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The Monroe City School Board met
in regular session, Tuesday, May 6 2008 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 Reverend James Earl
Jackson. 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
Bishop Rodney McFarland, Sr.
Mrs. Stephanie Smith
Mrs. Brenda Shelling
Superintendent and Administrative Staff
Dr. James Dupree
Mrs. Derenda Flowers
Dr. Tammye Turpin
Mr. Andrew Hill
Mrs. Betty Carroll
Mrs. Teresa Foreman
Mrs. Vickie Irwin
Ms. Karla Bowlin
Ms. Mamie Williams
Mrs. Julie Staley
Attorney L. Douglas Lawrence
Action Item 5 - Consent Agenda
It was moved by Mrs. Shelling and seconded by Mrs. Krutzer, to add 7:C -
Recognition of Carroll High School Concert Choir, add 7:D - Information only:
2008 Sales Tax Clean-out Checks, remove 5:D - Permission to advertise for RFP
for Mental Health services from the consent agenda and place on agenda as item
7:E, and to approve the following consent agenda items:
5:A - Adoption of the Agenda
5:B - Adoption of the Board Minutes - April 24, 2008
5:C -Adoption of the Board Minutes - April 30, 2008
5:E - Human Resources Agenda
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 be turned off.
Action Item 6:A - Board Liaison Contract
Board Discussion
Bishop McFarland stated that the Board has a rough draft of the contract;
therefore, the contract can not be voted on.
President Dayton noted that Attorney Lawrence has the final contract.
Attorney Lawrence noted that no changes were made to the draft contract.
Bishop McFarland stated that several Board members have reservations about the
position of liaison. He further stated that Dr. A. J. Mansfield's name was
offered to the Board as co-liaison. He said, "Two people should be able to work
together in this process. Healing and unity needs to take place with this
Board."
Mrs. Smith stated that if the position of co-liaison is allowed, then all Board
members will have representation. She further stated that this will be a lot of
work for one individual, and she would like to see two names on the contract.
Mrs. Shelling stated that she understands the concerns that some Board members
have. She said, "We should take action on this item tonight and bring back the
co-liaison position. It is my understanding that Dr. Mansfield is not interested
in this position."
Mr. Handy said, "If we want unity, we need the co-liaison position. We don't
have a problem with Mrs. Bryant, but there is enough work for both a liaison and
co-liaison."
Bishop McFarland stated that he has spoken with Dr. Mansfield, and he indicated
that he is interested in the position of co-liaison. He further stated that some
Board members have some issues with Mrs. Bryant being the only person that will
receive the applications for superintendent. He said, "With what has transpired,
it looks like this process has already been tainted."
Mrs. Smith stated that she has spoken with Dr. Mansfield, and he also indicated
to her that he was interested in the position. She said, "I am not set on Dr.
Mansfield, if he is not interested then give us the opportunity to appoint
someone else so that all Board members will have representation. If we really
want to unite the Board, I don't see what the problem is."
Mrs. Shelling said, "There was a meeting with ministers that was initiated by
some Board members. If we want to do the right thing, we should include all
Board members. When you meet in a secret meeting to discuss this process and not
include all Board members, I don't see what the difference is. We need to move
this process forward."
Mr. Handy said, "Board members did not call the meeting that Mrs. Shelling
referred to. There have been meetings that were held, and I wasn't called. There
were plans that were made, and I wasn't a part of the plan."
Bishop McFarland said, "We need to stop tiptoeing around the incident last week
where a Board member, the liaison, a school employee, and a potential candidate
for the position of superintendent were seen meeting at a local restaurant. Mrs.
Smith and I walked in on the meeting and I said 'this doesn't look good.' If the
process is going to be aboveboard, then we are asking for a co-liaison so that
we all can feel good about this process. How do we know that all applicants will
come before the Board? I have some reservations, and I really have a problem
with the $28,000 contract. When Dr. Dupree came to the district, it was with a
vote of 7-0. We worked out our differences, and it was a smooth transaction, and
that is all that I am asking for now. It seems as though there is a problem with
the liaison sharing the power. President Dayton, this Board can not continue to
operate on a 4-3 vote."
President Dayton said, "That meeting was a chance meeting at a public coffee
shop. I am comfortable with both Mrs. Bryant and Dr. Mansfield. They both would
have the school system's best interest at heart, and they would be aboveboard
and not give preferential treatment to one candidate. The list of appointees
shows great diversity, and they will bring to the Board a pool of applicants.
The process will be fair, and it will eliminate mistrust. I respect Dr.
Mansfield, and I won't say that he doesn't have a key role to play in this
process."
Mrs. Smith said, "I don't have a problem with Mrs. Bryant, but I do have a
problem with one person having so much power. The liaison is the person that
will receive the applications and present them to the committee. If something
happens to Mrs. Bryant, then we will have to start this process over. As far as
the meeting that I witnessed, it may have been innocent, but it did not look
good, and it has caused mistrust among the Board.
It was moved by Mrs. Krutzer and seconded by Mr. Traweek to approve the liaison
contract.
Mr. Handy offered a friendly amendment to include Rev. Mansfield as co-liaison.
Mrs. Krutzer did not accept the friendly amendment.
McFarland stated that the amendment only needs a second, and it must be acted
upon. He further stated that permission it not needed from the person that made
the motion.
Attorney Lawrence stated that the request was worded as a request for a friendly
amendment, and it is the decision of the person that placed the motion on the
floor to accept it or not.
It was moved by Bishop McFarland and seconded by Mrs. Smith to amend the initial
motion to add Dr. A. J. Mansfield's name to the liaison contract.
Public Input
Mrs. Gloria Walker stated that the majority of the students in Monroe City
Schools are black, and this issue has come down to a black and white issue. She
also stated that she is very concerned that one of the potential applicants was
meeting with the liaison and a Board member.
Rev. James Johnson addressed the Board on unity and healing of the Board. He
also stated that he had spoken with Pastor Mansfield, and he is interested in
being the co-liaison if the Board wants him to serve in that position.
Rev. King Dawson addressed the Board on the liaison position. He stated that
there are suspicions regarding this process; therefore, the request from several
Board members should be honored. He further stated that it would not be good to
attempt to bring in a new superintendent if the community and Board are not
together.
Mrs. Shelling stated that the liaison does not have absolute power. She further
stated that the Steering Committee and liaison will work together to recommend
the candidates.
President Dayton recognized members of the Steering Committee.
President Dayton asked Attorney Lawrence to clarify the motion on the floor.
Attorney Lawrence said, "The motion on the floor is to amend the motion by Mrs.
Krutzer and add Dr. Mansfield to the role of liaison."
In favor: Mr. Handy, Bishop McFarland, Mrs. Smith
Opposed: Mrs. Dayton, Mrs. Krutzer, Mr. Traweek, Mrs. Shelling
Mrs. Dayton said, "I am not opposed to Rev. Mansfield. I highly respect him, and
I would like him to be a key part of this process."
Mrs. Shelling said, "I am not opposed to Dr. Mansfield serving a key role, but I
would like the Board to have further discussion with him."
The motion failed for a lack of a majority.
It was moved by Mrs. Krutzer and seconded by Mr. Traweek to approve the liaison
contract.
In favor: Mrs. Dayton, Mrs. Krutzer, Mr. Traweek, Mrs. Shelling
Opposed: Mr. Handy, Bishop McFarland, Mrs. Smith
Mr. Handy said, "I am not in favor because I feel as though Dr. Mansfield can
bring the community and Board together."
Bishop McFarland said, "I am opposed because the liaison was the campaign
manager for a Board member, and the liaison was seen meeting with that Board
member and a potential candidate."
Mrs. Smith stated, "It's business as usual."
The motion carried on a majority vote.
President a Dayton asked Mrs. Bryant to address the Board.
Mrs. Bryant stated, "I understand that I am to serve the Board. I will not be a
voting member of the search committee, nor will I have any input on how the
committee makes it rules."
Rev. James Jackson stated that because the Board is not unified, he will decline
serving on the Steering Committee.
Action from the Superintendent
Agenda Item 7:A - Recognition of the National Magnet School Art Contest Winner
Dr. Susan Cole recognized Cole Carlson, fifth grade student at J. S. Clark
Magnet School, as the national winner of the Magnet Schools of America National
Art Contest. The contest is open to over 6,000 Magnet Schools nationwide. Board
members were given copies of the poster. Dr. Cole asked that the framed copy be
placed in the School Board office.
Action Item 7:B - Request for Travel: 2008 Summer Institute for the Gifted
Ms. Margie Godwin addressed the Board on the Summer Institute for the Gifted.
This year, the Carmel Hill Foundation will provide scholarships for thirty-five
students to attend SIG. Twenty-nine students will attend the University of Texas
at Austin, and six students will attend the University of California at Berkley.
On a motion by Mrs. Shelling, seconded by Mrs. Krutzer, the Board approved
travel for students to attend the 2008 SIG program.
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Agenda Item 7:C - Recognition - Carroll High School Concert Choir
Mr. Andrew Hill recognized Mr. Roosevelt Pine and the Carroll High School
Concert Choir on their first place win in their division at the 2008 Dallas
Heritage Music Festival. Because of the superior vocal performance, the choir
has been invited to participate in the International Choral Festival. Mr. Pine
was the only person at the festival to receive the Dallas Heritage Festival
Conductors Award.
Agenda Item 7:D - 2008 Sales Tax Clean-Out Checks
Mrs. Derenda Flowers presented to the Board the amounts to be distributed to
employees.
Classified Employees Certified Employees
9 month employees $1,080.44 $4,563.00
10 month employees $1,129.88 $4,694.32
11 month employees $1,179.33 $4,792.81
12 month employees $1,228.77 $4,897.86
Check will be distributed on May 15th.
Action Item 7:E - Permission to advertise for RFP for Mental Health Services
Dr. Turpin stated that the RFP is to advertise for mental health services under
the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Grant. Partners and administration worked
collectively to put the RFP together.
It was moved by Mrs. Krutzer and seconded by Mr. Handy to advertise for request
for proposals for mental health services.
Bishop McFarland stated that he has concerns about these positions because there
is no project director.
Dr. Dupree stated that this is a thirty day process, and it is his desire to
have a project director in place by that time.
Mrs. Shelling asked Dr. Turpin to provide the Board with a list of psychological
and counseling services that are being provided to students.
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 8:A - Revised 2008-2009 School Calendar
On a motion by Mrs. Shelling, seconded by Bishop McFarland, the Board approved
the revised 2008-2009 school calendar as printed.
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Agenda Item 9 - Board Committee Update
Bishop McFarland stated that the Steering Committee for the superintendent
search will be electing a chair, and he would like to know who it is as soon as
possible.
Mrs. Krutzer noted that she will call a Policy Committee meeting next week.
Agenda Item 10 - Superintendent's Announcements and Updates
Dr. Dupree announced the following:
The Chase Leadership Academy Ceremony had its awards ceremony today. The academy
serviced eighteen students from Neville. Hopefully, the academy will be expanded
next year to include students from Wossman and Carroll.
The Student of the Year Ceremony will be held Thursday, May 8th at ULM.
Graduations: Wossman - May 13th, Carroll - May 14th, Neville - May 15th
Mrs. Foreman stated that preliminary LEAP test results were released today and
will continue to be received until June. These results are for student
achievement, not school achievement. She further stated that 83% of 4th graders
passed the LEAP test; up from 74% last year, and 54% of 8th grade students
passed the LEAP; up from 48% last year.
Action Item 11 - Adjournment/Recess
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned
at 7:58 p.m. on a motion by Mrs. Shelling, seconded by Mr. Handy.
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Mrs. Victoria Dayton,
President
Dr. James A. Dupree, Superintendent
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