Monroe City School Board of Education
2006 Tower Drive
Monroe, Louisiana 71201
MINUTES
The Monroe City School Board met in regular session, Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at Monroe City School District Central Office, 2006 Tower Drive, Monroe, Louisiana 71201. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by President Daryll Berry. Prayer was offered by Ms. Funyanna Saulsberry and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Xoey Sule, Carroll Junior High.
Agenda Item 1C – Roll Call
Present: Mr. Rick Saulsberry, Ms. Jennifer Haneline, Mr. Bill Willson, Mr. Daryll Berry, Ms. Betty Ward Cooper, and Mrs. Sharon Neal Greer
Absent: Mr. Brandon Johnson
Action Item 1D – Adoption of the Agenda
On a motion by Mr. Willson and seconded by Mrs. Greer, the Board approved the agenda as printed. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Agenda Item 2 – 2020 School Board Member Training Resolution
Dr. Vidrine read a resolution acknowledging that Monroe City School Board members Daryll Berry – 10 hours, Betty Cooper – 29.5 hours, Sharon Greer – 15.5 hours, Jennifer Haneline – 15 hours, Rick Saulsberry – 10.5 hours and Bill Willson – 11.5 hours, have completed training for 2020, as mandated by the Legislature of Louisiana. Ms. Betty Cooper was recognized as being a 2020 Certified School Board Member.
Action Item 3 – Consent Agenda
Mr. Saulsberry asked if there are consequences if the low bidder fails to adhere to board policy regarding the use of disadvantaged contractors. Mr. Lawrence stated that the contractor has already identified sub-contractors and vendors. Dr. Vidrine noted that bidders are aware of all stipulations and are expected to follow the guidelines. Ms. Haneline stated that the policy needs to be revisited to ensure it is being adhered to.
Mr. Brian McGuire, The Architecture Alliance Group (TA2G), stated that he wrote the specs, and language in the specifications was inserted verbatim from board policy. When the pre-bid meeting was held, contractors were encouraged to pay close attention to the policy.
On a motion by Mr. Willson and seconded by Ms. Haneline, the Board approved April 20, 2021 board meeting minutes, awarded bid for junior and senior high bathroom renovations and adopted a resolution declaring public emergency under state statute LSA-R.S. § 38:2211A(5)(a), authorizing lawful actions necessary and permitted under state statute LSA-R.S. § 38:2212(P)(1)(a), and ratifying prudent and lawful actions undertaken heretofore, for repairs on an emergency basis arising from April 24, 2021 roof damage to Jefferson Upper Elementary School. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 4 – Consent Items for Separate Consideration
None
Action Item 5 – Authorization to Contract with Architecture + for a School-Based Health Clinic at Wossman High
Mr. Saulsberry stated that the new M.L.K. school was built for 400 plus students with projected growth. The current student population is approximately 300 and the 10-year demographic study projects a decrease in student population. The cost to renovate the facility at Wossman is approximately $1M. He is not against a health center; however, a feasibility study should have been completed prior to a final decision.
On a motion by Ms. Haneline and seconded by Mr. Willson, the Board authorized a contract with Architecture + for a school-based health clinic at Wossman High.
The motion carried on a majority vote. Mr. Saulsberry and Ms. Cooper opposed.
Agenda Item 6A – Financial Reports
* Staff is completing the Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) budgets.
* Sales tax checks will be released June 17th.
* Quotes have been received for plaques for Carroll High Science Building, Barkdull Faulk Elementary Gymnasium and Carver Elementary Library.
* Detailed March 2021 financial reports can be viewed in BoardDocs.
Agenda Item 6B – Report of Superintendent
* The 2020-2021 school year ends May 26th.
* Summer Enrichment Camps will be held the entire month of June at each school, except for Sherrouse.
* The first State of the School Presentations will begin immediately after board meeting.
Agenda Item 6C – Report of Board Members
Mrs. Greer, Mr. Saulsberry and Mr. Willson reported on the May 4th LSBA Capitol Conference.
Ms. Cooper reported on the LSBA Capitol Conference and May 5th curriculum committee meeting.
Ms. Haneline thanked Carmel Hill Foundation for promoting reading in the district. She is concerned about the number of school lockdowns at Madison James Foster and Shelling. She suggests asking the police department to set up satellite locations near those schools.
Agenda Item 7 – Future Meetings
Board Meetings – June 15, 2021 and July 13, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
Action Item 8 – Recess/Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the board, the meeting adjourned at 6:38 p.m.
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/Daryll Berry/ /Brent Vidrine/
Daryll Berry 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 laura.jacobs@mcschools.net.
