MINUTES
February 17, 2004
The Monroe City School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, February 17, 2004, 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 Reverend Bill Lewis, Pastor of Swartz Assembly of God. 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. Julia Gray Mrs. Derenda Flowers Miss Maria Maggio Mrs. Bobbie Hamilton Mrs. Edith Lowe-Douzart Dr. Daphene Singleton Dr. LaVargne Gunn-Ford Attorney L. Douglas Lawrence
Administrators, employees, parents, representatives from professional organizations, and the news media were in attendance.
Action Item 4:
Adoption of the Agenda:
On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Reverend McFarland, the Board adopted the agenda with the following changes. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Agenda Item 8 Changed to Report/Discussion/Action: Proposal - Bible as Literature/History. Agenda Item 15B (1) changes from a "A Leave Without Pay" to a "Suspension Without Pay."
Action Item 5:
Adoption of the Minutes of January 13, 2004:
On a motion by Mr. Cain that was seconded by Mr. Traweek, the Board tabled action on the January 13th board minutes until the next meeting of the Board. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Report Item 6:
The President's Report and Announcements:
President Handy thanked the administrators, teachers, parents , Mr. Mickey Cleveland, and the news media for their presence. He also recognized the presence of former board member, Mr. Ed Hodges. The President stated that the following persons will address the Board:
Ms. Eva Wilson, Louisiana Association of Educators, Dr. LaVargne Gunn-Ford, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Mrs. Sherry Murphy, a classroom teacher at Minnie Ruffin Elementary School
Ms. Eva D. Wilson, Uni-Serv Director, Louisiana Association of Educators, announced that on March 2nd the NEA will join Dr. Seuss Enterprises in celebration of Dr. Seuss's 100th birthday.
Ms. Lin Jarrette, President, Monroe City Association Educators, announced that Congressman Rodney Alexander will read to the students at Minnie Ruffin Elementary School on March 1st. Ms. Jarrette asked Dr. Cannon to issue a Proclamation to Congressman Alexander in support of the System's active participation in the "NEA's Read Across America" celebration.
Dr. LaVaragne Gunn-Ford presented Mrs. Lorraine Slacks who briefed the Board on services rendered by the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She also stated, "We are here to let you know that we are in the community working with education. When our organization can be of service to the System please contact us. We have Deltas serving in this System as teachers, principals, and supervisors. When you need us, just contact us."
Mrs. Slacks presented the Deltas by asking them to stand.
Mrs. Sherry Murphy thanked the Board and Dr. Cannon for allowing Minnie Ruffin Elementary's second through fifth grade students to travel to New Orleans to visit the King Tut Exhibit and Aquarium of America. Thank you cards were given to Dr. Cannon, board members, and the bus driver.
Mrs. Murphy also informed the Board that on January 31st the fifth grade students participated and won first place in the "Black Heritage Bowl" at Carroll High School. Each student won $100.00 and Minnie Ruffin Library received $2,150.00.
The sponsors of the Black Heritage Bowl are Representative Willie Hunter and Hampco, Inc.
Action Item 7:
Field Trips:
On a motion by Mr. Cain that was seconded by Mr. Traweek, the Board approved the listed field trips:
A. Madison James Foster School to Baton Rouge Effective: February 19, 2004 Transportation: Skyline Tours
B. Madison James Foster School to Arcadia Effective: April 22, 2004 Transportation: School Bus
C. Thomas Jefferson Upper Elementary School Effective: March 11, 2004 Transportation: School Bus
The Motion carried on a unanimous vote. (See addendum for Travel information.)
Report/Discussion/Action Item 8:
Proposal - Bible as Literature/History:
Mr. Mickey Cleveland presented for discussion and action a proposal, "The Bible as Literature/History." Mr. Cleveland stated, if approved, the King James Version of the Bible will be the textbook.
Dr. Cannon stated that this course will be taught as an elective at the junior high school level. This elective must be taught by a certified teacher. Dr. Cannon also stated that no additional teachers will be employed to teach this elective.
Miss Maggio and the junior high principals will meet and approve the curriculum as an elective. Mr. Mickey Cleveland will present his proposal to Miss Maggio and the junior high school principals.
On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Reverend McFarland, the Board approved the Bible as Literature/History to be taught as an elective at the junior high school level. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 9:
Permission to Declare an Emergency for a Boiler at Wossman High School. On a motion by Mr. Cain that was seconded by Mrs. Shelling, the Board authorized the administration to declare an emergency to purchase a boiler for Wossman High School. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 10:
Awarding of Band Uniform Bid:
On a motion by Mrs. Smith that was seconded by Reverend McFarland, the Board awarded the Wossman High School Band Uniform bid to Fruhouf in the amount of $34,654.32 as presented by Mr. Brett Smith and recommended by Dr. Cannon. The motion carried on a unanimous vote. (See addendum for tabulation sheet.)
Action Item 11:
Awarding of School Food Service Bid:
On a motion by Reverend McFarland that was seconded by Mrs. Dayton, the Board awarded the School Food Service Bid to Sysco in the amount of $558,081.64 as recommended by Dr. Cannon. The motion carried on a unanimous vote. (See addendum for tabulation sheet).
Action Item 12:
Contracted Services:
On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Mr. Cain, the Board entered into contract agreements as listed below:
A. Tamika D. Williams, Louisiana Tech University, to evaluate screened and referred potential talented art students.
B. Kathy Amman Vellard, Louisiana Tech University, to evaluate screened and referred potential talented art students.
Information Item 13:
Monroe City Schools Revised Dress Code Policy:
A revised copy of the Monroe City schools Dress Code Policy for students and school employees was given to all board members as an informational item. After board review, action will be taken at a later date.
Action Item 14:
Board/Superintendent's Retreat:
On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Mr. Traweek, the Board re-scheduled its Board/Superintendent Retreat for Sunday, February 22, 2004, from 2:30-5:00 p.m., in the Superintendent's Conference Room at the Central Office. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Personnel Changes:
Action Item 15A through 15E:
On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Mr. Cain, the Board approved all personnel changes that were recommended by the Superintendent.
Certified Leave With Pay:
Michael Bryan, Martin Luther King Middle School Position: Classroom Teacher Effective: January 8, 2004 -
Suspension Without Pay:
Don Zimmerman, Martin Luther King Middle School Position: Classroom Teacher Effective: February 2-6, 2004
Certified Retirements:
Janis Alston, Carroll High School Position: Guidance Counselor Years of Service: 39 Effective: June 11, 2004
Margaret Roy, Carroll High School Position: Mathematics Teacher Years of Service: 41 Effective: May 31, 2004
Certified Resignations:
Fannie Thomas, Jefferson Upper Elementary School Position: Retired Classroom Teacher Reason: Not listed Effective: January 9, 2004
Regina Alexander, Martin Luther King Middle School Position: Classroom Teacher Reason: Family Effective: January 12, 2004
Sabbatical Medical Leaves:
Sherry Bell, Lee Junior High School Position: Classroom Teacher Years of Experience: 9 Effective: January 5 through May 28, 2004
Natasha Bosworth, Carroll High School Position: Science Teacher Years of Service: 4 Effective: December 11, 2003 - June 1, 2004
The motion Carried on a Unanimous vote.
Action Items 15F through 15H:
Certified Extended Sick Leaves:
Molly Storm, Barkdull Faulk Elementary School Position: Teacher Effective: October 23, 2003 - March 16, 2004 A Total of 90 days
Earnestine Ross, Carver Elementary School Position: Teacher Effective: October 28-30, 2003 A total of 4 days
Rachelle May, Clara Hall School Position: Teacher Effective: January 15-26, 2004 A total of 6 days
Lywanda Knox, Carroll Junior High School Position: Teacher Effective: January 13 - February 2, 2004 A total of 13 days
Michelle Spears, Neville High School Position: Teacher Effective: January 23 - March 5, 2004 A total of 31 days
William Erwin, Sherrouse School Position: Teacher Effective: January 8 - May 25, 2004 A total of 90 days
Employment of Retired Teachers - Second Semester Only:
Amanda Johnson, Barkdull Faulk Elementary School Position: Kindergarten Teacher Replacing: Molly Storm Effective: January 6, 2004
Mary Cooper, Jefferson Upper Elementary School Position: Fourth Grade Teacher Replacing: Adrienne Freemont Effective: January 8, 2004
Evelena Johnson, Martin Luther King Middle School Position: Sixth Grade Teacher Replacing: Willie Minchew Effective: January 12, 2004
Earlene Bryant, Wossman High School Position: P. E. Teacher Replacing: Otis Robinson Effective: January 14, 2004
Certified Applicants - Second Semester Only:
Stephanie Stewart, Berg Jones Elementary School Position: Fifth Grade Teacher Reason: Increased Enrollment Effective: December 15, 2003
Barbara Simmons, Carver Elementary School Position: Teacher (Full Time) Effective: September 11, 2003
Deborah Martin, Itinerant: Clark, Barkdull Faulk, Berg Jones, and Madison James Foster Elementary Schools Position: Gifted Teacher Effective: January 26, 2004
Jennifer Gail Parker, Cypress Point University School Position: First Grade Reason: Increased Enrollment Effective: January 5, 2004
Paul Copeland, Jefferson Upper Elementary School Position: Special Education Teacher Reason:: New position Effective: January 5, 2004
Angela W. Kranzman, Jefferson Upper Elementary School Position: Fourth Grade Teacher Replacing: Barbara Slack Effective: January 5, 2004
Alan Williams, Jefferson Upper Elementary School Position: Fifth Grade Teacher Replacing: Jocelyn Hebert Effective: January 20, 2004
Michael Coleman, Lee Junior High School Position: Teacher Replacing: Sherry Bell Effective: January 5, 2004
Shervonda Head, Martin Luther King Middle School Position: Seventh Grade Teacher Replacing: Regina Alexander Effective: January 20, 2004
Burk L. Picard, Carroll High School Position: Science Teacher Replacing: Natasha Bosworth Effective: January 20, 2004
Laraun Ambrose, Adult Education Center Position: GED Options Replacing: Antonio Britton Effective: January 5, 2004
The motion carried on a unanimous vote. Action Item 15I:
Change in Employment Status:
On a motion by Mrs. Dayton that was seconded by Mrs. Shelling, the Board approved the change in Mary Menyweather DeWitt employment status from classroom teacher to principal intern at Cypress Point University Elementary School, effective September 23, 2003. The motion carried six to one. Mr. Cain opposed.
Action Item 15J:
Tenure Hearing:
On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the Board set the date and time of Michael Bryant’s tenure hearing as Tuesday, March 23, 2994 at 5:00 p.m., Monroe City School Board Media Center, 2009 Auburn Avenue, Monroe, LA. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Items 16A - 16D
Classified Personnel:
On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Mrs. Dayton, the Board approved the listed personnel items as recommended by Dr. Cannon.
Retirement::
Mamie Boatner, Carroll High School Position: Cafeteria Manager Years of Service: 32 Effective: June 1, 2004
Resignations:
Tonya Lenard, Madison James Foster School Position: Special Education Aide Reason: Not listed Effective: February 23, 2004
John Milonski, Neville High School Position: Special Education Aide Reason: Not listed Effective: December 19, 2003
Upgrading of Positions:
Evelyn Hall, Madison James Foster Elementary School From: Acting Cafeteria Manager To: Manager Replacing: Lottie Dickson Effective: December 1, 2003
Eddie Drake, Barkdull Faulk Elementary School Position: Custodian To: Jefferson Upper Elementary School Position: Building Supervisor Effective: January 5, 2004
Classified Applicants - Second Semester Only:
Ramona Grayson, Carver Elementary School Position: Special Education Aide Replacing: Rozena Ford Effective: January 26, 2004
Marshal Monroe, Carver Elementary School Position: Special Education Aide Reason: New Position Effective: January 12, 2004
Sharon Staten, Cypress Point University Elementary School Position: Special Education Aide Reason: New Position Effective: February 2, 2004
Stephanie Augurson, Jefferson Upper Elementary School Position: Special education Aide Reason: New Position Effective: January 5, 2004
Natasha Norwood, Lincoln Elementary School Position: Title I Tutor Replacing: April Williamson Effective: January 26, 2004
Shirley A. Neal, Minnie Ruffin Elementary School Position: Special Education Aide Reason: New Position Effective: January 26, 2004
Kathy Evans, Sallie Humble Elementary School Position: Special Education Aide Replacing: LaKeith Perkins Effective: January 5, 2004
Sandra Crittle, Lexington Elementary School Position: Custodial Worker Completed Probationary Period Replacing:: Mary Lawson Effective: February 2, 2004
Nathaniel Carter, Maintenance Department Position: Laborer-Ground Crew Replacing: O. C. Willis, Jr. Effective: February 2, 2004
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 17:
Counselor at Jefferson Upper Elementary School:
Dr. Cannon recommended Barbara Hodges as counselor at Jefferson Upper Elementary School, effective February 18, 2004.
Mrs. Gloria Walker addressed the Board on this agenda item.
On a motion by Mrs. Shelling that was seconded by Reverend McFarland, the Board approved the appointment of Barbara Hodges as counselor at Jefferson Upper Elementary School, effective February 18, 2004. The motion carried six to one. Mr. Cain opposed.
Reports:
Finance Committee Meeting:
Mr. Cain reported on the Finance Committee meeting that was held on February 12th at 4:00 :p.m. Mr. Cain briefed the public on the following items that were discussed in the Finance Committee meeting:
Activity Funds, District Travel, State Farm impact of the System's Budget, Supplemental pay for employees, Tobacco tax proposal, Teacher Retirement - Employer Contribution Rate, The Revised General Fund Budget: Funding source - local, state, federal, all other funding sources.
Copies of the draft copy of the revised budget was made available to all board members.
Ms. Sandie Lollie addressed the Board on this agenda item.
NSBA Federal Relations Network 31st Annual Conference:
Mrs. Shelling gave a report to the Board on the 2004 NSBA Federal Relations Network Conference that was held in Washington, D. C. on February 1-3, 2004. Mrs. Shelling reported on the following clinics/conferences:
School Lunch Program, IDEA Disability, Vending Machines in schools during lunch period, No Child Left Behind, Qualified Teachers, and Meetings with Congressman Rodney Alexander, U. S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige, and Senator Mary Landrieu.
Mrs. Shelling is now serving on the LSBA Board of Directors, NSBA Southern Regional Nominating Committee, and Vice President of LSBA
A representative from the Wossman High School Parent Group read a list on concerns as it relates to Wossman High School.
Mrs. Anna Reed addressed the Board as it relates to the procedure that was used in the interview process for the Athletic Director/Head Football Coach at Wossman High School.
Mrs. Gloria Walker addressed the Board on concerns at Wossman High School.
Dr. Cannon stated that some of the issues mentioned have been taken care of. My staff members will review the list of concerns and take the appropriate action. The ROTC Program application has been filed.
The Board asked the Superintendent to instruct his administration to bring closure to those issues that can be addressed immediately. On those items that require a long term solution the Superintendent should bring the final plan to the Board for consideration.
Maria Tucker addressed the Board as it relates to issues at Clark Magnet School with her child.
Report Item 19:
Superintendent's Report and Announcements: Dr. Cannon stated the he and Mrs. Flowers will be attending a meeting at the State Department of Education with the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education on Wednesday and Thursday, February 18-19, 2004. The agenda will include:
FY 2003-04 Budget Letter, Retirement Contribution, and Health Insurance.
Dr. Cannon also stated that Mrs. Pine will make a follow-up call to board members in reference to the Board/Superintendent Retreat that will be held on Sunday, February 22nd from 2:20 - 5:00 p.m. This retreat will be held in the Superintendent's Conference Room, 2101 Roselawn Avenue, Monroe, LA.
Action Item 20:
Adjournment:
On a motion by Mr. Traweek that was seconded by Mrs. Smith, the Board adjourned at 8:45 p.m. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Mr. Jessie L. Handy, President George D. Cannon, Ed.D., Superintendent