Monroe City School Board of Education 2006 Tower Drive Monroe, Louisiana 71201
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Monroe City School Board of Education 2006 Tower Drive Monroe, Louisiana 71201 MINUTES The Monroe City School Board met in regular session, Thursday, April 16, 2015 at Monroe City School District Central Office, 2006 Tower Drive; Monroe, Louisiana 71201. The meeting was called to order at 4:30 p.m. by President McFarland. Prayer was offered by Mrs. Victoria Dayton, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Bill Willson. Agenda Item 1C – Roll Call Board Members Present: Mrs. Victoria Dayton, Mrs. Jennifer Haneline, Mr. Bill Willson, Mr. Daryll Berry, Bishop Rodney McFarland, Sr., and Mr. Brandon Johnson Board Member Absent: Mrs. Brenda Shelling Action Item 1D – Adoption of the Agenda President McFarland noted that consent agenda items 3B, 3E and 3F will be moved to Action 4 (consent items for separate consideration). On a motion by Mr. Willson and seconded by Mr. Berry, the Board approved the agenda with the changes as noted by President McFarland. The motion carried on a unanimous vote. Agenda Item 2 – Point of Pride Two Carroll High School HOSA students shared their experiences as students of the program. Thereafter, Ms. Shirlene Bender, Louisiana State Advisory, made a brief presentation to staff. Plaques were presented to Ms. Bernadine Staten, Ms. Catherine Johnson, Ms. Georgia Jones, Ms. Shandria Newton and Ms. Nyoka Freeman. Action Item 3 – Consent Agenda On a motion by Mr. Berry and seconded by Mr. Johnson, the Board approved March 17, 2015 Board meeting minutes; Cypress Point Elementary Jr. Beta to Lafayette, LA, May 7-9, 2015; Sallie Humble Elementary Jr. Beta to Lafayette, LA; May 7-8, 2015; Carroll High HOSA to Anaheim, CA, June 23-28, 2015; and Neville High seniors to London, England and Paris, France, March 15-24, 2016. The motion carried on a unanimous vote. Action Item 4 – Consent Items for Separate Consideration On a motion by Mr. Berry and seconded by Mrs. Haneline, the Board approved travel for Lee Junior High 8th grade to Bogalusa, LA, May 1-3, 2015; J. S. Clark Elementary to Hot Springs, AR, May 15, 2015; and Madison James Foster Elementary 5th and 6th grade to Memphis, TN, May 18, 2015. The motion carried on a majority vote – Mr. Johnson recused. Action Item 5 – Ratification – Permission to advertise for Auditing Services On a motion by Mr. Willson and seconded by Mrs. Haneline, the Board authorized advertisement for professional auditing services. The motion carried on a unanimous vote. Action Item 6A – 2015 Sales Tax Distribution It was moved by Mr. Johnson and seconded by Mr. Berry, to distribute sales tax checks by May 26, 2015. Public Comments: Ms. Nancy Farley, MCAE President, noted that many questions arise each year regarding amounts received. The organization is requesting the collection figures and formulas used to arrive at the amount. She disseminated a letter to each Board member requesting that the Board take action on collective bargaining election at its May 7th meeting. Ms. Sandie Lollie thanked the Board for paying the check in May. Mrs. Vickie Krutzer noted that it was recommended that sales tax checks are paid in June. By receiving payment early, an entire month is not calculated. Dr. Vidrine responded that the one month of tax collection is not lost; the amount is estimated. Action Item 6B – Facility Usage Rate Increase Dr. Vidrine noted that there is no policy change. There has not been an increase in 10 years; as a result, a change is needed due to escalating costs. President McFarland asked if principals can waive fees. Dr. Vidrine responded “no.” President McFarland stated that administrators must follow the policy, and be held accountable if they do not. On a motion by Mrs. Haneline and seconded by Mr. Johnson, the Board approved a rate change as presented. The motion carried on a unanimous vote. Action Item 6C – Resolution Authorizing the Sale of $17,000,000 in Bonds Attorney Bill Boles stated that a change in the law requires the hiring of a Financial Advisor. He then introduced Mr. Nnamdi Thompson of Governmental Consultants. He noted that Mr. Thompson works for the largest municipal advisory firm in the state. It was moved by Mr. Willson and seconded by Mr. Berry, to approve a resolution authorizing the advertising for bids for the purchase of seventeen million dollars ($17,000,000) of General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2015, of the City of Monroe Special School District, and providing for other matters in connection therewith. The motion carried on a unanimous vote. Action Item 6D – Permission to Advertise for Neville High School Renovation Project Public Comment: Ms. Gloria Walker stated that renovations are needed; however, it should not be at the expense of academics. President McFarland responded that bond money will pay for these projects. On a motion by Mrs. Haneline and seconded by Mrs. Dayton, the Board authorized advertisement for the Neville High School renovation project. The motion carried on a unanimous vote. Action Item 6E – Permission to Enter into Contract with TB Architect Firm for Clara Hall Kitchen Project On a motion by Mrs. Haneline and seconded by Mrs. Dayton, the Board authorized entering into contract with TB Architect Firm for the Clara Hall Elementary kitchen renovation project. The motion carried on a unanimous vote. Action Item 6F – Permission to Enter into Contract with TB Architect Firm for Wossman High and Neville High Concession Area and Restroom Renovation Projects On a motion by Mrs. Haneline and seconded by Mrs. Dayton, the Board authorized entering into contract with TB Architect Firm for Wossman High and Neville High concession area and restroom projects. The motion carried on a unanimous vote. Action Item 6G – Consideration of the Pathway to Success of Monroe Charter School Application The matter died due to no motion. Action Item 6H – Consideration of the MAS-Tech Academy Charter School Application It was moved by Mr. Johnson and seconded by Bishop McFarland, to accept the MAS-Tech Academy Charter School application. Public Comments: Ms. Gloria Walker, Ms. Sandie Lollie and Ms. Grethen Lampe spoke in opposition of the charter school. Mr. Ronnie Traylor, Ms. Tiffany Gonan, Mr. Joe Kenney, Ms. Kimberly Hummel, and Mr. Lance Griffith spoke in support of the charter school. Ms. Dayton stated that she cannot approve the charter application because many charters have failed in the state. The district has great programs in place and, in order to support the application, there must be evidence that this charter school can be successful. Mr. Berry stated that his first priority is public education; however, he will support a charter school under certain circumstances. This is a fine organization, but it appears that the most do not want a new charter school at this time. Mr. Willson thanked the charter school committee for their dedication to making a difference in students. He stated that he has reviewed the application; however, time does not permit for in-depth discussion of the matter. Mrs. Haneline stated that she emailed 4 random parents listed on the application: 3 of the 4 were returned as invalid, and the fourth never responded. She noted that access to newspapers, magazines, and books are already provided by the district – it is unclear how this pertains to STEM training. Furthermore, the premise of the application is that MCS does not provide STEM to students, which is inaccurate. The motion failed. Opposed: Mrs. Dayton, Mr. Willson, Mr. Berry, and Mrs. Haneline. In Favor: Mr. Johnson and President McFarland. Agenda Item 7A – Report of Board Attorney Attorney Lawrence noted that a decision must be made about unitary status. He is available to meet with Board members individually or collectively. Agenda Item 7B – Report of Superintendent Dr. Vidrine reported the following: Provided an update on ongoing renovation projects. 2nd round of PARCC testing begins next week. Wossman High School Graduation – May 12th, Monroe Civic Center, 7:00 P.M. Carroll High School Graduation – May 13th, Monroe Civic Center, 7:00 P.M. Neville High School Graduation – May 14th, Neville Stadium, 7:30 P.M. Agenda Item 7C – Report of Board Members Mr. Willson reported on the NSBA Convention in Nashville. He noted that it was a great learning experience for a first year Board member. He also reported on various school activities and accomplishments. Mrs. Haneline praised the local Big Brothers Big Sisters program on their civic engagement training. The training session brought youth from area high schools, including Wossman and Neville, and focused on working together and advocating for change. Mr. Johnson noted that a Transportation Committee meeting will be held Wednesday, April 22nd at 1:00 p.m. President McFarland encouraged Board members to attend graduations, and as many end-of-year activities as possible. Agenda Item 8 – Future Meetings Board of Education meetings: May 6, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.; June 17, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. and July 9, 2015 at 12:00 p.m. Southern Region Leadership Conference: July 19-21, 2015, Biloxi, MS Action Item 9 – Recess/Adjournment There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 6:28 p.m. **** __________________________ ________________________ Bishop Rodney McFarland, Sr. Dr. Brent Vidrine Board President Superintendent Note: These minutes summarize the final decisions made by the Board at the referenced meeting. This meeting was also audio recorded and that recording is available for review by contacting the Board clerk at [email protected]. .