The Monroe City School Board met in regular session, Tuesday, October 18, 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
Ms. Mamie Williams
Dr. Tammye Turpin
Mrs. Julie Staley
Mrs. Vickie Irwin
Mr. Andrew Hill
Mrs. Teresa Foreman
Mrs. Derenda Flowers
Ms. Edith Douzart
Attorney L. Douglas Lawrence

Action Item 5:

Adoption of the Agenda

Dr. Dupree recommended the following addition to the agenda:

Adding Jacqueline Anderson's name to Human Resources Agenda Item C:9 (Principal - Jefferson Upper Elementary)

On a motion by Rev. McFarland that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the Board approved the agenda as recommended by the Superintendent.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Rev. McFarland asked if voting could be done collectively instead of roll call by district.

It was the unanimous consent of the Board to accept the recommendation of Rev. McFarland.

Attorney Lawrence stated that if one person objects, voting must be done by roll call.

Action Item 6

Adoption of the Minutes:

On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Mrs. Dayton, the Board adopted the September 27, 2005 and October 6, 2005 minutes as printed.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Agenda Item 7

The President's Report and Announcements:

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

A draft of the committee meeting calendar was presented.

Action Item 8

Actions from the Superintendent:

There was no action from the Superintendent.

Action Item 9 - Permission to advertise for bids:

On a motion by Rev. McFarland that was seconded by Mrs. Shelling, the Board authorized the administration to advertise for the following bids:

A. Science Equipment and Materials - 8(g) Funds
B. Pizza Delivery - School Food Service
C. Band Uniforms - Neville High School

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 10

10:A - Human Resources Agenda:

It was moved by Rev. McFarland and seconded by Mrs. Smith, to accept the Human Resources Agenda and Addendum as recommended by the Superintendent.

Mr. Traweek asked that each item be taken separately.

On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Mrs. Dayton, the Board approved Human Resources Agenda Item A (Professional Leave of Absence- Certified)

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the Board approved Human Resources Agenda Item B (Professional Resignations - Certified)

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

On a motion by Rev. McFarland that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the Board approved Human Resources Agenda Item C (Professional Appointments - Certified)

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Mrs. Jacqueline Anderson thanked the Superintendent and the Board for their support.

On a motion by Rev. McFarland that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the Board approved Human Resources Agenda Item D:1 (Professional Change in Status - certified).

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

It was moved by Mrs. Smith and seconded by Rev. McFarland, to accept Human Resources Agenda Item D:2 (Secondary Supervisor - Professional Change in Status - certified).

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

The motion carried on a majority vote.

Mrs. Shelling, Mrs. Smith and Mr. Cain thanked the Superintendent for rearranging the staff instead of hiring additional personnel at Central Office.

Mr. Bobby Williams thanked the Superintendent and the Board for their support.

On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the Board approved Human Resources Agenda Item E (Professional Appointments - classified).

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the Board approved the Human Resources Addendum (A-C).

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 10:B - Contract adoption:

On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the Board approved the principal's contract as recommended by the Superintendent.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Mrs. Lynn Hodge, past president of the Principal's Association, addressed the Board on the principal's contract. Mrs. Hodge stated that the Association worked hard with Human Resources to revise the contract.

Action Item 11

Superintendent's Evaluation Committee:

On a motion by Mrs. Dayton that was seconded by Rev. McFarland, the Board approved the following:
Timeline as presented by Mrs. Dayton (see addendum)
Revision to the evaluation instrument - Change 'can not judge' to 'can not measure'

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Item 12

Report - Curriculum Committee:

Mrs. Shelling, Mrs. Foreman and Dr. Turpin briefed the Board on the Curriculum Committee meeting held October 10, 2005. The following items were discussed:

$400 teacher allocation
Comprehensive Curriculum
School presentations
Computerized lesson plans
Textbook accountability

Ms. Rachel May addressed the Board on the Curriculum Committee report.

Mrs. Shelling stated that notices of Curriculum Committee meetings will be sent to the schools.

Action Item 13

Ad Hoc Tax Committee:

Mr. Cain briefed the Board on the Ad Hoc Tax Committee meeting. The committee recommends April 29, 2006 as the date for the tax renewal.

Item 14

Superintendent's Announcements:

Teacher of the Year Reception - October 26, 2005 - 6:00 p.m. - ULM
Louisiana Elementary Teacher of the Year - Ms. Monica Ratcliff - Clara Hall
Early dismissal - October 21, 2005 - Junior/Senior High only
Early dismissal - October 25, 2005 - District wide
Junior/Senior High report cards - October 26, 2005
School Board Meeting - November 1, 2005

Agenda Item 15

Public Discussion and Comments on Non-Agenda Items:

Ms. Jackie Nwufoh addressed the Board on behalf of her son.

Attorney Lawrence asked for a one minute recess to confer with Ms. Nwufoh.

The Board recessed at 7:20 p.m. and reconvened at 7:21 p.m.

Attorney Lawrence stated that Ms. Nwufoh will meet with Dr. Dupree following Board meeting.

Board Comment/Discussion:

Mrs. Smith requested a study on the weight of backpacks for elementary students.

Action Item 16

Adjournment:

On a motion by Rev. McFarland that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

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