The Monroe City School Board met in regular session, Tuesday, November 6, 2007 at 5:30 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. 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
Reverend Rodney McFarland, Sr.
Mrs. Stephanie Smith
Mrs. Brenda Shelling

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

Action Item 5: Adoption of the Consent Agenda

On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Rev. McFarland, the Board approved the following consent agenda items with the deletion of agenda item 7:B (QZAB Resolution) and the addition of agenda item 7:C (permission to advertise for Project Manager for Safe Schools/Healthy Students Grant)

5:A - Adoption of the Agenda
5:B - Adoption of the Minutes - October 16, 2007
5:C - Human Resources Agenda

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

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. President Dayton asked that all cell phones are turned off.

6:A - Scheduling of Board Retreat

The committee has been in contact with Billy Arcement, as a prospective facilitator for the upcoming Board retreat. Mrs. Krutzer distributed to the Board copies of Mr. Arcement's proposal, resume and fee schedule.

Agenda Item 7 - Action from the Superintendent

Agenda Item 7:A - Presentation: 2007 Summer Institute for the Gifted

Ms. Margie Godwin introduced Mrs. Judy Parker and Mrs. Arlene Farrand-Borgerson from the Carmel Hill Foundation. Mrs. Parker addressed the Board on the mission of the Foundation. She stated that all students deserve a quality education; students labeled as average should accelerate and gifted and talented students should be challenged.

A slideshow presentation was shown on behalf of the students that attended the Summer Institute for the Gifted. Copies of essays written by those students were given to Mrs. Parker and Board members.

Superintendent Dupree and Board members thanked the Carmel Hill Foundation for their continued support.

Agenda Item 7:B - QZAB Resolution

Deleted

Action Item 7:C - Permission to advertise for Project Director

On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Mr. Handy, the Board authorized the administration to advertise for a Project Director for the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Grant.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Agenda Item 8 -Board Committee Update

No reports from committees

Agenda Item 9 - Superintendent's Announcements

Superintendent Dupree announced the following:
• The Truancy Board is operating as planned and parents are being linked with appropriate resources. Approximately 180 students have been serviced.
• The new telephone system should be completely installed at all sites in a few weeks
• Accent on Excellence Breakfast is November 13th at 7:30 a.m. at the Civic Center.
• Ribbon cutting ceremony for the School Based Health Center is at 4:00 p.m. November 13th at Carroll Jr.
• Thanksgiving Break is November 19th - 23rd
• District wide staff development is December 3rd at Carroll High

Agenda Item 10 - Public Input on Non-Agenda Items

President Dayton asked that all request to speak be turned in prior to the meeting. Public comments are important, however; a group speaking on the same subject should appoint a spokesperson so that the meeting can proceed efficiently.

Ms. Debbie Rizzo and Ms. Cathy Brown addressed the Board on the Neville drum line.

Dr. Dupree stated that drums have been ordered for Neville. All band equipment is ordered according to the standard that was compiled by the band instructors.

Mrs. Krutzer requested a copy of the standard used to order instruments.

Board Comments on Non Agenda Items

Mr. Handy asked Mrs. Smith if the Superintendent's Evaluation Committee will meet again prior to the next Board meeting.

Mrs. Smith stated that the committee will not be meeting before the next Board meeting but the issue of the contract renewal will be addressed at the next Board meeting. A special meeting will be called if it is the desire of the Board.

Mr. Handy stated that the public is inquiring about the Superintendent's contract and the Board should do whatever it can to speed up the process.

President Dayton stated that this matter does need to be resolved.

Rev. McFarland stated that every Board member needs to make their own decision and he will be listening to constituents from his district on this matter.

President Dayton stated that the Board must come together and make the best decision possible.

Mrs. Krutzer announced that Superintendent Pastorek will meet with Board members after the Accent on Excellence breakfast. Board members from Northeast Louisiana will be invited.

Mrs. Smith announced that Wossman and Carroll High won first place at the Battle of the Bands in their divisions.

Action Item 11 - Adjournment

On a motion by Mr. Handy that was seconded by Mrs. Krutzer, the Board adjourned at 6:30 p.m.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

 

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