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MINUTES
January 16, 2007
The Monroe City School Board met in regular session, Tuesday, January 16, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. in the Monroe City School Board Media Center, 2009 Auburn Avenue, Monroe, Louisiana 71201.
Swearing-In and Signing Ceremony
Judge Benjamin Jones, Fourth Judicial District Court, administered the oath of office to:
Mrs. Victoria “Vickie” Dayton – District I
Mrs. Victoria “Vickie” Krutzer – District II
Mr. James Mickey Traweek – District III
Mr. Jessie L. Handy – District IV
Reverend Rodney McFarland – District V
Mrs. Stephanie S. Smith – District VI
Mrs. Brenda Shelling – District VII
Signed oath of office forms will be filed by Attorney Lawrence with the parish Clerk of Court and Secretary of State.
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Superintendent Dupree. Prayer was offered by Rev. Rodney McFarland. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.
Action Item 5: Election of School Board Officers for 2007
Dr. Dupree called for the election of officers for 2007.
It was moved by Rev. McFarland and seconded by Mr. Traweek to nominate Mrs. Victoria Dayton for president.
Dr. Dupree called for other nominations. There were none, and nominations were closed.
On a majority vote, Mrs. Dayton was elected Board President.
Mrs. Dayton recused.
Dr. Dupree passed the gavel to President Dayton.
President Dayton thanked the Board for their support.
President Dayton called for nominations for vice-president.
It was moved by Rev. McFarland and seconded by Mrs. Smith to nominate Mrs. Brenda Shelling for vice president.
President Dayton called for other nominations. There were none, and nominations were closed.
On a majority vote, Mrs. Shelling was elected vice-president.
Mrs. Shelling recused.
President Dayton stated that she is honored to have Mrs. Shelling serve as vice president of the Board.
Mrs. Shelling thanked Board members for their support. She further stated that she will join with President Dayton to move the Board forward.
President Dayton thanked Mr. Handy and Mrs. Smith for their service to the Board.
Mrs. Smith thanked the Board for their vote of confidence by allowing her the opportunity to serve as vice president for two consecutive years.
Mr. Handy thanked the Board for giving him the opportunity to serve as President.
Agenda Item 6: Roll Call
Members Present
Mrs. Victoria “Vickie” Dayton
Mrs. Victoria “Vickie” Krutzer
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
Ms. Karla Bowlin
Mrs. Betty Carroll
Mrs. Derenda Flowers
Mrs. Teresa Foreman
Mr. Andrew Hill
Mrs. Vickie Irwin
Dr. Tammye Turpin
Mr. Bobby Williams
Ms. Mamie Williams
Attorney L. Douglas Lawrence
Action Item 7: Adoption of the Agenda
On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Mr. Handy, the Board approved the agenda as printed.
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 8: Adoption of the Minutes – December 16, 2006
On a motion by Rev. McFarland that was seconded by Mrs. Shelling, the Board approved the December 16, 2006 minutes as printed.
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Agenda Item 9: President’s Report and Announcements
President Dayton thanked everyone for their attendance at tonight’s meeting. She also thanked Mayor Mayo and his staff for their attendance.
Action from the Superintendent
Agenda Item 10:A – Partnership in Education
In a brief statement to the Board, Mayor James Mayo provided an overview of the Partnership in Education for 2006-2007. Mayor Mayo stated that the target outcome is to identify opportunities for and facilitate the use of the resources of the City of Monroe to assist the existing education community in providing 1) increased and improved educational opportunities for all citizens; 2) to support economic and community development; and 3) lifelong learning to develop and maintain a trained workforce.
Agenda Item 10:B – 2005-2006 Audit Report
Mr. Frances Huffman of Luffey Huffman & Monroe reported on the 2005-2006 audit. Mr. Huffman stated that there are no deficits in any special revenue funds which include debt service funds, capital project funds and general funds. Mr. Huffman praised the district for an ending fund balance of 4.6 million. A copy of the report is on file in the superintendent’s office.
The Board thanked Dr. Dupree, Mrs. Flowers and the staff for their hard work.
Action Item 11:A – Human Resources Agenda
On a motion by Rev. McFarland that was seconded by Mr. Handy, the Board approved Human Resources Agenda Items A-G as presented by the administration.
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Agenda Item 11:B – UNUM Plan/Short Term Disability for Classified Employees (Discussion Only)
Scott Walker of the Clinton Agency and Mr. Glen Turchi of Mass Group Marketing gave an overview of the proposed short term disability plan. The proposal provided information on percentages of salary paid to employee, elimination periods and maximum benefits.
Board Discussion:
Mrs. Shelling stated that the intent was to have the classified employees plan mirror the certified employees plan. Mrs. Shelling further stated that she would like the Board to examine the cost effectiveness of UNUM vs. district funding.
It is the consensus of the Board to do a self study to determine the cost effectiveness.
President Dayton recommended that the Board consider a work session which would include the full Board and UNUM representatives, to determine what is best for employees and the district.
The work session is scheduled for January 29, 2007 at 5:00 p.m.
Public Input:
Ms. Sandie Lollie addressed the Board on the UNUM Plan.
Action Item 12 – Resolution: Certified Nurse Assistant Program
On a motion by Mrs. Krutzer that was seconded by Rev. McFarland, the Board approved a resolution to establish three positions for the Certified Nurses Assistant Program.
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 13 – Permission to Advertise for Proposal
On a motion by Rev. McFarland that was seconded by Mr. Handy, the Board authorized the administration to advertise for proposals for “Challenge Course Equipment” for installation at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, funded through the PEP Grant.
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Agenda Item 14
Superintendents’ Announcements
Dr. Dupree noted that weather conditions are being monitored, and if the need arises; school closings will be coordinated with Dr. Webber.
Agenda Item 15 – Public Discussion and Comments on Non-Agenda Items
Ms. Bessie Smith addressed the Board on the principal’s salary schedule.
Rev. McFarland stated that the Board is being paid in advance and this process causes problems when there is a change in the Board President. Rev. McFarland asked the Superintendent to look into another reported occurrence of overpayment to employees.
At the upcoming work session, Mrs. Shelling is requesting a report on any overpayment to employees. The report is to include who is responsible, how many people were affected, and how the money was recovered.
Rev. McFarland stated that all Board members should receive a copy of any information that is requested by a Board member.
Action Item 16 – Adjournment
On a motion by Mr. Handy that was seconded by Mrs. Krutzer, the meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Mrs. Victoria Dayton, President
Dr. James A. Dupree, Superintendent