Monroe City School Board of Education
2006 Tower Drive
Monroe, Louisiana 71201
MINUTES
The Monroe City School Board met in regular session, Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at Monroe City School District Central Office, 2006 Tower Drive, Monroe, Louisiana 71201. The meeting was called to order at 6:07p.m. by Board President William Willson. Prayer was offered by Pastor Vance Price of Community Family and Faith Church and Pledge of Allegiance offered by Jordan Jackson of Roy Neal Shelling Elementary School.
Agenda Item 1C – Roll Call
Present: Mr. Michael Sampognaro, Betty Ward Cooper, Mrs. Brenda Shelling, Daryl Berry, and Mr. William Willson
Absent: Ms. Jennifer Haneline and Mr. Brandon Johnson
Action Item 1D – Adoption of the Agenda
On a motion by Mr. Berry and seconded by Mrs. Shelling, the Board approved the agenda as printed. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 2A-D – Consent Agenda (omitted – no action taken)
Agenda Item 3A-D -New Business (out of sequence)
On a motion by Mr. Berry and seconded by Mrs. Shelling the board approved New Business A-D with the correction of Agenda Item 3A Proposed substitute bonuses changed to Proposed substitute supplement 2022-2023, naming of Roy Neal Shelling Library in Honor of Rev. Henry Woods, naming of Carroll High School track and Field in Honor of Julian Gray, and Sallie Humble Elementary Multi-purpose building.
Public Comment 3A: Teacher Federation Mrs. Sandie Lollie asked which substitutes does this include. Dr. Vidrine Stated all substitutes. Mrs. Lollie asked, can a regular full-time substitute that has been on the job above and beyond the 90 days be moved to a regular position and out of the substitute status. Dr. Vidrine stated each person has a different situation and cannot do that. There is a path for them to get to that status.
Mrs. Shelling spoke on agenda item 3B. She introduced Mr. Lavell Hendrix, a relative of Mr. Woods and a former employee of Monroe City Schools. Mrs. Shelling stated he approached her about naming a classroom after Mr. Woods at Roy Neal Shelling Elementary School. She suggested naming the library after him. Mrs. Shelling introduced Leslie Summler, the daughter of Mr. Woods and Mr. January, Principal of Roy Neal Shelling, whom she stated did not have a problem with naming the library after Mr. Woods. Mrs. Shelling introduced Mrs. Gray, Julian Gray’s wife, daughter Nicole Gray and son Mr. Gray on naming Carroll High School Track and Field in honor of Mr. Julian Gray.
Mrs. noted this is happening with great pleasure and these people are close and dear to she and her family. She appreciates all that they do for the Monroe City School System.
Dr. Lavelle Hendrix gave special thanks to Mrs. Shelling and her husband that played an integral part in who he is today. Mr. Hendrix gave a background on his father, Mr. Henry Woods. He stated new laptops and iPads will be provided and placed in the library to support the young minds to come on behalf of his Joyce Foundation.
The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Agenda Item 4A – Financial Reports
* Financial Reports can be found online.
Agenda Item 4B – Report of Superintendent
* Monroe City Schools High School Graduations next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Tuesday – Wossman at the Monroe Civic Center at 7pm
Wednesday – Carroll at the Monroe Civic Center at 7pm
Thursday – Neville at the NHS Stadium at 7:30pm
* Covid check will be issued on May 19
* The sales tax check remains steady and will be issued mid-June.
* The job fair was last Tuesday.
* Summer camps will be held this summer.
Agenda Item 4C – Report of Board Members
Mr. Berry – No comments
Mrs. Shelling reported on her travel to Baton Rouge last week, not only was she there for a meeting but had the opportunity to visit the Capital. Mrs. Shelling stated she visited with several legislators and had a productive time with Katrina Jackson, Pat Moore, and Adrian Fisher. She stated another exciting event was meeting the Leaders of Tomorrow from Ouachita Parish. Mrs. Shelling had the opportunity to attend the Spotlight of Excellence Awards Banquet last night in Ouachita Parish with Monroe City Schools System; Students, Teachers and Principals were recognized.
Mrs. Cooper reported sharing with Mrs. Shelling, a day at the Capital that was sponsored by the Louisiana School Board Association. She stated one of their duties was to lobby the Legislators, discuss with them the bills they were putting forward, indicate the bills they were for and against and lobbying regarding teacher pay raises. Mrs. Cooper stated being in their face and speaking with them is a must to get the teacher salaries up and keep the teachers that are in our system, that’s going to make a difference in bringing about academic achievement. She asked everyone to get in the fight and never give up. She stated the House and Senate are still deciding on various bills. If you would like to see the bills you can go to legis.la.gov to review and contact information. Mrs. Cooper attended a luncheon with Dr. Cade Brumley, Louisiana State Superintendent, at J.S. Clark. Mrs. Cooper is confident in what Dr. Brumley is doing and he’s making a difference. Mrs. Cooper stated Mrs. Ashley Ellis with Delta Community College and our BESE Representative attended the luncheon and discussed “grow your own” approach to getting teachers back into profession. For more information you can contact Ashley Ellis at Delta Community College and ULM College of Education Program.
Mr. Sampognaro – no comments
Mr. Willson reiterated and thanked Mrs. Shelling for sharing the awards banquet. He stated this was a fantastic program and icing of the year recognizing the excellence of teachers, students, and principals of the year. He appreciates Mrs. Cooper, Mrs. Shelling, and Mr. Sampognaro for attending. Mr. Willson reminded everyone of the high school graduations and hopes they will be in attendance. Mr. Willson hopes everyone has a wonderful, safe, and enjoyable summer. He thanked everyone for their participation.
Agenda Item 5A – Future Meetings
Board Meetings – June 6, 2023, and July 11, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.
Action Item 6 – Recess/Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the board, on a motion by Mrs. Shelling and seconded by Mr. Berry, the meeting adjourned at 6:26 p.m.
Bottom of Form
__/William Willson/__ ____/Brent Vidrine/ _______
William Willson 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 tonya.robinson@mcschools.net
