The Monroe City School Board met in regular session, Tuesday, August 21, 2007 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 Rev. 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
Reverend Rodney McFarland, Sr.
Mrs. Stephanie Smith
Mrs. Brenda Shelling

Board Member Absent
Mr. Jessie Handy

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

Agenda Item 5 - 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. President Dayton asked that all cell phones are turned off.

Agenda Item 6 - Action from the Superintendent

Superintendent Dupree recognized Mrs. Beth Heatherly as the Regional Teacher of the Year.

Ms. Mary Moncrief presented to the public a modified version of the DVD that was shown at the Back-to-School Staff Development at Carroll High School.

Action Item 7: Adoption of the Consent Agenda

On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Rev. McFarland, the Board approved the following consent agenda items:

7:A - Adoption of the Agenda
7:B - Adoption of the Minutes - August 7, 2007
7:C - Adoption of the Minutes - August 13, 2007
7:D - Human Resources Agenda
7:E - Awarding of Bid - Chain link fence for Cypress Point Elementary

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 8: MFP Distribution

Ms. Rachelle May, Ms. Stephanie Stewart, Ms. Sherry Murphy, Ms. Bessie Smith and Ms. Sandie Lollie addressed the Board on the 2007-2008 MFP distribution.

It was moved by Rev. McFarland and seconded by Mr. Traweek to distribute the 2007-2008 MFP funds equally to all certified personnel. The MFP amount to be distributed is $1,747.00.

The motion carried on a majority vote. Mrs. Dayton opposed.

Agenda Item 9: Board Committee Updates

Policy Committee:

Mrs. Krutzer addressed the wellness policy and the fine arts policy.

It was moved by Mrs. Krutzer to accept the fine arts policy.

Rev. McFarland stated that the policy can not be voted on tonight if this is not the first reading.

President Dayton stated that this would be the first reading and it could be added to the next agenda as the second reading.

Dr. D. H. Clark presented a PowerPoint presentation on the need for a wellness plan in the school district.

Facilities Committee:

Mr. Traweek stated that the stadium lighting at Wossman and Neville need to be updated.

Addition to the agenda

It was moved by Rev. McFarland and seconded by Mrs. Shelling to add to the agenda stadium lighting at Wossman and Neville as an action item.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

It was moved by Rev. McFarland and seconded by Mrs. Smith to immediately upgrade the stadium lighting at Wossman and Neville to the extent that the project does not exceed the bid law limit.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

A facilities committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 27th at 5:00 p.m.

Curriculum Committee:

Rev. McFarland asked why all principals are not giving their teachers the $400.00 allocated by the district.

Dr. Dupree stated that he will inform all principals that teachers are to receive the full $400.00 without exception.

A curriculum committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 27th. The meeting will begin immediately following the facilities committee meeting.

Agenda Item 10 - Superintendent's Announcements

Superintendent Dupree announced that school opened without any critical issues.

Agenda Item 11 - Public Input on Non-Agenda Items

Ms. Rachelle May discussed accountability at Clara Hall.

Ms. Gloria Walker discussed the bidding process, accountability at Clara Hall and benches for the football team at Wossman.

Action Item 12 - Executive Session

It was moved by Mrs. Smith and seconded by Mr. Traweek to convene into executive session for a period not to exceed thirty minutes to receive the results of Superintendent's evaluation.

Mrs. Shelling stated that she has concerns with the evaluation instrument; therefore she is abstaining.

The motion carried on a majority vote.

After the specified time was depleted, the Board asked for an additional thirty minutes.

Action Item 13 - Reconvene Board Meeting

On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Rev. McFarland, the Board reconvened into open session at 8:28 p.m.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 14 - Adjournment

On a motion by Mrs. Smith that was seconded by Mr. Traweek, the Board adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
 

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