

Mr. Traweek stated that with the upcoming tax renewal, the millage rates should be left as is.

Agenda Item 8

Discussion: 2006-07 School Staffing

Mrs. Betty Carroll presented to the Board Phase I of the 2006-07 School Staffing.

Agenda Item 9

Superintendent's Announcements

No announcements from the Superintendent.

Agenda Item 10

Public Input on Non-Agenda Items

Ms. Sandie Lollie addressed the Board on raises for support staff.

Action Item 11

Adjournment

On a motion by Rev. McFarland that was seconded by Mrs. Dayton, the meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

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