The Monroe City School Board met in a special called meeting, Monday, December 17, 2007 at 12:00 p.m. at the Monroe City School Board Central Office, 2101 Roselawn 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.

Board Members Absent
Mrs. Stephanie Smith
Mrs. Brenda Shelling
Mr. Jessie Handy

Superintendent and Administrative Staff
Dr. James Dupree
Mrs. Derenda Flowers
Ms. Karla Bowlin
Attorney L. Douglas Lawrence

Agenda Item 5 - Adoption of the Agenda

On a motion by Rev. McFarland that was seconded by Mr. Traweek, the Board adopted the agenda as printed.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Agenda Item 6 - President's Reports and Announcements

President Dayton noted that a quorum is present and the meeting will proceed. At the next scheduled Board meeting, computer operators and central office salary schedules will be on the agenda.

Board Discussion

Mr. Traweek asked to have the computer operators' salary schedule listed separate from central office.

Mrs. Krutzer stated that a committee was to be formed to review salary schedules.

President Dayton stated that it was discussed in finance committee, but no formal action was taken.

Mrs. Krutzer stated that the administration needs to complete research and assessments before the salary schedules are presented to the committee.

Mr. Traweek stated that salaries should not only be compared to Ouachita Parish but should be compared to districts equal to Monroe City.

Dr. Dupree stated that he met with Grant Schleuter, David Henderson, Derenda Flowers and Charles Monroe to discuss the QZAB process. A part of the process is to develop a QZAB steering committee. The committee will include community members identified by the Board, three principals, Mrs. Flowers and Mr. Monroe. This committee will be responsible for collecting information from various sources. The goal is to have the projects identified and presented to the Board for approval at the February 5th meeting.

Mr. Traweek asked if Grant Schleuter is the lead attorney.

Dr. Dupree stated that Bill Boles and Grant Schleuter will be co-counsel.

Mrs. Krutzer suggested that the Facilities Committee serve on the QZAB Steering Committee.

President Dayton stated that in 2008 the Board needs to look at poor performing schools and identify a plan of action.

Dr. Dupree stated that this should be done at a retreat or work session so that ample time can be devoted to the issue.

Action Item 7 - Resolution to ratify payment to McKee Electronics

Mrs. Krutzer asked if the E-Rate appeal has been submitted.

Ms. Karla Bowlin stated that the letter has not been sent. The final required documentation was received today and the request is now ready for submission.

Rev. McFarland stated that for the integrity of the Board, misleading claims should not be given to the media. It is not true that the Board will be responsible for paying back all E-Rate monies. The wording on the first letter was incorrect and as soon as the corrected letter is submitted approval will be given. We are trying to improve our image and we need to look at the positive side. The public must have the correct information.

President Dayton agreed with Rev. McFarland. The media does not have all the facts. The majority of the money has been paid; only a small portion has not been paid.

Mrs. Krutzer asked how the Board will address the money owed to Global.

Attorney Lawrence stated that he was not aware of any money owed to Global.

Dr. Dupree stated that we are only dealing with McKee Electronics because they were the ones that made the request. Global has not made a request because they understand that we are waiting on the appeal.

On a motion by Rev. McFarland that was seconded Mr. Traweek, the Board ratified action of the Superintendent, on the recommendation of the Board Finance Committee, to issue payment to McKee Electronics for E-Rate invoiced costs for which payment has been delayed and for authorization to execute a remittance agreement to facilitate the issuance of payment and the receipt of reimbursement from E-Rate.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Agenda Item 8 - Superintendent's Announcements

Superintendent Dupree announced that students will be dismissed at noon for the Christmas break. Administrators can leave when the building has been cleared of all students.

Agenda Item 9 - Public Input on Non-Agenda Items

No public comments were made.

Action Item 10 - Adjournment

On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Rev. McFarland, the Board adjourned at 12:35 p.m.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

 

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