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The Monroe City School Board met
in regular session, Tuesday, April 8, 2008 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 Bishop
Rodney McFarland. 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
Bishop Rodney McFarland, Sr.
Mrs. Stephanie Smith
Mrs. Brenda Shelling
Superintendent and Administrative Staff
Dr. James Dupree
Mrs. Derenda Flowers
Dr. Tammye Turpin
Mrs. Julie Staley
Mr. Andrew Hill
Ms. Mamie Williams
Mrs. Betty Carroll
Mrs. Teresa Foreman
Attorney L. Douglas Lawrence
Action Item 5 - Consent Agenda
On a motion by Mrs. Shelling, seconded by Mr. Handy, the Board approved the
following consent agenda items:
5:A - Adoption of the Agenda
5:B - Adoption of the Board Minutes - March 18, 2008
5:C - Awarding of Bid: Security Cameras
5:D - Human Resources Agenda
Motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Agenda Item 6 - President's Reports and Announcements
President Dayton thanked everyone for their attendance and asked that all cell
phones be turned off. The public was informed on procedures for addressing the
Board on agenda and non-agenda items. Because of the overflow of attendees at
the meeting, President Dayton asked the staff to assist those persons outside of
the Board room with request to speak forms. President Dayton acknowledged the
attorneys representing the QZAB project and employees from the State Department.
Agenda Item 7 - Action from the Superintendent
Resolution to contract with a consultant for Sherrouse
Dr. Dupree stated that consultant proposals were reviewed at the work session,
and it is the consensus of the Board not to make a recommendation at this time.
A new timeline was disseminated to Board members to include the visitation of
programs by consultants that are being considered. The committee will have a
recommendation by the next scheduled Board meeting.
Agenda Item 8 - 2008 Summer School Programs
Ms. Mamie Williams briefed the Board on the proposed 2008 summer school
programs.
President Dayton asked that the Board receive evaluations of all summer
programs.
Mrs. Shelling stated that she is concerned that 5th grade students are not given
the opportunity to attend summer school for promotion. She requested the number
of students that are failing 5th grade.
On a motion by Mrs. Krutzer, seconded by Mr. Handy, the Board approved the 2008
summer school programs as presented by the administration.
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 9 - Qualified Zone Academy Bond Application
Attorneys Bill Boles and Mr. David Henderson were present for the discussion on
QZAB. Mr. Henderson stated that as a condition of issuing QZABs, it is a
requirement that the School Board obtain a private business contribution of not
less than ten percent. The Carmel Hill Education Foundation has qualified as the
private contributor, and the district saved approximately $60,000 by not having
to pay the licensing agreement. The purchaser of the bond is Hancock Bank at
zero percent interest rate
Mrs. Shelling thanked Mr. Henderson for explaining the QZAB process. She said,
"We have been working diligently over a year to secure these funds. We actually
had an opportunity to secure 3 million dollars in funds through QZAB, but
because of the Caddo competition we were only able to get half at this time; we
still have an opportunity to get the other half." This money will be used to
upgrade some of our facilities.
Mrs. Krutzer asked Mr. Henderson if the district had to wait until the bonds are
sold before the bidding process can begin.
Mr. Henderson stated that it is his intention to close in approximately one week
and the district should have the money in hand by April 16th. Mr. Henderson
further stated, "I think what happened with Caddo is that two applications were
received at the same time, and they couldn't determine which one was received
first so they split the money."
On a motion by Mr. Traweek, seconded by Bishop McFarland, the Board approved a
resolution providing for the incurring of debt and issuance of One Million Five
Hundred Eighty-Two Thousand Four Hundred Fifty Dollars ($1,582,450) of Taxable
Certificates of Indebtedness (Qualified Zone Academy Bond), Series 2008, of the
Monroe City School Board of the City of Monroe, State of Louisiana; prescribing
the form, terms and conditions of such Certificate and providing for the payment
thereof; awarding such Certificate to the purchaser thereof; and providing for
other matters in connection therewith.
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action item 10 - Reconsideration of the renewal of the Superintendent's contract
It was moved by Mrs. Shelling and seconded by Mrs. Krutzer, to deny the
reconsideration of the vote by the Board on March 4, 2008 to not renew the
superintendent's contract and that the Board authorizes the following plan:
1. To authorize the President along with counsel to immediately enter into an
exit agreement with the superintendent.
2. To employ a consultant to the Board to serve as the liaison between the Board
and superintendent.
3. To assign an assistant superintendent to serve in the interim period and to
assist the Board through the transition process.
Attorney Lawrence asked President Dayton to instruct the public to be careful
not to make statements regarding character, competency, and fitness.
President Dayton said, "We do not allow personal attacks. If anyone does, I will
ask that you be seated. If it continues, you will be removed from the meeting."
Public Input
Ms. Cathy Brown asked the Board not to renew the superintendent's contract. She
stated that the Board should stick with the original vote and not be swayed by
persons that have not attended Board meetings.
Ms. Susan Neck stated that she is here as a concerned citizen. She suggested
that the Board address the superintendent in a formal letter detailing their
concerns. She further stated that it is her desire that things can be worked out
because everyone wants what is best for the children.
Mr. Glen Ludley asked his Board member, Mrs. Shelling, to vote to renew the
superintendent's contract. He also stated that under Dr. Dupree's
administration, test scores have gone up, there is a surplus of funds, and there
are more certified teachers than ever. He distributed to the Board copies of a
petition with approximately 284 signatures from District VII in support of Dr.
Dupree.
Ms. Sandra Shaw stated that Dr. Dupree is supportive of his staff and willing to
get involved in all aspects of education. She asked the Board to support Dr.
Dupree and renew his contract.
Mr. Cliff Thomas spoke on behalf of Dr. Dupree and asked the Board to reconsider
the renewal of the contract. He stated that no school system is perfect and that
problems can be worked out. He further stated that he does not come to Board
meetings because his Board member, Bishop McFarland, represents the people in
his district, and he does listen to their concerns.
Ms. Debbie Rizzo stated that Dr. Dupree had a chance to work things out with the
Board, and there are still problems with communication. She stated that he may
have done some good things but it is time to move forward and search for a new
superintendent.
Mr. Willie Larkin noted that something serious is happening in Monroe. He said
that if people are going to have an interest in the community, they must have
the right motive. He further stated that it is his desire that the Board
reconsider the renewal of the superintendent's contract.
Rev. Gregory Smith stated that he does not live in Monroe, but he is aware of
what is transpiring in this community. He stated that because he has been in
education for over thirty-two years, he is very interested in the education of
children. He further stated that when someone is given a leadership position,
that position must be respected. He asked the Board to support the
superintendent.
Dr. Ollibeth Reddix-Mosby spoke on behalf of Dr. Dupree. She stated that the
Board has noted management style as the reason for not renewing the contract.
She further stated that the Board needs to understand Dr. Dupree's background
and legacy in order to understand his style. He was asked to come in and do a
job. He has done what has been asked of him and now you are saying that you
don't want him anymore.
Dr. Dupree made the following statement:
"I usually don't make personal statements in defense of myself and my
accomplishment, but I feel compelled because a large volume of this city has
come out in support of continuing my contract. I have been in this business a
long time, and I have worked in several locations around this country, and never
ever has the public expressed itself the way it has over the past month. I have
to thank the community for their support. In the end, we just have to trust that
everything is going to work out. This has been an emotional and gut-wrenching
month; a month of disbelief, a month of negative campaigns which I feel has been
character assassination. In fact, I can't even believe what has been said about
me. It has been said: I don't smile, I don't speak, I'm arrogant, I take
vacations in July, it's management style, his salary is too high, he filed an
Ethics Board complaint. These are personal smear campaigns by making claims that
are not true. I have not shown disrespect toward anyone over what has been done.
In fact, we even have a union that has enthusiastically maligned my reputation.
I have never ever filed an Ethics Board complaint against anyone, and there
seems to be a concerted effort to claim that I have. When I came to this
District, the charge given to me by the Board included fiscal accountability,
personal accountability, and integrity. I was told to hold people accountable,
to stop loss and reduce liability, to improve achievement, to improve the
quality of the staffing, maintain school facilities, make reductions away from
the classroom, and create equality between and across the school district. Over
the past three years and seven months, a lot has been accomplished. Those
accomplishments will stay here even if I am not here. We passed a 60 million
dollar tax proposition with seventy-eight percent public support even though we
were met with resistance. We brought in millions in grant funds. Over twenty
million in grant funds will come into the district over the next few years. We
have so many funds available for tutoring that anybody can get one-on-one help
if they want to; all they have to do is apply. We have established a Truancy
Reduction Board, which consists of twenty-one community member volunteers that
meets regularly to assist families and kids that have a problem with truancy. We
have a reading and math initiative. We have new technology in the District, and
we can feel the results of that new technology right now. We have professional
development that has been recognized by the state. I have not done all of these
things individually. As a leader you can't do all of those things, but you hire
people that can accomplish them. We have more community partnerships than ever.
There is a healthy fund balance and a marked reduction in lawsuits. You wouldn't
believe how much money was going out of Monroe City School District from
lawsuits. Our highly qualified staffing has received an exemplarily rating at
the state level; this is the highest rating you can get. When I came into the
district I was told to clean up staffing. There were teachers teaching kids that
didn't have certificates. These teachers were mainly in south end schools. Now,
south end schools have qualified teachers that are at the same level at every
other school. Everyone in this school district has received salary increases -
both classified and professional staff. It gives me great pleasure when I hear
classified staff say that they have never had the type of increases in their
salaries that they have seen in the last 3.7 years. That is a contribution to
the School Board. The only thing I can do as a superintendent is to make a
proposal, and the Board has done a good job at accepting the proposals. When we
passed the 60 million tax proposition, we lowered the tax rate in the City of
Monroe. We have seen facilities improve, and the QZAB process is just one of the
latest efforts to improve facilities in this district. As superintendent, I will
never win a popularity contest particularly amongst those who misbehave and are
disciplined, and I have had to deal with more than an average number of
incidents during my time here. As a person, every time you discipline someone
who has misbehaved, it diminishes you a little bit at a time. It's like death by
a thousand cuts. As a superintendent, this should not be something that a school
Board would hold against a chief executive because there needs to be
accountability. I am not perfect, and I can improve, but all I ask is that
people judge me fairly and according to the record and not according to hidden
personal agendas. Sherrouse had an 8.2 SPS gain last year. Sherrouse and Carroll
Junior High are improving and will continue to improve. We have some schools
that have dips, but the trend line has been going up and I am proud of that. I
truly appreciate the Board members that support my continuation, the Mayor, the
community, politicians, ministers, teachers, support staff, administrators,
organizations and others that have sought fairness in this whole process. I
especially appreciate the students that have called and given support. I've
never tried to hurt anyone personally. I am not perfect, but I do want to be
treated fairly like I have treated everybody else."
President Dayton asked for a clarification of the motion and second that is on
the floor.
Mrs. Shelling said, "I have a copy for each Board member, and I will give you my
copy for the record."
Bishop McFarland stated that now that he has the motion before him, this motion
according to Robert's Rules of Orders is a complex motion which deals with more
than one thing.
Mrs. Shelling stated that since it is her motion, she would like to address it.
She stated, "The motion rises to the height of the item that is on the agenda in
that I have moved to deny the reconsideration and to move this process forward
which is part of the denial of the reconsideration. I move that we also add the
following plan to expedite this business and move our district forward with the
process of selecting the new superintendent which is a part of this motion."
Bishop McFarland stated again that this is a complex motion.
President Dayton asked for clarification from Attorney Lawrence.
Attorney Lawrence stated that the motion is a complex motion. Attorney Lawrence
said, "The initial item is proper - it is a motion to deny the reconsideration
which, standing alone, goes directly to the issue that is one the agenda, so
that matter can be taken up. The other items can be taken up if there are no
objections. If there are objections, those items should be severed. The initial
part should be handled, and the remaining part should be addressed if they are
raised at a subsequent point. If there is an affirmative vote to grant
reconsideration after that vote occurs, there will then have to be a second vote
on the matter that is being reconsidered. If we end up where the decision is to
reconsider, we will end up with two votes. If this motion passes, there will be
no second vote, and this will be the end of the issue. The motion is proper
because it goes directly to the matter that is on the agenda. This particular
motion is debatable to the fullest extent that the basic motion is debatable,
but it is not amendable."
Bishop McFarland stated that the motion must be clarified without the extra
language behind the words superintendent contract.
Mrs. Shelling asked Attorney Lawrence to look at this motion very close because
the second part of the motion does relate to non reconsideration of this item.
She said, "In order to move this issue forward, we must be able to do the
following things in light of not renewing the superintendent's contract."
Mr. Traweek asked Attorney Lawrence if this motion is aligned with Robert's
Rules of Order if the motion is allowed.
Attorney Lawrence stated that since there is an objection raised by Bishop
McFarland, the second part of the motion should be severed, and the Board should
go with the first part alone.
Mrs. Shelling stated that the motion is germane and should stand as is.
Attorney Lawrence stated that the objection of Bishop McFarland is not that it
is not germane but that it is a complex motion. He further stated that the Board
can vote on rather or not the second part of the motion should be separate or if
it should remain in tack. This type of appeal must be handled at this point and
can not be addressed later. There must be a motion from the floor to appeal the
motion that has been made to sever part two.
Mrs. Smith stated that she would like to make that motion to sever part two of
the initial motion.
Mrs. Shelling stated, "I think the appeal should come from me since I made the
motion."
Attorney Lawrence stated that the appeal can come from the body in terms of the
correct interpretation of rather or not the Board wants to sustain or overrule a
ruling that part two ought to be severed.
Mrs. Shelling said, "I remember in communication from you in regards to voting
that this Board can also override Robert Rules or Order through Board policy."
Attorney Lawrence replied, "Policy preempts Robert's Rules of Order. In other
words if you have an issue that the Board policy deals with, Robert's Rules is
secondary, and your policy says that Robert's Rules are applicable in every
other instance that is not covered by policy or the state statute."
Mrs. Shelling said, "I would like the motion to remain as is. You are saying to
me that because Rev. McFarland has raised the issue with the compounding of this
issue, we need to perhaps take part of this off and then deal will just the non
reconsideration of the contact. With that I do so, and we will just deal with
the initial issue that is directly related to the item on the agenda."
Attorney Lawrence said, "The read back would be ‘I move that we deny
reconsideration of the vote by the Board on March 8, 2008 to not renew the
superintendent's contract'. This is my interpretation of the motion."
Mrs. Shelling replied, "Yes, that is correct. That is my motion."
Mrs. Smith withdrew her motion.
President Dayton stated, "We have a revised motion. Is there a second?"
Mrs. Krutzer seconded the motion.
President Dayton stated, "We have a motion and a second. The motion is that we
deny reconsideration of the vote by the Board on March 4, 2008 to not renew the
superintendent's contract." President Dayton asked if any further clarification
is needed.
Board Discussion/Comments
Mr. Handy thanked Dr. Dupree for addressing the Board concerning his
accomplishments. Mr. Handy stated, "I want to thank you for speaking out and
thanking the public for their support. I think you have done a great job for
Monroe City. I like your style, and you have proved that you are a strong
leader. I appreciate Rev. McFarland for bring this back before the Board. It was
my prayer that the whole Board remove personal issues and look at the big
picture which is the children of the district. I have heard rumors that there
was a plan not to renew your contract, and this rumor didn't just start a few
months back. It started two years ago during the time of the Board's
re-election. The rumor was that the person they had in mind to take your place
is an employee. I do have a conscious and I always try to be prayerful about
every decision I make because the commodity that we deal with is children."
Bishop McFarland thanked Board members for reconsidering Dr. Dupree's contract.
Rev. McFarland stated, "Since the last Board meeting, I have received numerous
phone calls. The negative phone calls have been few with the majority of the
calls being positive. At the last Board meeting, I asked that the Board to
reconsider the previous vote regarding Dr. Dupree's contract. After some soul
searching and conversations with others, I have made some enemies. I have made
up in my mind that I am moving on, but I am going to leave this meeting doing
what's right. If doing what's right causes me to lose my re-election bid, then
so be it. I am concerned about the children of Monroe City School District. Dr.
Dupree, you and I have not always seen eye-to-eye on everything. We have had ups
and downs, but looking at the whole picture you have done a good job. You have
done your best, and that's what count at the end of the day. I am voting against
the present motion because I feel that we owe you an extension on your contract
so that you can continue your work here at Monroe City. Thank you for being a
penny pincher, thank you for cutting some things, thank you for disagreeing with
me and saying ‘there is a better way'. I appreciate it."
Mrs. Smith asked the Board not to accept the motion on the floor. She stated,
"As a Board member, I have served with the previous superintendent, and it is
amazing to me that things were going on that were totally out of order, but we
listened to the community. We listened when they asked us to reconsider and give
him another opportunity. I didn't, but some Board members did even though they
knew things were going in the wrong direction. Some Board members have said that
he has made small steps. You can't make giant steps when you have to come in and
fix problems. This Board asked you to come in and make some cuts. We told you
that you would make some enemies, and you said ‘so be it, but I am going to do
what you have asked of me.' We said there was a communication problem and you
worked on that; apparently it was not at the level that some of us wanted it to
be. We asked for emails, and we received numerous email updates. Communication
was the only concern I heard from Board members in reference to Dr. Dupree. Mrs.
Dupree is volunteering in our school and reading to our students. That is a
partnership, and it shows that this family wants to be a part of this system. I
know my purpose is to fight and advocate for children, and Dr. Dupree has fought
for all children. Everything we gave Dr. Dupree, he said ‘it's problematic,' but
somehow he fixed it. Dr. Dupree you have done what was asked of you and then
some and I thank you for that."
Mrs. Shelling stated that she has been re-elected for three terms, and she has
never let her district down. She said, "I am offended that people found it
necessary to target my district to intimidate me. I am obligated to serve and do
what is best for children, and I will continue to do so. This is a mute issue;
we brought it back because one of our counterparts asked us to do so. There is
no plan on my part, and I will not be a part of a plan. What I will be a part of
is a process to move this district forward in a very positive way. There are no
secrets why this Board feel the way it feels. We have been feeling like this for
a while. I am not the one to fall for anything. I have a mind and intelligence
to make decisions that I feel my constituents elected me to do. October 2010
will tell if my constituents are displeased with me. I do not have a problem
with speaking up and standing up for what is best for the children of this
district. I don't have a motive for what I do. I simply do what's best for
everybody involved. I don't benefit from it and have not benefited from it;
matter of fact, Mr. Handy, my family has lost because of my serving. If by any
chance my district feels that I am unworthy of serving any further as a Board
member, I say bring it on."
Mr. Handy asked President Dayton for another round of comments because Mrs.
Shelling called his name concerning a particular incident concerning her
daughter. Mr. Handy said, "I don't know if my name was mentioned intentionally
but it was a majority vote. Other Board members voted for termination, and that
has nothing to do with the superintendent's renewal."
Mrs. Shelling stated, "I called Mr. Handy's name to make sure he was attentive.
I did not call his name in reference to my comments."
It was moved by Bishop McFarland, and seconded by Mrs. Smith, to table this
matter.
In favor: Mr. Handy, Bishop McFarland, Mrs. Smith
Opposed: Mrs. Dayton, Mrs. Krutzer, Mr. Traweek, Mrs. Shelling
The motion failed for a lack of a majority.
President Dayton stated that we have a motion and a second to deny the
reconsideration of the vote.
In favor: Mrs. Dayton, Mrs. Krutzer, Mr. Traweek, Mrs. Shelling
Opposed: Mr. Handy, Bishop McFarland, Mrs. Smith
The motion carried on a majority vote.
Agenda Item 11 - Board Committee Updates
Mrs. Shelling briefed the Board on the National School Boards Conference that
was held in Orlando, FL. She stated that she attended very informative sessions
on: Parliamentary Procedures, Selection of the Superintendent, Paperless Board
Meetings and other sessions. She also stated that vendors that do business with
school districts provided evening entertainment for Board members.
Bishop McFarland stated that he enjoyed the entire conference. He stated that
one particular session of interest dealt with School Climate. The session
addressed how students and parents feel about administrators and teaches at
their school. He further stated that this is something he would like the Board
to address.
President Dayton asked Dr. Dupree if he had a statement concerning Clara Hall.
Dr. Dupree stated that there hasn't been any progress made since the last open
meeting with Board members. Dr. Dupree further stated in order to go any
further; the Board would have to consider if it wants to accept the proposal as
presented regarding the consolidation, do something different, or leave the
school as it is. He further stated that if nothing is done, the School
Improvement Plan will have to be rewritten.
Board Discussion/Comments
Mrs. Shelling asked that an official Board meeting be called on Tuesday in order
to address the items that will be discussed in the worksession on Monday
regarding the superintendent's search. She further stated that it only takes a
majority of the Board members to agree to the meeting.
Bishop McFarland stated that the Board must have harmony in order to move in the
right direction. He further stated that conducting business with a 4 to 3 vote
will not produce harmony with the Board.
President Dayton stated that tonight has been a very emotional night. She said,
"This was the night that we all listened, learned, and heard a lot. This can be
a very emotional decision, but as a Board member, we have to put the emotions
aside and vote our own convictions. There have been a lot of things said
tonight, and I have sat here quietly. I had to examine a lot of things to
determine how I was going to vote because this was not easy. I respect Dr.
Dupree, and there are a lot of things that I agreed with that were said tonight,
but as a Board member, I have to separate my emotions. We have a lot of issues
in the City of Monroe, and there are a lot of children that need attention. Dr.
Dupree has done a good job. I don't want to take away anything he has done, but
we have challenges that need to be addressed now for the future of these
children that we are failing. My goal and agenda is only to make sure that we do
the best that we can to appropriately give these kids an opportunity. This is
the first time in a long time that this Board has actually come together and
said we don't care what school it is, we just want to do what's right for all
children. We have made some benchmarks forward, and I do appreciate that from
Dr. Dupree. I do believe that you have done your best, and I appreciate that,
but we have challenges, and we need to move on. We need to see some major
results."
Mr. Handy stated that it is very important that all Board members are in
attendance for meetings concerning the superintendent's search process.
Bishop McFarland stated to President Dayton that it is not right to only be
concerned about 4 votes and not the other 3. He further stated that an executive
session is not needed tonight because the Board needs to regroup so that all
Board members will have a clear head.
It was moved by Mrs. Shelling to recess for five minutes.
The motion died for a lack of a second.
It was moved by Bishop McFarland and seconded by Mr. Traweek to place the
remainder of the agenda items with the exception of public input on the next
agenda under unfinished business.
Mrs. Krutzer asked Attorney Lawrence to briefly address the Board on the need
for an executive session.
Attorney Lawrence stated that the district has not received any communication
from the State Department regarding permission from the Federal Court to
implement anything associated with plans for Sherrouse or Clara Hall. Attorney
Lawrence further stated that approval is needed for any changes the Board wishes
to make regarding these schools, including a takeover.
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Mrs. Smith stated to President Dayton, "I would like to know in advance before
any meeting is set. This school district is made up of seven districts, not
four. Everyone has made their decision, and I have not held their decision
against them. I will not allow anyone to say things to me that are out of
order."
Mrs. Shelling stated to President Dayton that she should set the worksession so
that the Board can move forward.
Mr. Handy stated that all Board members need to be present for the worksession
concerning the search process.
President Dayton stated that she will work with all Board members to coordinate
a day and time for the work session.
Agenda Item 12 - Superintendent's Announcements and Updates
No announcements from the superintendent.
Agenda Item 13 - Public Input on Non-agenda Items
Ms. Rachelle May invited everyone to Clara Hall on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. for the
annual Snuggle Buggle Book Night.
Ms. Gloria Walker addressed the Board on Clara Hall and asked the Board to vote
no on the closing of the school. She further stated that she is unhappy with
what has transpired tonight because the children have not been put first.
Agenda Item 14 - Executive Session
Tabled until next Board meeting.
Agenda Item 14 - Adjournment/Recess
On a motion by Mrs. Shelling, and seconded by Mr. Traweek, the meeting adjourned
at 8:55 p.m.
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Mrs. Victoria Dayton,
President
Dr. James A. Dupree, Superintendent
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