Monroe City School Board of Education
2006 Tower Drive
Monroe, Louisiana 71201
MINUTES
The Monroe City School Board met in regular session, Monday, August 10, 2026, at Monroe City School District Central Office, 2006 Tower Drive, Monroe, Louisiana 71201. The meeting was called to order at 6:02 p.m. by Board President Brandon Johnson. Board Member Daryll Berry offered prayer and AFROTC Antonio Allen of Carroll High School led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Agenda Item 1C – Roll Call
Present: Mr. Michael Sampognaro, Mr. Bill Willson, Mr. Daryll Berry, Mrs. Betty Ward Cooper, and Mrs. Brenda Shelling
Absent: Ms. Jennifer Haneline
Agenda Item 1D – Adoption of the Agenda
Attorney Lawrence noted because of the 48-hour posting of the agenda, policy DJE (purchasing) was not added but can be, before adopting the agenda with the approval of the board.
Superintendent Moore requested the adoption of policy DJE to ensure the continuity of day-to-day operations and prevent service interruptions.
On a motion by Mr. Berry and seconded by Mrs. Shelling the board approved to add Policy DJE to the agenda under New Business Item 5B. The motion carried unanimously.
Superintendent Moore asks for agenda Item E to be corrected from “school system planning facilitator” to “literacy and numeracy facilitator.”
On a motion by Mrs. Shelling and seconded by Mrs. Cooper, the board approve to adopt the agenda with the above changes. The motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item 2 Point of Pride – Carroll High School ROTC Recognition – Lt Col Williams and Matthew Dicarlo received Outstanding Instructor nomination; Carroll High School AFJROTC Distinguished unit with Merit award; Awarded the Silver Star Community Service with Excellence Award for AY 2025-2026
Principal, Dr. Cassandra Shelling introduced her administrative staff members, Mr. Robert Johnson, Ms. Katrina Roberson and Mr. Danzie Pierce. She recognized Carroll High School’s Air Force Junior ROTC program was honored. Dr. Shelling stated Carroll High School is one of the few schools that received a perfect score of one hundred in the rating for our schools.
The program earned national recognition as a Silver Star Program.
It was among the few schools to receive a perfect assessment score of 100.
Sergeant DeCarlo and Colonel Williams were nominated as outstanding instructors in the United States.
- Cadets earned award, ranking in the top 5% of 843 units globally and are now Worldwide
- They completed 4,903 community service hours.
- The program received commendations from the Monroe City School Board, City of Monroe, Ouachita Parish Police Jury, and the Louisiana House Senate.
- Cadets served as hosts for ninth graders on the first day of school.
Agenda Item 3 Consent Agenda
On a motion by Mrs. Shelling and seconded by Mr. Berry the board approved Board of Education minutes July 14, 2026, awarding bid #SFS27-05 produce/fresh fruits and vegetable products, updated contracts for non-tenured certified and non-tenured uncertified Teachers 2026-2027, updated job descriptions 2026-2027, Literacy and Numeracy Planning facilitator job descriptions 2026-2027, updated school nurse LPN job description 2026-2027,
Attendance support specialist job description, central office receptionist job description,
salary schedules 2026-2027, Permission to advertise construction of the Carroll High school ticket booth upon board approval of drawing, authorization of public relations contract (Undercurrent), and Monroe City Academy League – CEA Renewal
Agenda Item 4 Consent Items for Separate Consideration
None
Agenda Item 5A- Approval of the Audit Engagement Letters for Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC
On a motion by Mrs. Shelling and seconded by Mrs. Cooper the board approved the Audit Engagement Letters for Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC. Motion passed by majority vote.
In Favor:
Michael Sampognaro
Daryll Berry
Betty Ward Coopeer
Brenda Shelling
Brandon Johnson
Not in Favor:
Bill Willson
Agenda Item 5B – Board Policy DJE – (added to the agenda)
On a motion by Mrs. Shelling and seconded by Mr. Berry the board approve to suspend board policy for immediate action. Motion carried unanimously.
The amendment grants the Superintendent authority to execute contracts up to $100,000 and handle contract renewals to prevent operational delays. Attorney Lawrence provided an overview, stating it adds two paragraphs to the existing policy.
On a motion by Mrs. Shelling and seconded by Mr. Berry the board approved changes to policy DJE (purchasing) granting the Superintendent increased authority to execute contracts.
Academic programs will still go to the curriculum committee before purchasing. Both Superintendent and Board President signatures are required. The motion carried on majority vote.
Public Speaker expressed concerns and Board Member Bill Willson agreed 100% with Bishop.
In Favor:
Daryll Berry
Betty Ward Cooper
Brenda Shelling
Brandon Johnson
Not in Favor:
Michael Sampognaro
Bill Willson
Agenda Item 6A – Report of Superintendent
*Reminder Budgets will be available at the Central Office for public view on August 28, 2026
*Budget Public Hearing is scheduled for September 8, 2026
Academics and Professional Development
Monroe City Schools academic teams have been busy getting our leaders, teachers, and staff ready for a great start to the 2026-2027 school year.
- The district leaders attended the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta to learn engagement strategies.
- The district held its first back-to-school convocation in over ten years, featuring keynote speaker Robert Jackson
Superintendent Moore noted that Professional learning continued all week for teachers and school leaders joining focus sessions to build their teaching skills, strengthen their practices, learn more about their subjects, and get important updates and resources for the new school year. All these experiences show that Monroe City Schools’ ongoing commitment to supporting the educators and giving them the knowledge, tools, and inspiration they need to provide great learning for every child every day.
As the start of 2026-2027 school year, the district team and school staff are energized, ready, and focused on going for the goal, which is our theme this year to help our students achieve more.
School Safety: - Increased presence of uniformed security officers in the schools.
- Open-gate metal detectors have arrived and anticipate training and installation throughout the school system in the next couple of weeks.
The district will continue to move and push forward.
Superintendent Moore reiterated and wanted to bring clarity on the policy DJE (purchasing). It still calls for the superintendent and the board president’s signatures. When it comes to academics and education, all those programs go before the curriculum committee. He wants to be transparent and make sure that schools do not get hampered in any way as supplies and materials are here on time, so that kids can start school every year on time. These are things that were asked for, and when we try to put things in place that were asked for, we get ridiculed for doing the things that you’re asked. He stated he was really confused about so much of what’s been happening these past 28 months and wanted to speak honestly. The district is working hard to make our citizens proud; to earn trust and it seems like every meeting we come and get beat up trying to do the right things.
Agenda Item 6B June 2026 Financial Reports (preliminary)
Located online
Agenda Item 7 – Future meetings
September 15, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Board President Brandon Johnson stated that Board Member Jennifer Haneline asked for a meeting date change. Mrs. Robinson will poll the board for dates and if anything changes the public will be notified.
Agenda Item 8 – Executive Session Anthony Pitts, et al v. Monroe City School Board, Case No. 2013-0369 (4th JDC-Parish of Ouachita)
On a motion by Mrs. Shelling and seconded by Mrs. Cooper, the Board approved to convene in executive session at 7:02 p.m. to receive information on Anthony Pitts, et al v. Monroe City School Board, Case No. 2013-0369 (4th JDC-Parish of Ouachita) The motion carried unanimously.
On a motion by Mrs. Shelling and seconded by Mr. Willson the board reconvened at 7:02 p.m. No action taken.
Agenda Item 9 – Recess/Adjourn
There being no further business to come before the board, on a motion by Mrs. Shelling and seconded by Mr. Sampognaro, the meeting adjourn at 7:22 p.m.
\Brandon Johnson/_____ \Sam L. Moore, III/____
Brandon Johnson Sam L. Moore III
Board President Superintendent
Bottom of FormNote: 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.
