The Monroe City School Board met in regular session, Tuesday, March 4, 2008, at 6:15 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. James B. Johnson. 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
Reverend 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
MS. Karla Bowlin
Mrs. Vickie Irwin
Mrs. Betty Carroll
Mrs. Teresa Foreman
Attorney L. Douglas Lawrence

Action Item 5: Adoption of the Consent Agenda

Mr. Traweek asked if agenda items 11 and 12 could be switched.

Dayton stated that an executive session has been requested for agenda item 11:A which has now become agenda item 12.

Attorney Lawrence stated that if the discussion involves the character, competency and fitness of an individual, it is advised that the Board go into executive session for that purpose. He further stated that if those items are not discussed, then an executive session is not necessary, but it does need to be added to the agenda as an executive session.

Mr. Handy stated that he prefer that the Board go into executive session or pull it off the agenda until the Board can have a call meeting to discuss the pros and cons.

President Dayton asked Attorney Lawrence if the Board needs to clarify with Dr. Dupree if he is in agreement with this.

Attorney Lawrence stated that he sent Dr. Dupree a notice. He also stated that Dr. Dupree has the right to make an election as to rather or not he wants this discussed in open or closed session. At the appropriate time, this is what will be asked of the Superintendent.

Rev. McFarland stated that he believes the Board should go into executive session to deal with this matter.

It was moved by Mr. Traweek and seconded, to change agenda item 11:A (Discussion/Action: Superintendent's Contract) to agenda item 12 and make it an executive session, change agenda item 12 (Closed session to conduct a Level IV Grievance Review) to agenda item 11:A, and to approve the following consent agenda items:

5:A - Adoption of the Agenda
5:B - Adoption of the Minutes - February 1, 2008

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Agenda Item 6 - Presidents Report 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.

Attorney Lawrence introduced Allison Brown, Trial Attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice. Attorney Brown will be in Monroe for several days performing their periodic site visit to the Monroe City School District relative to the Federal desegregation order.

President Dayton asked if the Board will receive a report.

Attorney Brown stated that the information will be collected and taken back to Washington, and their office will be in contact with Attorney Lawrence.

Agenda Item 7 - Action from the Superintendent

Agenda Item 7:A - Certificate of Recognition
Superintendent Dupree presented Principal Brent Vidrine with a Certificate of Recognition on behalf of the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Louisiana State Department of Education as a recipient of the Bronze Medal status as identified by the U.S. News and World Report for producing measurable outcomes.

Action Item 7:B - Demographic Study Contract

On a motion by Mrs. Krutzer that was seconded by Mr. Handy, the Board authorized Superintendent Dupree to contract with Dr. Robert Eisenstadt and Dr. Paul Nelson to prepare a demographic study.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 7:C - Memorandum of Understanding for Sherrouse Alternative School

Dr. Dupree presented to the Board a Memorandum of Understanding issued by the Louisiana Department of Education regarding Sherrouse Alternative School. The MOU allows the District sixty days to work with a consultant and determine which direction the District is going. Dr. Dupree stated that he informed Mr. Rodney Watson, Assistant Superintendent of the Recovery District, that this MOU is not consistent with what the District is planning. Dr. Dupree further stated that he was assured that the LDE would rewrite an MOU that is consistent with what the District is planning. This MOU allows the District to continue to operate Sherrouse and not let the State take the school over immediately. This also gives the District until May 2, 2008 to communicate with the State regarding the final MOU.

Mr. Traweek voiced his concern over routing the student's scores back to their home school and the effect it would have on those schools.

Mrs. Shelling stated that she has concerns with signing the MOU and having it in to the State by tomorrow without having the District's plans accompany the MOU.

Dr. Dupree stated, "I had a two hour conversation with Mr. Rodney Watson.
We called the Attorney for the State Department and he advised us to sign it."

Mrs. Shelling asked if Attorney Lawrence looked at the document.

Attorney Lawrence stated that he has looked at the document and he is in favor of what is being proposed. If a motion is made to allow the superintendent to execute the agreement, the motion should state that it is understood by the Board that what is being signed will be modified to include some additional provisions. That way, it is understood that the Board's expectation is that there will be some modifications to the document.

President Dayton inquired about the plan to find the best possible consultant. She stated that this is a great opportunity to bring in a good consultant that can help the District.

Dr. Dupree stated that the District will be assisted by the State Department. A packet containing RFPs from consulting groups have been received. Dr. Dupree informed the Board that the consultant must specialize in the area that is being proposed.
On a motion by Mrs. Krutzer that was second Mr. Handy, the Board authorized the Superintendent to sign a Memorandum of Understanding in reference to the GOAL program at Sherrouse with the stipulation that a cover letter is sent to explain that the District is considering dissolving the GOAL program and sending those students back to their home school and to expect that the MOU will be modified to incorporate the changes as discussed by Superintendent Dupree and Mr. Watson.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Addition to the Agenda - 7:D - Human Resources Agenda

It was moved by Rev. McFarland and seconded by Mr. Handy to add the Human Resources Agenda to the Board agenda as 7:D.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

It was moved by Ms. Smith and seconded by Mrs. Shelling to accept the Human Resources agenda as printed.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Agenda Item 8 - Board Committee Update

Mrs. Krutzer reported that several members of the Board attended the Louisiana School Boards Association conference in Shreveport.

Mrs. Shelling noted that the Board met in a work session on yesterday to discuss the finality of the E-rate project. Vendors from CenturyTel, Global Data Services and McKee Electronics briefed the Board on the completion of their projects. It was noted that Mrs. Krutzer brought to the Board's attention the lack of doors on some cabinets that contain the MDFs. All vendors agreed that they would correct the deficiency of the cabinets. A representative from McKee Electronics noted that they would charge an additional fee. Ms. Mai Bui and Ms. Karla Bowlin were asked to update the Board on the assessment of the schools and present their findings to the Board.

Dr. Dupree stated that Ms. Bui did the report, but he wanted to speak with Mr. Charles Monroe regarding section 3 of the report before it was given to the Board. After meeting with Mr. Monroe, it was noted that the grounding wires are up to code. Dr. Dupree further stated that he did not want to give the Board a report with errors, but a written report would be given to the Board on tomorrow.

Mrs. Shelling stated that specific information was to be presented to the Board tonight in order to give the full Board the advantage of having the information rather than receiving it in writing. Mrs. Shelling said, "We asked for this information on yesterday, and I am disappointed that we did not get it tonight. We ended the meeting with a directive that a report be given tonight, and I want to know why that report is not prepared for us tonight."

Dr. Dupree replied, "I can give you the report tonight but it has incorrect information on it about the grounding."

Mrs. Shelling said, "It is okay that incorrect information is on the report. We can discern as a Board what is proper and what is not and go from there and then bring closure to this project. Having closure was the purpose of the meeting yesterday, and I am feeling very frustrated because I sat here for over an hour and talked about E-rate. We asked that an assessment of every school be done today so that we will know as a Board what the problems are. Now, we are being told tonight that there is no report."

Dr. Dupree replied, "There is a report, and I will give it to you. Do you want Ms. Bowlin to come up now?"

Mrs. Shelling replied, "No."

President Dayton stated that she would like to dialogue with staff about these issues, and if it pleases the Board, a time can be set it do so.

Mrs. Krutzer stated that the work by the vendors is complete; our MIS department is responsible for the remainder. Mrs. Krutzer further stated that air conditioners are needed for the servers. She also pointed out that CenturyTel and Global did say that the wiring was done to code.

Facilities Committee Update

Mr. Traweek reported that someone from New Orleans was interested in the Georgia Tucker building. The interested party came and toured the building. No additional information is available at this time.

Mr. Traweek also reported that the QZAB Committee has had several productive meetings, and a list of needs had been compiled and is waiting on Board approval.

Mrs. Smith asked if the facilities committee would look at Wossman's gym to see if something can be done with that area.

Mr. Traweek stated, "The principal did make that request, but we need to look at what is a priority. The biggest thing is that all schools need roofs. My district is concerned about the windows at Neville, and other requests have been made for playground equipment. Once the committee makes the suggestions, it will come before to the Board for approval."

Mr. Handy stated that the baseball field at Carroll needs to be looked at.

Agenda Item 9 - Superintendent's Announcements

  Two of our high school basketball teams were competing at the State level. Carroll High lost last night, but Wossman is playing tonight.

  The E-rate appeal for GDS and McKee Electronics has been approved.

Mrs. Dayton inquired as to how repayment would be handled being that the District advanced McKee Electronics monies for the project.

Dr. Dupree stated that McKee will return the check to the District as soon as they receive it.

Mrs. Foreman briefed the Board on the Louisiana Department of Education annual release of district performance scores. MCS ranked 17 out of 61 reporting districts last year. The district did show improvement, but the state as a whole did not grow at all. MCS was one of a few districts in the State that received an exceptional rating on teacher certification.

Mr. Traweek requested a copy of the District's subgroup performance.

Mrs. Shelling asked if a comparison could be done with minority Districts that are comparable to MCS to see where we rank.

Mrs. Foreman stated that she would prepare the report, and it would be available after testing.

Agenda Item 10 - Public Input on Non-agenda Items

Ms. Gloria Walker addressed the Board on the timeframe of handling the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Grant. She also expressed concerns with administrators and Board members not attending Board meetings.

Mr. Traweek stated to President Dayton that personal attacks should not happen.

President Dayton stated that personal attacks will not be tolerated by anyone.

Action Item 11 - Executive Session: Level IV Grievance Review

It was moved by Mrs. Smith and seconded by Mrs. Krutzer to go into in a closed session for a period not to exceed 20 minutes to discuss a Level IV Grievance Review.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote, and the Board convened in closed session at 7:37 p.m.

Action Item 13 (taken out of sequence) - Reconvene/Action

It was moved by Mrs. Krutzer and seconded to reconvene in open session.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote, and the Board reconvened at 7:55 p.m.

It was moved by Mrs. Shelling and seconded by Mrs. Smith to defer agenda item 11: Level IV Grievance Review until an upcoming meeting.

Mrs. Shelling stated that the Board has a right to defer this agenda item because there is no time limit on a level IV grievance.

The motion carried on a majority vote. Mr. Traweek opposed.

Action Item 12:A - Superintendent's Employment Contract

Public Input

Mr. Andrew Hill addressed the Board on Superintendent Dupree and his contributions to the Monroe City School District. Dr. Dupree was commended on being an outstanding Superintendent.

Ms. Gloria Walker voiced her concerns on moving the Superintendent at this time. She stated that we need leadership and it would not be fair to the children of Monroe City Schools to make this move.

It was moved by Mrs. Smith and seconded by Mr. Handy to convene in executive session for a period not to exceed thirty minutes to discuss Dr. James Dupree's contract in reference to his character, competency, and fitness.

Mrs. Smith stated that the Board will ask for more time if it is needed.

Mr. Traweek asked if it was mandatory that they go into executive session.

Attorney Lawrence replied "No, it is not, but if you are going to have a certain kind of conversation then you must."

Mr. Traweek stated that he was referring to each individual Board member.

Attorney Lawrence stated that a Board member has the right not to go into executive session if he so chooses.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote, and the Board convened in executive session at 8:05 p.m.

At 8:41 p.m. the Board asked for an additional thirty minutes.

At 9:20 p.m. the Board asked for an additional ten minutes.

Reconvene/Action

At 9:32 p.m. President Dayton announced that the Board was back in session and ready for discussion/action on agenda item 12:A.

It was moved by Mr. Handy and seconded by Ms. Smith to renew Superintendent Dupree's contract for one year and come back before March 19th and negotiate the contract.
Mrs. Krutzer asked if this was a new contract or an extension.

Mr. Handy stated that it would be a new contract.

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

The motion failed for a lack of a majority.

President Dayton asked Attorney Lawrence what would be the appropriate thing to do at this time since the motion was voted down to extend the contract.

Attorney Lawrence replied, "The Board has several options; you can make another motion that is in support of a different type of contract or extension, do nothing, or offer a motion on the floor not to renew the contract."

It was moved by Mrs. Smith and seconded by Mr. Handy, to table agenda item 12:A until the next meeting.

Attorney Lawrence stated that if it is a motion to table this item then it is old business and should be on the next agenda. He further stated that if it is not acted upon by the end of the next meeting the matter dies.

Mr. Handy stated, "I appreciate Mrs. Smith asking to table this item so that we can see where we came from and where we are now. We also need to see what problems or disagreements Board members may have and then sit down as a Board with the Superintendent and work those things out."

Rev. McFarland said, "It is my understanding that the prevailing side has the power to revisit this if we can come to some type of agreement."

Attorney Lawrence stated that it could be brought back if the motion fails. He said, "Whoever voted against the passage of a particular motion that failed can move to reconsider the previous motion. That rule would not be applicable on the motion to table because our policy says that if you table an item, it remains an item to be considered by the Board, but it dies at the end of the next regular Board meeting if not acted upon. Keep in mind that we are dealing with tabling an agenda item vs. a reconsideration of a previous motion that was on the floor that failed."

Rev. McFarland asked, "What are we trying to table?"

Attorney Lawrence replied, "Consideration of the agenda item."

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

The motion failed for a lack of a majority.
President Dayton asked if there was another motion.

It was moved by Mrs. Krutzer and seconded by Mr. Traweek not to renew the Superintendent's contract.

Mr. Handy stated, "I want to know why not. All of you know the facts. You know the situation we were in, and you know where we are now. Test scores have improved, we are not in a deficit, and the number of unacceptable schools has dropped. There have been so many things that have happened during his tenure. My question to the Board is, unless there is already a plan that has been put together, why is it that we can't sit down with the Superintendent and look at the big picture and see what is best for kids and work out whatever little problems we have. I've heard that the relationship with the Board and Superintendent was poor. When he came on board, he said we must have computers because he will be emailing us on issues that go on in schools. He said his door is always open to Board members, and if there are any problems, we should call him. It is surprising to me because I have been hearing rumors in public that the deal has already been cut, and the superintendent has already been named. If the Board was having so many problems with the present superintendent, it seems to me that as a Board, we should have called him in and said to him that he needs some improvement in the area of concern. His evaluations were excellent, and this time it was the highest it has ever been."

Attorney Lawrence cautioned Mr. Handy on his comment.

Rev. McFarland stated, "I am on the prevailing side of this matter, and that gives us the right to bring it back if we deem it necessary. I would like to be able to sit down and talk to the Superintendent because he left out before we had the chance to go over some other things. My vote still stands the same so I can remain on the prevailing side."

Mrs. Smith stated, "I am in agreement with Mr. Handy. When Superintendent Dupree came into the District, it was in disarray and totally out of order. As a Board member, I was very dissatisfied with the condition of it, and he came in and made some cuts. We asked him to come in and do certain things and make some changes. We asked him to get our District in line and headed in the right direction, and I have seen that with Dr. Dupree. I can see the changes and improvements he has made in this District. In the past, we were bragging on what our District was doing, and we knew that we were not doing anything. Now that we are doing something and it is showing that we are doing something, we want to complain. We are saying we are not going to renew the contract, and I have a problem with that. Everyone has the right to their own conviction, but Dr. Dupree has done everything we have asked of him in his contract. The Board set up a contract and asked him to do it, and that is what he has done. He has even stated that he will stay in the District without extra pay, but for some particular reason, the Board is not for him. I have a problem with the fact that we bring someone in, we gave him some problems, and he took those problems and worked them out and now we are telling him that we don't need him anymore. Now we will bring someone else in since he has fixed some of the problems. I totally disagree with that."

President Dayton said, "However the vote goes down at this time, it is not an indictment. It's not a ruling on Dr. Dupree; he has done a good job. We are facing incredible situations in the future, and I can't speak for all Board members, but it may be an issue of management style. It is not an issue of anything that Dr. Dupree has not done. I agree with Mrs. Smith and Mr. Handy. There have been a lot of good things, and we appreciate Dr. Dupree for what he has done, and I don't want that to go unsaid. He has accomplished a lot of good things. We are facing a time that is very complicated, and some Board members feel it may require a little different style or approach. The bottom line is that whatever we do, we better be focused on the benefit of the students. Dr. Dupree, we are going to credit you with a lot you have done, and I credit you with that, but my vote is going to be based on what I feel is in the best interest of this District. I do applaud everything that has been stated."

President Dayton said, "If there are no other statements to be made, I call for the vote."
She asked that the motion be read so that everyone is clear on what is being voted on.

The motion read, "It was moved by Mrs. Krutzer and seconded by Mr. Traweek not to renew the Superintendent's contract."

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

The motion carried on a majority vote.

Action Item 14: Adjournment/Recess

On a motion by Mrs. Smith that was seconded by Mr. Handy, the Board adjourned at 9:48 p.m.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
 

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