|
The Monroe City School Board met
in regular session, Thursday, April 24, 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. Brenda Shelling
Board Member Absent
Mrs. Stephanie Smith
Superintendent and Administrative Staff
Dr. James Dupree
Mrs. Derenda Flowers
Dr. Tammye Turpin
Mr. Andrew Hill
Mrs. Betty Carroll
Mrs. Teresa Foreman
Mrs. Vickie Irwin
Attorney L. Douglas Lawrence
Action Item 5 - Consent Agenda
It was move by Mrs. Shelling and seconded by Mrs. Krutzer, to add 5:E
(resolution to advertise for modular buildings), delete 7:B (appointment of Safe
Schools/Healthy Students Project Director), change 7:C (approval of matching
funds for community center project) to discussion only, change agenda items
9:A-D (Superintendent Recruitment) to 6:A-D, add Monroe City School Board vs.
Herbert Land Architect and others {Case # 01-2904} to agenda item 13, and
approve the following consent agenda items:
5:A - Adoption of the Agenda
5:B - Adoption of the Board Minutes - April 8, 2008
5:C - Permission to contract with ImageTek to provide Digital Document
Management (Transferring of paper documents to digital for archives)
5:D - Human Resources Agenda
Agenda Item 6 - President's Reports 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.
Superintendent Recruitment
Action Item 6:A - Appointment of Steering Committee
Public Input
Ms. Gloria Walker stated that in the past, the public was very much involved
with the selection of the superintendent, and she would like that to continue.
She further stated that the Board needs to be more compassionate and think of
the children when making decisions.
Mrs. Shelling stated, "The Board is excluded from the process. We will be
involved in the beginning to set qualifications and then again in the end to
make the final selection. The Steering Committee will make recommendations to
the Board."
It was moved by Mrs. Shelling and seconded by Mr. Traweek, to set a budget for
the superintendent search and appoint a Steering Committee to consist of two
appointees by each Board member, three university representatives (one each from
Grambling, Tech and ULM), and three union representatives (one each from APLE,
LAE and the Federation).
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 6:B - Exit Agreement with the Superintendent
President Dayton asked Attorney Lawrence to discuss Agenda Item 6:B.
Attorney Lawrence stated, "During the worksession today, the Board discussed
bringing in a new superintendent or new hire at an earlier date prior to the
current end date of Dr. Dupree's contract. In this particular case, it would
require the acquiescence of the current superintendent in light of the fact that
he has an end date of September 20, 2008. This agenda item is meant to allow the
Board to authorize an early exit if this is what the Board decides to do. Right
now, no one has the authorization to act on behalf of the Board to move in that
direction."
Bishop McFarland said, "I don't agree with acting on this agenda item. It will
be null and void to vote on this when the superintendent has stated to us that
he will stay until September 20th. It doesn't make sense for the Board to
authorize someone to negotiate when it is the wishes of the superintendent to
stay."
It was moved by Mrs. Krutzer and seconded by Mr. Traweek, to authorize Attorney
Lawrence and President Dayton to develop a proposed exit agreement for
presentation to Dr. Dupree for consideration.
Mr. Handy said, "If Dr. Dupree doesn't want to leave before his contract is up,
where will the money come from to pay the new hire?"
Attorney Lawrence replied, "There will have to be an agreement with the Board
and Dr. Dupree in order for him to assume a different role because you can not
have two superintendents. Until the end date of the contract he has the right to
remain in that position."
President Dayton stated, "If Dr. Dupree decides to stay in this position until
September 20th we will work with him. In all fairness to the school system and
Dr. Dupree, this is an appropriate business decision."
In favor: Mrs. Dayton, Mrs. Krutzer, Mr. Traweek, Mrs. Shelling
Opposed: Mr. Handy, Bishop McFarland
The motion carried on a majority vote.
Action Item 6:C - Authorization to Hire a Liaison
It was moved by Mrs. Shelling and seconded by Mr. Traweek, to authorize the
hiring of a liaison to work with the Steering Committee to assist the Board with
the selection process, to authorize the Board President to negotiate the
liaison's salary, and to recommend Ms. Nerissa Bryant for the position of
liaison.
Bishop McFarland said, "We must look at the wording on the agenda. You can not
offer an appointee in the same motion as you are authorizing for a position. You
have to do that in two separate motions."
Mrs. Shelling replied, "I withdraw my motion. My motion is to authorize the
Board to employ Ms. Nerissa Bryant as the liaison for the Board and to mediate
between the Board and Steering Committee during the superintendent search."
Bishop McFarland stated, "That is still incorrect. You have to offer the
position first. Once that has passed, then you have to have a nomination for the
person. You must first obtain the position."
It was moved by Mrs. Shelling and seconded by Mrs. Krutzer, to authorize the
position of liaison.
Public Input
Ms. Gloria Walker stated that the position for liaison should be opened up. She
also inquired about Hammonds and Sills Law Firm.
President Dayton replied, "They are attorneys that represent the Louisiana
School Boards Association. The firm specializes in School Law and has offices in
Monroe and Baton Rouge."
Ms. Walker asked if the position of liaison would be by application or
appointment.
President Dayton replied, "It is the prerogative of the Board to appoint someone
in this position."
Ms. Walker asked if the Board can furnish the public with a copy of the criteria
and qualifications for the position.
President Dayton replied, "We have that."
Attorney Lawrence stated that this will be a contracted person, not a W-2
employee.
Board Discussion
Mr. Handy said, "I think it is in the best interest of the Board to hire a
consultant that has dealt with this instead of using a liaison. It will be hard
to get one individual that knows the history of Monroe City Schools that we can
all agree on. A Firm will take away a lot of individual and personal things."
In favor: Mrs. Dayton, Mrs. Krutzer, Mr. Traweek, Mrs. Shelling
Opposed: Mr. Handy, Bishop McFarland
The motion carried on a majority vote.
It was moved by Mrs. Shelling and seconded by Mrs. Krutzer, to contract with Ms.
Nerissa Bryant to serve as liaison for the Monroe City School Board during the
superintendent search process and to negotiate the salary with the Board
President.
Bishop McFarland stated that since the Board is making an appointment, the floor
should be opened up for nominations.
President Dayton asked Attorney Lawrence to address this issue.
Attorney Lawrence replied, "If you look back at how we have hired consultants
and others, I think the motion is appropriate. There is more than one method;
you can name the person that you want in the motion, or you can accept
nominations from the floor. I personally believe that the motion is proper
because it names the individual to be hired for the position."
Mr. Handy stated that two names were turned in for the position.
President Dayton stated that this is not germane to the motion that is on the
floor.
Mr. Handy said, "Ms. Nerissa Bryant and Rev. A. J. Mansfield were recommended by
Board members, and I think they both should be voted on."
Bishop McFarland stated, "My recommendation is Dr. A. J. Mansfield for the
position of liaison. I also think that Mrs. Smith should be here for this
appointment. We should be considering who we want for this position, but we
should not exclude Mrs. Smith from this process. I ask Board members not to
allow this motion to pass."
Mrs. Shelling said, "Mrs. Smith called me this afternoon to discuss the agenda
items, and I personally asked her if there was anything significant on the
agenda that she was uncomfortable with, and she said, ‘no, nothing other than
Carver.' Mrs. Smith had the same agenda that I have with the same items."
Mr. Handy stated, "Mrs. Smith should be here for this vote. We should table this
and come back with a recommendation at the next Board meeting. I believe Rev.
Mansfield would be great for this position."
In favor: Mrs. Dayton, Mrs. Krutzer, Mr. Traweek, Mrs. Shelling
Opposed: Mr. Handy, Bishop McFarland
The motion carried on a majority vote.
Action Item 6:D - Authorization to Employ Special Counsel
It was moved by Mr. Traweek and seconded by Mrs. Krutzer to employ Hammonds and
Sills Law Firm as special counsel to the Board.
In favor: Mrs. Dayton, Mrs. Krutzer, Mr. Traweek, Mrs. Shelling
Opposed: Mr. Handy, Bishop McFarland
The motion carried on a majority vote.
Action from the Superintendent
Action Item 7:A - Selection of Consulting Provider for Sherrouse GOAL
On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Mrs. Krutzer, the Board
selected ResCare Inc. as the consultant provider for Martin Luther King, Jr.
Middle, Carroll Junior, and Lee Junior for 2008-2009 and authorizes the
superintendent to negotiate the terms including the scope of services and cost
entailed with the contract.
Dr. Dupree stated that a special meeting will need to be called next week to
approve the contract for ResCare.
A call meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 30th at 1:30 p.m.
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 7:B - Appointment of Schools/Healthy Students Project Director
Deleted
Action Item 7:C - Approval of Matching Funds for the Lillie Marbles Community
Project
Mr. John Ross briefed the Board on the Lillie Maddox Marbles Community Center
project. He stated that funds obtained through a grant for this project will be
jeopardized if additional funds are not secured from some other source. He
further stated that he needs a commitment of $75,000 matching funds from the
District.
Mr. Traweek voiced his concerns on the size of the baseball field.
Mr. Ross noted that the size of the field can be changed to meet the needs of
the District. He further stated that Carroll Junior High and Carroll High would
have exclusive use to that field during the season.
She stated that she is also concerned about the size of the field as noted on
the handout.
Mr. Traweek stated that it would be a good idea to partner with the City because
they will be responsible for maintaining the field.
Mr. Handy stated that he is in favor of the project. He further stated that he
is confident that the City will make sure that the field will be the correct
size.
Bishop McFarland stated that the Board should support the project, and the minor
details can be worked out later.
Mrs. Shelling voiced her concerns regarding the timing of the financial request.
On a motion by Bishop McFarland that was seconded by Mrs. Shelling, agenda item
7:C was changed to an action item.
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
It was moved by Mrs. Shelling and seconded by Bishop McFarland, to commit to
partner with the City of Monroe by providing $75,000.00 toward the development
of Lillie Maddox Marble Community Center project on the condition that the City
of Monroe pledges $75,000.00 in the next fiscal year and that the district have
exclusive usage of the facilities upon completion.
Mrs. Krutzer offered a friendly amendment to form a committee to study the
project and that Mr. Traweek verifies that the required size of the field will
fit in the designated area.
Mrs. Shelling accepted the friendly amendment.
Mr. Traweek asked, "Can the district spend money on property that we do not
own?"
Attorney Lawrence replied, "Yes, but we will need an Intergovernmental
Agreement."
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 7:D - Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Monroe for
Georgia Tucker
Bishop McFarland left the meeting at 7:45 p.m.
Public Input
Mr. Doug Walters, Property Manager for Vantage Health Plan, made a proposal for
the purchase of Georgia Tucker. He presented to the Board projected plans for
the renovation of the building.
Attorney Lawrence stated that there is a sealed bid process to purchase the
building.
Mr. Walters asked that it be stated in the bid that the building can not be
destroyed.
Attorney Lawrence stated that the Board can impose terms and conditions on the
sale of the property.
Mr. Traweek stated that he would like to see some guidelines in place to
preserve the building because of its history.
On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Mr. Krutzer, the Board approved
an Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Monroe regarding the Georgia
Tucker School site.
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Mr. Traweek left the meeting at 7:55 p.m.
Action Item 8:A - Review of the Local Personnel Evaluation Plan
On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Mrs. Krutzer, the Board
approved the review of the Local Personnel Evaluation Plan.
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Agenda Item 9:A-D - Superintendent Recruitment
See action item 6:A-D
Agenda Item 10 - Board Committee Update
Mrs. Krutzer noted that a policy committee meeting will be scheduled soon.
Agenda Item 11 - Superintendent's Announcements
The American Cancer Society Relay for Life is scheduled for Friday, April 25th.
Agenda Item 12 - Public Input on Non Agenda Items
Mr. Paul Roberts asked to address the Board on Carroll Junior High.
President Dayton cautioned Mr. Roberts about the types of comments he will make
regarding a particular person. She further stated that she has given the
information that she has received to the superintendent.
Mr. Roberts stated that he is afraid that the issue will be overlooked.
Mrs. Shelling stated that she is concerned that money being raised in the
community to help defray the cost of incentive items for students at Carroll Jr.
is using the name of the GEAR-Up Grant. She requested that a copy of the letter
be given to Attorney Lawrence for his review.
Action Item 13 - Executive Session
On a motion by Mrs. Krutzer that was seconded by Mr. Handy, the Board convened
in Executive Session at 8: 10 p.m. to discuss two lawsuits; Andrews -vs- Monroe
City School Board {No. 11,297} and Monroe City School Board -vs- Herbert Land
Architect, Inc. {No. 01-2904} for a period not to exceed fifteen minutes.
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
The Board reconvened in open session at 8:28 p.m.
On a motion by Mrs. Krutzer that was seconded by Handy, the Board approved a
litigation agreement in the case of Monroe City School Board -vs- Herbert Land
Architect, Inc. {No. 01-2904} as presented by Attorney Lawrence.
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 14 - Adjournment/Recess
On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Mr. Handy, the meeting
adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Mrs. Victoria Dayton,
President
Dr. James A. Dupree, Superintendent
|
