Monroe City School Board of Education
2006 Tower Drive
Monroe, Louisiana 71201
MINUTES
The Monroe City School Board met in regular session, Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at Monroe City School District Central Office, 2006 Tower Drive, Monroe, Louisiana 71201. The meeting was called to order at 6:05p.m. by Board President Betty Ward Cooper. Pastor Raul Rubio, Compassion Center offered prayer and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Agenda Item 1C – Roll Call
Present: Betty Ward Cooper, Ms. Jennifer Haneline, Mr. Daryll Berry, and Brenda Shelling
Absent: Mr. Michael Sampognaro, Bill Willson and Brandon Johnson
Board Member Michael Sampognaro arrived at 6:14pm
Action Item 1D – Adoption of the Agenda
It was moved by board member Haneline to add Neville High School Color Guard permission to travel request to the agenda. The travel request needs to be ratified due to the trip being before the board meeting. This request was added to the consent agenda item G.
On a motion by Ms. Haneline and seconded by Mrs. Shelling, the board approved the agenda with the addition as noted. The motion carried unanimously.
Action Item 2A -Point of Pride – Safe School Sports Award by the National Athletic training Association – Jason Dunavant/Principal Mickey McCarty
Mr. Dunavant recognized Neville High School with the safe school sport award by the National Athletic Trainers Association. This reward takes a three year application to complete. This ensures that our student athletes are receiving the best possible care with the best practices. Jason noted that Neville High School won it this year and Wossman High School won the award last year. He noted two of the three high schools are currently recognized as safe school sports award within the city district. There are outstanding individuals that takes care of our student athletes. Mr. Dunavant congratulated the Monroe City School Board. (photos were taken)
Resolution/Proclamation
Superintendent Moore read a resolution in honor of school board members for School Board Member Recognition Month.
Daryll Berry – 21.5 units
Jennifer Haneline – 20 units
Brandon Johnson – 14 units
Michael Sampognaro -19.5 units
Brenda Shelling – 52.25 units
Betty Ward Cooper – 31.5 units
Bill Willson – 31.75 units
Superintendent Moore congratulated the Board on their trainings. (photos were taken)
Agenda Item 4 – A-G Consent Agenda
On a motion by Mrs. Shelling and seconded by Ms. Haneline the board approved Board of Education Minutes for January 14, 2025 and January 21, 2025; Permission to Travel – J.S. Clark to Hot Springs Arkansas; Permission to Travel – J.S. Clark 6th Grade travel to Orlando Florida; Permission to Travel – Carroll Jr. High 4-H Club to Jackson MS; Permission to Travel – Neville High School B.O.O.M Team to Chicago, IL; Permission to Travel – Sallie Humble, Barkdull Faulk Orchestra and Band to Orlando, FL and Permission for Neville High School Color Guard to travel to Memphis TN. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Agenda Item 5 – Items for separate Consideration
None
New Business Agenda Items 6A-E
On a motion by Mr. Berry and seconded by Mrs. Shelling the board combine and approved the curriculum items A-E
ICEV Contract; Attuned PLP Contract; New Directions Contract; Edu 20/20 Proposal; The Writing Revolution Proposal
Agenda Item 7A&B Report of the Superintendent and December 2024 Financial Report
Superintendent Moore gave an overview of the prior finance committee meeting
The financial report from December 2024
General Fund Revenue: Increased by approximately $1 million compared to December 2023.
• Increased Salaries & Benefits: Up by $1.1 million due to:
• Expiration of ESSER grant funding (Sept 30, 2024), absorb those salaries in general fund.
• LDOE restructuring, requiring additional salaries to general funds.
• Payments made for Lexington Playground shades and Neville Batting Cages.
Sales Tax Revenue
• December 2024 Sales Tax Collection (from October 2024 sales): Decreased by 14.58% ($413,000). This is the second consecutive month of declining sales tax revenue compared to the previous year collection.
• Impact on Employee June Sales Tax Checks: Lower collections may result in decreased payout.
• 1968 Sales Tax Revenue:
Sales Tax: total overall decrease of $30,000 (0.50% decrease). Less than the prior year
• 1994 Sales Tax: overall decrease of $129,000 (1.33% decrease). Less than the previous year
• 2001 Sales Tax: decrease of $258,000 (1.33% decrease). Less than the previous year
Federal Programs & Academic Updates
• Final 10% allocation for Super App federal programs received and working to complete the necessary amendments in those areas.
Academic Team & Literacy Conference:
• District academic team attending Plain Talk Literacy & Learning Conference (Feb 12-14, 2025) in New Orleans.
• Focus on early childhood literacy; 12 literacy coaches, Chief Academic Officer, and support staff attending.
District Learning Walks
• Unannounced classroom visits conducted by the academic team to assess instruction.
• Findings shared with principals, highlighting areas of reinforcement and improvement.
Literacy concentration and dibbles literacy data for the fall & Student Performance
• Fall 2024 Benchmark (BOY Test) beginning of the year: 56% of K-3 students at benchmark level.
• Mid-Year Benchmark (MOY Test)mid-year: Improved to 59% (3% district gain).
• The district aims for continued improvement.
District Commitment & Transparency
• Emphasis on restoring public trust and supporting educators.
Superintendent Moore acknowledged negative social media narratives but reinforced district transparency and accountability. He wanted to Publicly thank his team, teachers, staff, and board members for their support.
Agenda Item 7C – Report of Board Members
Brenda Shelling
Michael Sampognaro
Board Member Daryl Berry – No comments
Board Member Jennifer Haneline requested an update on the building projects.
Superintendent Moore gave updates on the building project
• Completion is on track for March 2025.
• Electric and gas have been turned on and flooring in progress.
• Building secured after an incident of an open door and heating issue.
Ms. Haneline expressed her condolences to Dr. Watson on the passing of his mother. She Congratulated Mr. Moore (HVACS program) on 14 years of service before retirement.
Mrs. Haneline appreciates the district’s strategic planning, curriculum improvements, and DEI efforts, the hard work Superintendent Moore and team put in moving the district forward and ensuring no child is left behind.
Superintendent Moore reported on the Audit & Financial Report
• June 2024 audit approved by the Legislative Auditor and shared with the board.
• presentation scheduled for the next board meeting.
Board President Betty Ward Cooper reported on the Community Engagement – Chat & Chew
• Superintendent & board members visit neighborhoods monthly to engage with parents, students and community.
• Well-received by the community as a transparent, interactive initiative.
• In partnership with Monroe Housing Authority
Agenda Item 8 – Future Meetings
Board Meetings – March 18, 2025, and April 8, 2025, at 6:00pm
Action Item 9 – Recess/Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the board, on a motion by Ms. Haneline and seconded by Mr. Berry, the meeting adjourned at 6:36 p.m.
/Betty Ward Cooper/____ /Sam L. Moore, III/___
Betty Ward Cooper Sam L. Moore, III
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.robinsons@mcschools.net.
