The Monroe City School Board met in regular session, Tuesday, November 15, 2005 at 4:30 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
Rev. Rodney McFarland
Mrs. Stephanie S. Smith
Mrs. Brenda Shelling

On a motion by Mr. Cain that was seconded by Mr. Traweek, the Board went into executive session for approximately one hour to evaluate the Superintendent.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

The Board reconvened in open session at 6:07 p.m. and the meeting continued.

Administrative Staff
Dr. James Dupree
Ms. Mai Bui
Ms. Edith Douzart
Mrs. Betty Carroll
Mrs. Julie Staley
Mr. Bobby Williams
Mrs. Vickie Irwin
Mr. Andrew Hill
Mrs. Teresa Foreman
Attorney L. Douglas Lawrence

Action Item 5:

Adoption of the Agenda

On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Mrs. Dayton, the Board approved the agenda with the following deletion as presented by the Superintendent.

Agenda Item XIII - Rescind the cancellation of the December 6th Board meeting.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 6

Adoption of the Minutes:

On a motion by Mr. Cain that was seconded by Rev. McFarland, the Board adopted the November 1, 2005 minutes as corrected.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Agenda Item 7

The President's Report and Announcements:

President Handy thanked everyone for their attendance. He also informed the public on procedures for addressing the Board on agenda and non agenda items.

Action Item 8

Discussion/Action from the Superintendent

On a motion by Mr. Rev. McFarland that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the Board approved permission for Carroll High School's Band to travel to Carson, California - November 16-23, 2005. (See addendum for itinerary)

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 9

Human Resources Agenda:

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

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Agenda Item 10

2004-2005 Budget Revision:

On a motion by Mr. Cain that was seconded by Rev. McFarland, the Board approved the final 2004-2005 Budget Revision pending an independent audit. (See addendum for budget revision)

Mr. Cain stated that the district is 1.2 million in the black for the 2004-05 school year. Mr. Cain commended the Superintendent, Business Department and Personnel for accomplishing this task.

Agenda Item 11

Instructional Support Services

Board Members thanked Ms. Douzart for conducting the November 1, 2005 Board Meeting in the absence of Dr. Dupree.

School Presentations:

The following principals presented PowerPoint presentations to the Board:
Sallie Humble - David Claxton
Barkdull Faulk - Robert Johnson
Cypress Point - Ann Cook
(See addendum for School Improvement Plan)

Dr. Dupree and Board Members commended each principal on their presentation.

Mrs. Staley briefed the Board on the Curriculum Committee meeting held on November 14, 2005. The following items were discussed:
I. Pupil Progression Plan update
II. Classroom computer status report
III. Textbooks
IV. $400 teacher allotment
V. Backpacks and weight issues
(See addendum for complete report)

Mrs. Shelling stated that in the future, the $400.00 teacher allotment would be accounted for and spent on curriculum needs only.

Dr. Dupree stated that a line item would be put in each individual school's budget so that monies could be tracked.

Agenda Item 12

Superintendent's Evaluation Committee

Mrs. Dayton stated that Board members have completed the evaluation forms and they have been turned in to Attorney Lawrence for tabulation.

Agenda Item 13

Superintendent's Announcements

 December 6, 2005 Board meeting will be held as scheduled
 Elementary report cards - November 16, 2005
 Junior/Senior High progress reports - November 17, 2005
 District will be closed November 21-25, 2005 for Thanksgiving



Agenda Item 14

Public Input on Non-Agenda Items:

Ms. Gloria Walker addressed the Board on salaries for support workers. Ms. Walker also thanked the Superintendent, principals and the Board for allowing the public to see what is being accomplished at our schools.

Ms. Sandie Lollie commended the principals on their presentations. Ms. Lollie asked that the Monroe City School Board Website be updated.

Agenda Item 15

1968 Sales Tax Allocation

Mr. Cain recused himself because of his employment with Ouachita Parish, and left the meeting at 7:30 p.m.

Attorney Lawrence briefed the Board on the 1968 Sales Tax Allocation. In a recent financial audit of the City of Monroe, it was found that there may be a misallocation of the sales tax proceeds which are to be split between the two school districts. In 1994 an agreement was executed between Monroe City, Ouachita Parish and the City of Monroe regarding the collection of taxes and the manner in which the taxes were to be allocated. This agreement was to remain in effect until changed by the two school superintendents.

Rev. McFarland stated that he is opposed to refunding any money.

Mrs. Shelling stated that she would like this issue resolved, but not at the expense of the employees.

Dr. Dupree will meet with Superintendent Webber to further discuss this issue.

Ms. Sandie Lollie addressed the Board on this Agenda Item.

Action Item 16

Adjournment:

On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Rev. McFarland, the meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote of members present.

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