Monroe City School Board of Education
2006 Tower Drive
Monroe, Louisiana 71201
MINUTES
The Monroe City School Board met in regular session, Wednesday, March 19, 2026, at Monroe City School District Central Office, 2006 Tower Drive, Monroe, Louisiana 71201. The meeting was called to order at 6:00p.m. by Board President Brandon Johnson. Carroll High School Airforce JROTC presented the colors along with the National Anthem, Superintendent Sam L Moore, III offered prayer and Board President Brandon Johnson led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Agenda Item 1C – Roll Call
Present: Mr. Sampognaro, Ms. Jennifer Haneline, Betty Ward Cooper, Bill Willson, Brandon Johnson and Brenda Shelling
Absent: Daryll Berry
Agenda Item 1D – Adoption of the Agenda
It was moved by Mr. Willson and seconded by Ms. Jennifer Haneline to re-add the school board members’ reports to the agenda. The motion failed
In favor:
Michael Sampognaro
Jennifer Haneline
Bill Willson
Brandon Johnson
Not in favor:
Betty Ward Cooper
Brenda Shelling
Mr. Willson noted that this should be added to the future meetings agenda. Mr. Johnson stated that literature will be sent out to all board members regarding this matter.
On a motion by Mrs. Cooper and seconded by Mrs. Shelling the board approved the agenda as printed. The motion passed.
In favor:
Michael Sampognaro
Jennifer Haneline
Brandon Johnson
Betty Ward Cooper
Brenda Shelling
Not in favor:
Bill Willson
Agenda Item 2A – Point of Pride (photos taken)
The Neville High School Bengal Belle dance team was honored for state and national achievements. The team is led by Coach Jessica Smith, Captain Serenity, co-captains Hannah and Presley.
The Louisiana State Competition held in Lafayette, LA Division 2: 1st place hip hop, 1st place kick, 2nd place open, 1st place prop overall competition: 2nd place hip hop, 2nd place kick, 3rd place open, State champs in prop choreography award for kick, highest scoring division 2, 3rd place national dance competition in Orlando, Fl. hip hop national battle winners 5th place large team division and hip hop 4th place large team division team dance.
Agenda Item 3A-C Consent Agenda
On a motion by Mr. Willson and seconded by Mrs. Shelling the board approved the Board of Education Minutes for February 11, 2026; approved the 2026-2027 School Calendar and approved the Hellas Synthetic Turf Field Replacement Proposal. The motion carried unanimously.
Board President Johnson noted that Ms. Haneline reached out to him regarding the ad hoc safety committee that will be re-established. The facilities committee, chaired by Mr. Wilson, will hold monthly meetings on safety and provide updates. The first meeting is scheduled for April 7 at 6:00 p.m. Safety recommendations will be delivered to the board within the next couple of weeks. It was noted that safety initiatives have been delayed and that there is a need to move forward with urgency in implementing appropriate measures.
Mr. Johnson expressed his appreciation to Ms. Haneline for her leadership in advancing this effort and to Mr. Willson for his support in facilitating the process.
Agenda Item 4A and B – Report of Superintendent and January 2026 Financial Reports
Board President Johnson noted that a financial report was not necessary at this time due to a prior finance meeting.
January 2026 Finances are up
Academic Highlights
The district is making steady progress in advancing its academic priorities through focused, strategic efforts. Following mid-year Quarterly Data Reviews, schools received targeted feedback to strengthen student data trackers and drive more precise instructional decisions. Ongoing coaching from the academic team and partners such as New Directions, Great Minds, and National Institute for Excellence in Teaching continue to build instructional capacity.
Student support and post-secondary readiness remain key priorities. The Office of Student Support partnered with the Ouachita Parish School Board to host the annual Service Provider Fair, while counselors have begun meeting with feeder school students to prepare for 2026–2027 scheduling. Work-based learning opportunities are also expanding through increased student participation and new industry partnerships.
Additional efforts include a site visit to Bossier Parish Schools to strengthen the district’s Talented Arts programming and the launch of early childhood enrollment campaigns, which are already showing promising results for Pre-K and Kindergarten for the upcoming school year.
- principals are continuing to learn in the Leadership U
- The first Next Gen Leaders meeting was held
- The First Teacher Superintendent Advisory Council meeting was held
Child Nutrition Services - The Cafeteria staff are preparing for their yearly follow-up evaluation.
- Sallie Humble will be recognized as the “Gold Standard” for this month.
Custodial/Warehouse - Building Supervisors are receiving training to assist in the process of converting HVAC units and they have begun to address the grounds throughout the district.
- Sallie Humble will be recognized as the “Gold Standard” for this month.
HVAC - Upon researching the cost of backup generators to prevent loss of power during storms, it has been found that the approximate cost to purchase and install those generators would be $200,000 per site.
- Monthly Preventative Maintenance Service contract is up for renewal. Mr. Hunt, HVAC Supervisor, recommends that we remain with the current supplier, (Powers of Mississippi).
Attorney Lawrence had some questions that are being addressed
Maintenance - Completing a District Winter Weather Event Response Plan that will be available for your review by the 1st of April.
- Facilities meeting was held on 3/11 and the committee will propose that Hellas install the fields at each high school at tonight’s meeting. ($2,770,376.00 total bid)
Safety
Dr. Watson observed the Open Gate System being utilized at Richwood and Ouachita High Schools. He recommends the purchase of 2 units at each Middle School, 3 units at CHS and WHS and 4 units at NHS based on those observations and the points of entry on each campus. - Monroe City Schools continues to prioritize the safety and security of all students and staff.
In addition, the district is continuing its ongoing inspections with Louisiana State Police led by Trooper Ross Cannon at J.S. Clark Magnet School, Lexington Elementary, and Sallie Humble Elementary, with Jefferson Elementary scheduled for inspection following Spring Break. These inspections support both targeted safety improvements and eligibility for state grant funding.
To ensure consistency, accountability, and timely implementation of safety measures, the district is establishing a safety committee composed of upper-level administrators and law enforcement officers. This will be headed by Child Welfare and Attendance Director, Dr. Bush and the COO, Dr. Watson.
Transportation
The district continues to experience a shortage of bus drivers, resulting in delays on some routes. Efforts are underway to recruit additional drivers and explore operational adjustments, including route restructuring and staffing changes, to improve efficiency.
Interviews have been conducted for the Transportation Supervisor position (to be restructured as Operations Supervisor). One finalist, Coach Otis Robinson, withdrew from consideration. - Continuing to research GPS software and notification systems to keep schools and other stakeholders of the location of all buses throughout the district.
- With the current state of our fleet in mind, Dr. Watson and his team will have a Bus Replacement Plan available for your review by the 1st of April.
An update was provided regarding the property next door under consideration. Superintendent Moore, Attorney Lawrence, Dr. Watson and Mr. Monroe conducted due diligence, including discussions with AT&T and a review of historical lease documents. It was discovered that documentation dating back to 1980 included provisions that could have posed financial and legal risks to the district. As a result: - The district did not execute a contract, nor was a $30,000 payment issued
The district determined that proceeding under the current terms would not be in its best interest. The matter will only be reconsidered if revised terms meet district expectations.
Ms. Haneline and the Board took a moment to recognize employees that are retiring as of May 23, 2026.
Agenda Item 5A Future Meetings
Board of Education Meetings April 14, 2026, May 5, 2026, and June 9, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
Agenda Item 6 – Recess/Adjourn
There being no further business to come before the board, on a motion by Ms. Haneline and seconded by Mrs. Shelling the meeting adjourn at 6:44 p.m.Bottom of Form
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\Brandon Johnson/_\Sam L. Moore, III/_
Brandon Johnson Sam L. Moore III
Board President Superintendent
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.
