The Monroe City School Board met in regular session, Tuesday, September 18, 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. 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
Reverend Rodney McFarland, Sr.
Mrs. Stephanie Smith
Mrs. Brenda Shelling

Board Members Absent
Mr. Jessie Handy

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

Action Item 5: Adoption of the Consent Agenda

On a motion by Mrs. Krutzer that was seconded by Rev. McFarland, the Board approved the following consent agenda items with the deletion of agenda item 7:B (SIG presentation):
5:A - Adoption of the Agenda
5:B - Adoption of the Minutes - September 4, 2007
5:C - Human Resources Agenda
5:D - Awarding of Bid: Air Conditioning Units
5:E - Letter of Agreement: Contracted services with Melanie
Massey Physical Therapy, Inc.
5:F - Letter of Agreement: Contracted services with Sharbono
Occupational Therapy Consultants, Inc.

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.

Agenda Item 7 - Action from the Superintendent

Agenda Item 7:A - Proclamation: Citizenship Day and Constitution Week

President Dayton and Superintendent Dupree signed a proclamation proclaiming September 17, 2007 as Citizenship Day and September 17-23, 2007 as Constitution Week.

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

Deleted

Action Item 8:A and 8:B - Cell Phone Usage Policy (2nd reading)

On a motion by Rev. McFarland that was seconded by Mrs. Krutzer, the Board adopted action item 8:A - cell phone usage policy for employees and action item 8:B - cell phone usage policy for students (see addendum for policy)

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Agenda Item 9:A - Pupil Progression Plan (2nd reading)

On a motion by Mrs. Smith that was seconded by Mrs. Shelling, the Board approved the 2007 Pupil Progression Plan as printed.

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

Action Item 10:A - Appointment of Fiscal Agent

On a motion by Mrs. Krutzer that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the Board approved the appointment of Chase as the fiscal agent. The appointment is for two years with the option to renew for two years.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 10:B - Adoption of 2007 Millage Rates

On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Rev. McFarland, the Board approved the following millage(s) levied on the 2007 tax roll on all property subject to taxation by the Monroe City School District:

Operational 7.070 mills
Maintenance 14.410 mills
Special 6.140 mills
Debt Services 13.000 mills

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Agenda Item 11 - Board Committee Updates

Action Item 11:A - Fine Arts Policy (2nd reading)

On a motion by Mrs. Krutzer that was seconded by Rev. McFarland, the Board approved the Fine Arts Policy as presented.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Board Committee Update

Mrs. Smith asked the Superintendent's Evaluation Committee to set a date to discuss the renewal of the superintendent's contract.

Board members asked the superintendent to send an official letter to the Board stating his desire to have his contract renewed.

The Finance Committee recommends the hiring of a project manager for the e-rate project.

Addition to the Agenda

It was moved by Mr. Traweek and seconded by Mrs. Shelling, to add to the agenda the hiring of a project manager for E-rate.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Action Item 11:B - E-rate Construction Project Manager

It was moved by Mr. Traweek and seconded by Mrs. Shelling, to contract with a construction project manger for E-rate for a period not to exceed three months, with a capped salary of $4,000.00 monthly plus mileage.

Mrs. Krutzer asked that the salary not be capped because the superintendent may not be able to find anyone to take the project for the specified amount.

Dr. Dupree stated he will contact Board members if he can not fine anyone to take the project for the amount stated.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Agenda Item 12 - Superintendent's Announcements

Dr. Dupree will be attending a Superintendent's Conference September 25-28, 2007. Mrs. Derenda Flowers will be in charge in his absence.

Agenda Item 13 - Public Input on Non-Agenda Items

Ms. Stephanie Steward addressed the Board on teacher transfers within the district.

Action Item 14 - Adjournment

On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Mrs. Krutzer, the Board adjourned at 7:28 p.m.

The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
 

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