The Monroe City School Board met in regular session, Monday, July 23, 2007 at 5:30 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 Mr. Traweek. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.

Item 4: Roll Call

Board Members Present
Mrs. Victoria "Vickie" Dayton
Mrs. Victoria "Vickie" Krutzer
Mr. James Mickey Traweek
Mr. Jessie Handy
Mrs. Stephanie Smith
Mrs. Brenda Shelling

Board Member Absent
Reverend Rodney McFarland, Sr.

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

Agenda Item 5: The President's Report and Announcements

President Dayton thanked everyone for their attendance. The public was informed on procedures for addressing the Board on agenda and non-agenda items.

President Dayton stated that since all Board members are not in attendance, the tenure hearing for Mr. Thomas Hutson previously scheduled for today will be rescheduled. Attorney Lawrence stated that neither he nor the superintendent was involved in setting or rescheduling the tenure hearing. Attorney Lawrence further stated that previous charges will apply to the reset date. President Dayton stated that the rescheduling of the tenure hearing was solely the decision of the Board.

Action Item 5:A - Board Approved Goals and Superintendent's Action Plan

President Dayton read the Board Goals and asked Dr. Dupree to comment on each item.

It was moved by Mrs. Shelling and seconded by Mrs. Krutzer, to accept Action Item 5:A and to instruct the Superintendent to bring back to the Board a verbal and written report with updated timelines.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 5:B - Rescheduling of Tenure Hearing (Thomas Hutson)

On a motion by Mrs. Krutzer that was seconded by Mr. Handy, the Board rescheduled the tenure hearing for Mr. Thomas Hutson for Tuesday, August 7, 2007. The hearing will immediately follow the 5:00 p.m. Board meeting.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Agenda Item 6: Action from the Superintendent

Dr. Dupree presented the 2006-2007 Outstanding School Support Employee award to the following:

Mr. Olin Turner - Elementary School Level
Mr. Tommy Landers - Middle/Jr. High School Level
Mr. Ralph Wimbish - High School Level

These employees are being recognized by the State Department of Education for going above and beyond the call of duty for school children.

Board members congratulated employees on their award.

Mrs. Vickie Irwin introduced to the Board the new truancy social workers - Ms. Gloria Monroe and Ms. Taylor Jackson.

Action Item 7: Consent Agenda Items

On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the Board approved the following consent agenda items:
7:A - Adoption of the Agenda
7:B - Adoption of the Minutes - June 26, 2007
7:C - Human Resources Agenda
7:D - Awarding of Bid - Bleachers for Neville High School
7:E - Awarding of Bid - Milk and Orange Juice
7:F - Awarding of Bid - Instructional Supplies
7:G - Awarding of Bid - Paper and Cleaning Supplies
7:H - Awarding of Bid - Janitorial Supplies
7:I - Permission to advertise for bid: SFS Cafeteria Equipment

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Agenda Item 8 - Discussion/Action: Board Committee Updates

 Superintendent's Evaluation Plan: The Superintendent's Evaluation Committee will meet on Thursday, July 26th at 5:00 p.m. at Central Office.

 Academic Performance/Scores: A report is to be given by Mrs. Teresa Foreman at the next Board meeting.

 E-rate/Tech Plan: Ms. Mai Bui gave a status report on the email system and website. Ms. Bui noted that problems were caused when the District changed providers.

Board members voiced their concern on the dated website. It is the consensus of the Board to seek an outside company to design the District's website.

It was moved by Mrs. Krutzer and seconded by Mrs. Shelling, to authorize the Superintendent and Board President to appoint a technology advisory committee to assess all areas of information and technology and to immediately update the MCS website.

In favor: Mrs. Dayton, Mrs. Krutzer, Mr. Traweek, Mrs. Shelling
Opposed: Mr. Handy, Mrs. Smith

The motion carried on a majority vote.

 Low Interest Loan for school maintenance: Mrs. Derenda Flowers briefed the Board on the QZAB program.

It was moved by Mrs. Shelling and seconded by Mr. Traweek, to authorize the Superintendent and Board President to appoint a facility maintenance advisory committee to evaluate and assess the needs of the District and to establish a funding plan through the low interest loan program for school maintenance.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Agenda Item 9 - Superintendent's Announcements and Updates

Back to school staff development is scheduled for 8:15 a.m. on Thursday, August 9, 2007 at Carroll High School.

Agenda Item 10 - Public Discussion and Comments on Non-Agenda Items

No public comment.

Action Item 11 - Executive Session to discuss McKee Electronics

On a motion by Mrs. Smith that was seconded by Mrs. Krutzer, the Board convened in executive session to discuss McKee Electronics.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.



Action Item 12 - Reconvene Board Meeting

On a motion by Mrs. Smith that was seconded by Mrs. Shelling, the Board reconvened in open session.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 13 - Adjournment

On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Mr. Handy, the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
 

Mrs. Victoria Dayton, President                                                             
Dr. James A. Dupree, Superintendent