MINUTES
August 2, 2004
The Monroe City School Board met in regular session on Monday, August 2, 2004, at 6 P.M., 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 Reverend Rodney McFarland. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.
Members Present:
Mr. Jessie L. Handy Mr. Anthony "Tony" Cain Mrs. Victoria "Vickie" Dayton Reverend Rodney McFarland Mrs. Brenda M. Shelling Mrs. Stephanie S. Smith Mr. James "Mickey" Traweek
Superintendent and Administrative Team:
Dr. George D. Cannon Mr. Julian Gray Mrs. Derenda Flowers Dr. LaVargne Gunn-Ford Mrs. Teresa Foreman Miss Maria Maggio Dr. Daphene Singleton Mrs. Bobbie Hamilton Mrs. Vickie Irwin
Administrators, employees, parents, representatives from professional organizations, and the news media were in attendance.
Action Item 4:
Adoption of the Agenda and Addendum:
On a motion by Reverend McFarland that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the Board adopted the agenda and the addendum as presented.
Addendum:
Action Item 6A:
Executive Session 1) Discussion of investigation findings regarding WRC Media. 2) Discussion of the Superintendent's Contract of Employment and matters relevant to his competency and fitness.
Discussion/Action Item 7A & 7B:
1) Change in the Sales Tax Distribution. 2) Contract Renewal of Dr. Daphene Singleton.
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 5:
Adoption of the Minutes of July 8 & 27, 2004:
On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Mrs. Shelling, the Board adopted the minutes of July 8 & 27, 2004, with a correction in the minutes of July 8, 2004.
Correction:
Report Item 8:
Principalship at Wossman High School:
Dr. Cannon stated the interview process ended today, Thursday, July 8, and he would interview the three finalists on tomorrow, Friday, July 9, and inform the Board of his recommendation, effective July 30, 2004. The Board will ratify the Superintendent's recommendation at its next scheduled meeting.
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Report Item 6:
The President's Report and Announcements:
President Handy thanked the administrative staff, school employees, parents, representatives from professional organizations, and the news media for their presence and support.
Action Item 6A:
Executive Session:
On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Reverend McFarland, the Board went into executive session at 6:18 p.m. for a period of time not to exceed one hour to discuss:
1) Discussion of investigation findings regarding WRC Media. 2) Discussion of the Superintendent's Contract of Employment and matters relevant to his competency and fitness.
The Board reconvened at 8:30 p.m. and continued with the agenda.
Mr. Handy asked Mr. Lawrence to give a report on WRC Media.
Mr. Lawrence stated the ad hoc committee of the Board was appointed to work with him in conducting a limited investigation of WRC Media. The purpose of this investigation was to respond to Securities and Exchange Commission's request for information. "In the executive session we gave a report of what information the committee obtained as well as the information that will be submitted to the Commission."
Dr. Cannon announced to his staff and the public that beginning tomorrow (Tuesday, August 3, 2004), he will be on vacation using some of his accumulated vacation days until September 3. At which time he will announce his retirement as Superintendent of the Monroe City School Board. He further stated that he was looking forward to his retirement. He stated, "the timing is right, by doing so now it will give this Board the opportunity over the next several weeks to work hard in the possibility of selecting a new superintendent. I have been in this superintendency for twelve years and two months; we have accomplished a lot of successes and progress. Under new leadership, it will be a great opportunity for the district to move to new heights. That is really, really, important to me because I want this system to get even better that we are now. The foundation has been laid and the community has been good to us. We have renovated all of your schools and built two new schools; and our staff is in place.
I will take this opportunity to thank the past boards and the present board for their support. At this time I am asking Mr. Julian Gray to come up and take the gavel."
Dr. Cannon asked the President for permission to leave.
Action Item 7:
Louisiana Educational Agency Application for IDEA Flow Through Funds for FY 2005:
On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Mr. Cain, the Board approved the Louisiana Educational Agency Application for IDEA Flow Through Funds for FY 2005, as presented. The motion carried on a unanimous vote. (Application of File).
Discussion/Action Item 7A:
Change in the Sales Tax Distribution for Classified Employees:
On a motion by Mrs. Smith that was seconded by Reverend McFarland, the Board approved the change in the distribution format in the classified 1994 sale tax supplemental checks. To be added the monthly payroll check, listed as a supplemental check. The motion carried on a unanimous vote. (See addendum for proposed distribution information).
Action Item 7B:
Contract Renewal of Dr. Daphene Singleton:
Mr. Lawrence: "It is my understanding that the Board wishes to know what its options are with respect of contract renewal of Dr. Daphene Singleton." Mr. Lawrence recommended the following
Provide a notice of non renewal if it is even possible or conceivable that you would not want to renew.
This decision will have to be made today because you are exactly 120 days from the end date of that contact. If you do not provide a notice today, the contract will reconduct, meaning the contract will renew for an additional term.
The Board asked for clarification on the time frame of this notice.
Mr. Lawrence stated that a hand delivered notice should be delivered tonight to Dr. Singleton stating the action of the Board.
On a motion by Mr. Cain that was seconded by Mrs. Shelling, the Board voted not to renew the contract of Dr. Daphene Singleton, Personnel Director of Human Resources, which has a renewal date of November 30, 2004. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
President Handy stated that Dr. Singleton has already been placed in the position of “Grant Writer” and she will remain in that position until her contract runs out on November 30, 2004. At that time the Board will take further action
Personnel Changes:
Action Item 8A: Certified Resignations:
On a motion by Reverend McFarland that was seconded by Mr. Cain, the Board approved the following certified resignations:
Patsy Powell, Barkdull Faulk Elementary School Position: Special Education Teacher Reason: Relocating Effective: July 19, 2004
Carla Walters, Berg Jones Elementary School Position: First Grade Teacher Reason: Not listed Effective: July 28, 2004
Deborah Martin, Clark Magnet Elementary School Position: Gifted Teacher Reason: Not listed Effective: July 26, 2004
Rebekah Watson, Cypress Point Elementary School Position: Music Teacher Reason: Not listed Effective: July 27, 2004
Damon Nailer, Lexington Elementary School Position: Teacher `Reason: Not listed Effective: June 30, 2004
Adele Gremillion, Madison James Foster Elementary School Position: Third Grade Teacher Reason: Relocating Effective: July 7, 2004
Nicole Hester, Minnie Ruffin Elementary School Position: Third Grade Teacher Reason: Relocating Effective: June 7, 2004
Janice Ashbrook, Neville High School Position: Music Teacher Reason: Not listed Effective: May 29, 2004
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 8B: Certified Extended Sick Leaves:
On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the Board approved the following certified extended sick leaves:
Erin Turner, Berg Jones Elementary School Position: First Grade Teacher Reason: Maternity Leave Effective: October 28 (1/2) - December 17, 2004 - A total of six weeks.
Jamekia Dial, Madison James Foster Elementary School Position: Special Education Teacher Reason: Maternity Leave Effective: January 1-20, 2004 - A total of 13 days.
Patricia Stephens, Minnie Ruffin Elementary School Position: Teacher Reason: Maternity Leave Effective: September 12, 2004 - January 10, 2005 - A total of 66 days.
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 8C: Sabbatical Leaves:
On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the Board approved the following sabbatical leaves:
Gayle Madison, Cypress Point Elementary School Position: Kindergarten Teacher Rest and Recuperation Years of Service: 23 Effective: September 7, 2004 - May 31, 2005
Beverly Halsell, Lincoln Elementary School Position: Kindergarten Teacher Rest and Recuperation Years of Service: 35 Effective: August 12, 2004 - January 10, 2005
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 8D: Certified Applicants:
On a motion by Mrs. Smith that was seconded by Mrs. Shelling, the Board approved employment of all listed certified applicants:
Marci Gross Leonard, Barkdull Faulk Elementary School Position: Teacher - One year only Replacing: Patsy Powell - resigned Effective: August 12, 2004
Tonia Buckley, Berg Jones Elementary School Position: Fourth Grade Teacher Replacing: Carla Walters - resigned Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only
Shalanda James, Carver Elementary School Position: Special Education Teacher Replacing: Self Effective: August 14, 2004
Alana Brooke Fortson, Clark Elementary School Position: Second Grade Teacher Replacing: Self Effective: August 12, 2004
Rebekah Baker, Cypress Point Elementary School Position: Music Teacher - One year only Replacing: Rebekah Watson - resigned Effective: August 12, 2004
Kaye L. Pace, Cypress Point University Elementary School Position: Kindergarten Teacher - One year only Replacing: Gayle Madison - Medical Sabbatical Leave Effective: August 12, 2004
Mira Ford, Jefferson Upper Elementary School Position: Librarian - One year only Replacing: Authurine Murphy Effective: August 12, 2004
Kelly McCready, Jefferson Upper Elementary School Position: Special Education Teacher - One year only Replacing: Dorothy Lewis - retired Effective: August 12, 2004
Wendi Tilmon, Jefferson Upper Elementary School Position: Fifth Grade Teacher Replacing: Judith McConnell Effective: August 12, 2004
Sally Stidham, Lexington Elementary School Position: Special Education Teacher Replacing: Debbie Lewis Transferred to Sallie Humble Elementary School Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only
Erica Broadway, Lincoln Elementary School Position: Fourth Grade Teacher Replacing: Self Effective: August 12, 2004
Donna Cummins, Lincoln Elementary School Position: Fourth Grade Teacher Replacing: Ruthie Player - TAT Effective: August 12, 2004 – One year only
Laura Green, Lincoln Elementary School Position: Teacher - One semester Replacing: Angela Spivey - TAT Effective: August 12, 2004
Jessica McDonouth, Lincoln Elementary School Position: Special Education Teacher Replacing: Denise Smith Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only
Shandra Naylor, Lincoln Elementary School Position: Sixth Grade Teacher Replacing: Clydell Jones - retired Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only
Cheryl Walker, Lincoln Elementary School Position: Kindergarten Teacher Replacing: Edna Wilson - One year only Effective: August 12, 2004
DeAnn Sherman, Madison James Foster Elementary School Position: First Grade Teacher Effective: August 12, 2004
Kendra Stanley, Madison James Foster Elementary School Position: Third Grade Teacher Replacing: Adele Gremillion - resigned Effective: August 12, 2004
Jalaine Price, Minnie Ruffin Elementary School Position: Special Education teacher Replacing: Joyce Johnson - TAT Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only
Evelyn Coward, Carroll Junior High School Position: Gifted Teacher Replacing: Petrecia Babers Transferred to regular education Effective: August 12, 2004
Ella G. Taylor, Carroll Junior High School Position: Mathematics Teacher Replacing: Hershell West - Retired teacher Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only
Charles Amos, Lee Junior High School Position: Special Education Teacher Replacing: Beverly Sivils - retired Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only
Patti Cogburn, Lee Junior High School Position: Special Education Teacher Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only
Jeff Gregory, Lee Junior High School Position: Teacher Effective: August 12, 2004
Melanie Hewins, Lee Junior High School Position: Science Teacher Replacing: Lisa Durham - retired Effective: August 12, 2004
Jerald Kennedy, Lee Junior High School Position: Science Teacher Replacing: Marty Somoza - resigned Effective: August 12, 2004
Rebecca King, Lee Junior High School Position: Reading Teacher Effective: August 12, 2004
Robert Mitcham, Lee Junior High School Position: Passroom Teacher Replacing: Donald Givens Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only
Barry Mitchell, Lee Junior High School Position: Teacher Effective: August 12, 2004
Paula Morrison, Lee Junior High School Position: Mathematics Teacher Effective: August 12, 2004
Dana Mullins, Lee Junior High School Position: Science Teacher - One year only Replacing: Debra Hamilton Transferred to Cypress Point Elementary School Effective: August 12, 2004
Katrina H. Roberson, Lee Junior High School Position: Science Teacher - One year only Replacing: Debra Hamilton Transferred to Cypress Point Elementary School Effective: August 12, 2004
Misty Trichell, Lee Junior High School Position: Teacher Effective: August 12, 2004
Pam Wilkins, Lee Junior High School Position: Special Education Teacher Effective: August 12, 2004
Anthony Pitts, Martin Luther King Middle School Position: Reading Teacher Replacing: Evelena Johnson - retired teacher Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only
Maurice Batiste, Carroll High School Position: Special Education Teacher Replacing: Levi Washington - TAT Effective: August 12, 2004
Jason Thompson, Neville High School Position: Teacher/Coach Replacing: John Carr - resigned Effective: August 12, 2004
Robert Arvie, Wossman High School Position: P. E. Teacher - One year only Replacing: Charles Smith - transferred to Martin Luther King Middle School Effective: August 12, 2004
Richard Ross, Wossman High School Position: Junior ROTC Instructor New Position Effective: August 2, 2004
Michael Fontana, Sherrouse School Position: Teacher - One semester Replacing: William Erwin - TAT Effective: August 12, 2004
Michael Miller, Sherrouse School Position: Teacher - Transferred from Neville High Replacing: Jennifer Kimble - resigned Effective: August 12, 2004
Susan Holloway, Special Education Center Position: Educational Diagnostician Replacing: Karten Hamilton - Retired Effective: July 30, 2004
Deborah Young, Special Education Center Position: Educational Diagnostician Effective: July 30, 2004
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 8EA:
Ratification of Employment:
On a motion by Reverend McFarland that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the Board ratified the employment of Sam Moore, principal of Wossman High School, effective July 30, 2004.
Mr. Cain offered the following friendly amendment:
Ratify the employment of Christy Taylor, principal of Clark Magnet Elementary School, effective August 3, 2004.
Ratify the employment of Jacqueline Matthews, principal of Jefferson Upper Elementary School, effective August 3, 2004.
Reverend McFarland and Mrs. Smith accepted the friendly amendment.
The motion carried on a unanimous vote as amended.
Action Item 9A:
Classified Resignations:
On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Reverend McFarland, the Board approved the following classified resignations:
Stephanie Augurson, Jefferson Upper Elementary School Position: Special Education Aide Reason: Not listed Effective: May 28, 2004
Sharon D. Pollard, Jefferson Upper Elementary School Position: Secretary Reason: Not listed Effective: July 12, 2004
Patricia Garrett, Lexington Elementary School Position: Secretary Reason: Relocating Effective: July 28, 2004
Gloria M. Seegers, Madison James Foster School Position: Secretary/Bookkeeper Reason: Returning to school Effective: July 29, 2004
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 9B:
Transfer of Classified Employees:
On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Mrs. Dayton, the Board approved the transfer of the following employees:
Latronne Davis From: Jefferson Upper Elementary School To: Carver Elementary School Replacing: Jarvis Woods - resigned Position: Special Education Aide Effective: August 12, 2004
Tonya Small Ward From: Carroll High School Position: Guidance Clerk To: Wossman High School Position: Secretary Effective: July 28, 2004
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 9C:
Classified Applicants:
On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Reverend McFarland, the Board employed the following classified applicants:
Lynda Kwentoh, Berg Jones Elementary School Position: Special Education Aide Replacing: Jacqueline Allen Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only
Susan Turner, Madison James Foster Elementary School Position: Special Education Aide Replacing: Zetta Grant Effective: August 2, 2004 - One year only
Kemario Elliott, Jefferson Upper Elementary School Position: Special Education Aide Replacing: Stephanie Augurson - resigned Effective: August 12, 2004 - One year only
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Report Item 10:
Superintendents Report and Announcements: No report
Other:
Mr. Handy stated that all business that require the Superintendent's attention will be directed to Mr. Julian Gray.
Action Item 11:
Adjournment:
On a motion by Mrs. Smith that was seconded by Mrs. Shelling, the Board adjourned at 9:00 p.m. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Mr. Jessie L. Handy, President
George D. Cannon, Ed.D., Superintendent