Monroe City School Board of Education
2006 Tower Drive
Monroe, Louisiana 71201
MINUTES
The Monroe City School Board met in regular session, Tuesday, March 18, 2025 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 Betty Ward Cooper. Superintendent Sam Moore offered prayer and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Agenda Item 1C – Roll Call
Present: Betty Ward Cooper, Jennifer Haneline, Bill Willson, Mr. Daryll Berry, Brandon Johnson and Brenda Shelling
Absent: Mr. Michael Sampognaro
Action Item 1D – Adoption of the Agenda
It was moved by Board Member Brandon Johnson and seconded by Board Member Daryll Berry to add the naming of Wossman High School gym floor to the agenda under consent items for separate consideration agenda item 4A and to suspend school board policy BD.
In Favor: Jennifer Haneline, Bill Willson, Daryll Berry, Brandon Johnson, Brenda Shelling, Betty Ward Cooper
It was moved by Board Member Jennifer Haneline to move agenda item 3E policy GAMK (use of pronouns and given names) to consent items for separate consideration agenda item 4B.
On a motion by Brandon Johnson and seconded by Jennifer Haneline the board approved to adopt the agenda with the above changes. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Agenda Item 2A -Point of Pride – The Wossman High School Ladycats Basketball team – 4x State Champions; Division II Non-select (photos taken)
The Monroe City School Board recognized the Wossman High School Ladycats basketball team and Coach Otis Robinson and Coach Gerline Guillaume on their fourth back to back state championship titles.
Agenda Item 2B – The Wossman High School Boys’ Basketball Team (photos taken)
The Monroe City School Board recognized the Wossman High School Boys’ Basketball Team, Coach Casey Jones, Coach Greely, Coach Casey Jones Jr., Coach Riley, Coach Devonte Burton, Coach Ortadius Brass and Coach Darrell Comanche Sr. on their back to back State Championship titles.
Agenda Item 3A- Consent Agenda
On a motion by Mr. Berry and seconded by Mrs. Shelling the board approved Board of Education Minutes of February 11, 2025; Suspension of policy introduction and first reading requirement of Board Policy BD to allow for immediate consideration for adoption policies referenced in Agenda items 3C-3F excluding school board policy 3E GAMK-use of pronouns and given names (moved to separate consideration agenda item 4B); Policies EB (buildings and grounds management); GAMA (employee smoking, tobacco and marijuana use);IDCH (home study program);IDE (co-curricular activities and extracurricular activities); IDFA (interscholastic athletics); JBE (truancy); JCDAA (student smoking, tobacco and marijuana use); JD (discipline); JDD (suspension); JDE (expulsion); JGCE (child abuse); Policies ABCB (qualifications for school board members);BBBC (school board member continuing education);(GBA (contracts and compensation);GBRIB(sick leave);GBRIBB (sick leave bank);JDA (corporal punishment);JGCB (immunizations);JGCD (administration of medication); JGCFA (behavioral health services for students) Policies BCBB (notification of school board meetings); BCBJ (broadcasting and taping of school board meetings); CBD (employment of superintendent); GAK (personnel records);GBC (recruitment); IDBA (sex education); IDDF (education of students with exceptionalities);JGC (student health services); Policy JCDAE (student use of telecommunication devices); Transportation Handbook; Approval of the 2025-2026 School Calendar and Ratification on permission to travel- Neville High School Tennis Team to Alabama . The motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item 4A – Items for separate Consideration the naming of Wossman High School Gym Floor (added to the agenda)
On a motion by Mr. Johnson and seconded by Mr. Berry the board approved to suspend board policy BD. The motion carried unanimously.
On a motion by Mr. Johnson and seconded by Ms. Haneline the board approved naming the Wossman High School gym floor in the Vamp after Coach Otis Robinson and Coach Casey Jones.
Agenda Item 4B – board Policy GAMK – use of pronouns and given names
On a motion by Mr. Willson and seconded by Mrs. Shelling the board approved board policy GAMK (use of pronouns and given names). The motion carried on a majority vote.
In favor: Bill Willson
Daryll Berry
Brandon Johnson
Brenda Shelling
Betty Ward Cooper
Not in favor: Jennifer Haneline
Agenda Item 5A,B & C Reports of Superintendent and January 2025 Financial Reports
Superintendent gave a recap on the financial committee meeting
* General fund revenue approximately $3.9 million more than January 2024
* Received 7.4 million for ad valorem tax in January 2025
* As a result of the additional positions added from the ESSER grant, we’ll be evaluating staffing at all locations to ensure that we are utilizing all available funding to meet the district’s academic goals.
* Payment of the Lexington Playground Sail Shades and the Neville HS Batting Cage (at 106.88%). The total cost for the NHS Batting Cage was $159,980. We are in the process of submitting the appropriate documentation to the Treasury Department for reimbursement of the remaining $52,500. Invoices will be submitted to the appropriate booster for reimbursement.
Sales taxes
* Total sales revenue received in January 2025 for November 2024 collection increased by 2.68% for a total of $74,000. Sales Tax revenue continues to fluctuate. We are closely monitoring sales tax collections.
* 1968 Sales tax revenue overall decrease of $7,000 which is 12% less than the prior year overall.
* 1994 sales tax revenue had an overall decrease of $112,000 which is 1.15% less than the prior year
* 2001 sales tax revenue have an decrease of $224,000 which is 1.15% less than the prior year
Superintendent Moore gave highlights on the June 30th , 2024 audit
* General fund balance increased by $500,00 for a total of $23 million fund balance
* 1968 sales tax increased $39,000 for a total of $118,000
* 1994 sales tax increased $959,000 for a total of $5.9 million
* 2001 sales tax increased by $4.3 million for a total of $27 million including approximately $14 million QSCB bonds with maturity October 2024 and October 2026
* one on one training with principals are continuing. We have completed 16 of the 19 trainings thus far. Remaining trainings will be scheduled soon as possible.
* Legislative auditors’ investigation regarding Neville high school student activity funds is ongoing
* School board’s long term total obligations decrease approximately $14 million in statement activities the total deficit of the Monroe City School Board decreased by approximately $38.9 million from year ending June 30, 2024
Human Resource Department update:
* Currently engaged in several significant initiatives in anticipation of forthcoming changes; HR is transitioning from paper application to online portal for the submission of applications. The district will still continue to utilize paper applications for individuals that need it.
* HR has established an online portal for every employee to have real time access 24/7 to their check stubs, W2 forms, sick leave records and tax information.
* HR is working closely with uncertified teaching staff to create a comprehensive plan at facilitating their certification in a timely manner
* Staffing this year will take place this year on April 16th and 17th. (meeting with principals and look at student counts to determine personnel allocations based on those student numbers)
Academic highlights:
Monday, March 17th marks the beginning of the coordinated enrollment process formerly known as pre-k roundup for 2025-2026 school year
* Two of our very own principals Toni Mcarty of Lexington elementary and Montrell Marshall of Carroll Jr High School were interviewed on MyArklamiss.com to help spread the word.
* March 6, 2025 21st Century Learning lights on after school part II event.
* Carver Elementary variety projects earn them the light bulb award
* Superintendent Moore congratulated Berg Jones 97%; JS Clark 97%; Barkdull Faulk at 95% Carver Elementary 95%; Shelling 95%;Carroll Jr 93%; Minnie Ruffin 91% on the current reporting cycle, 90% of their core five power up met the Lexia users requirement.
* Act 260 requires all 4th and eighth grade teachers to complete the approved professional learning courses that focus on numeracy skills and instructions.
* Monroe City School System was recognized by Louisiana Department of Education for having the highest numeracy training completion rate with 55% of our teachers completing the training.
* Congratulations to Barkdull Faulk, Cypress Point, Roy Neal Shelling, and Carroll Jr High School for 100% completion
* Junior and Seniors were administered the statewide ACT test during the week of March 11-13th. Results should be in mid to late April.
* Child nutrition managers created menus for the months of March, April and May
* HVAC department Mr. Buddy Moore will be retiring on April 20th and looking to replace him along with rate of pay
* Much needed camera installation in the schools are near completion
Superintendent shared some points in the music department
* Carroll High School Band participated in the Renaissance Movement Committee 41st Black Heritage Parade on February 22, 2025.
* JS Clark Choir Performed at the Black History Program at First Missionary Baptist Church on February 19th. Participated in the Southern Choral Classic Festival on March 13th at ULM on All 1’s – Superior Rating
* Cypress Point Elementary Choir participated in the Southern Choral Classic Festival March 13th at ULM and received an Excellent Rating (2)
* Martin Luther King Jr. Junior High School on January 16-18, 2025, Louisiana Music Educators Association (LMEA) celebrated outstanding students all over Louisiana with some outstanding concerts of middle school and high school. Kimberlynn Smith from MLK participated in the very first LMEA Middle school All state Choir. She was able to collaborate with other talented middle schoolers from across the state.
* District Honor Choir on February 7th & 8th MLK, Berg Jones, and Jefferson 6th and 7th grade students had the opportunity to participate in District I Honor Choir. This group was an auditioned group of singers that were selected to participate. These students presented their concert on February 8th, 2025, at West Monroe High School.
* LMEA Large Ensemble Festival on March 12, 2025, the MLK Jr. Junior High Wildcat choir participated in the LMEA Large Ensemble festival at ULM. These students received an Excellent (2) on-Stage Performance and a Superior (1) rating in Sightreading. Neville High School
* Neville High School Band attended District One Festival Assessment on March 13th. They received Superior ratings 1) on stage as well as in sight reading and took home a sweepstakes trophy.
* Neville Jr. High School band went to the District One Festival on March 13 and performed three songs on stage. They received an Excellent Rating (2) in performance and sight reading.
* Sallie Humble performed at the Southern Choral Classic on March 13 at ULM. They received a Superior (1) rating on stage and an Excellent(2) rating on their sight-reading portion while reading a middle school piece.
* Wossman High School Band participated in the Renaissance Movement Committee 41st Black Heritage Parade.
* Congratulations to the Wossman boys and girls on their state championships.
* Neville High School Charter Association applying to the Louisiana Department of Education along with the secretary of state is now handling their application for the Type II Charter. The voting box was delivered to Neville High school by the secretary of state on Yesterday, Monday March 17th. Ballots was sent to all parents that was provided at that time. this voting comes from the Department and a department process. This is a vote for the application of a Type II Charter.
* On April 10th, representatives from the Department of Education will be at Neville High School onsite two representatives from the department, one from secretary of state, one from the charter association and one from the Monroe City School Board.
Public Comments: Janice L Nelson inquired about the audit June 30, 2024, student activity funds. She stated there was a lack of segregation of duties in management of the funds, same individual is responsible of multiple functions, several transactions would view lack sufficient recording and documentations. She asked how this will be handled moving forward.
Public Comment: Scott Bell voiced his concerns about having strong control over monies being put in. Mr. Bell suggests not deciding right now but to look at and analyze the HVAC position. He thanked the Board for all they are doing.
Public Comment: Sandie Lollie commended Lissa Dumas for developing the school district calendar for 2025-2026
Public Comment: Vickie Krutzer noted the board has the perfect opportunity to set the district going forward and to build trust and hope in the community. She wants to see all the funds spent in the right way. She believes there is a lack of internal controls which the audit states. She challenges the board to go forward with an audit that will help and suggested to the board to do a follow-up on their meetings.
Agenda 5D – Report of Board Members
Board Member Bill Willson thanked Superintendent Moore for taking care of a sewage leak at Neville Jr High School. Mr. Willson voiced his concerns on board policy BBBE-R (board travel). Mr. Willson wants to be transparent, gain public trust and believes the money should be repaid by the individuals that overspent their budget of $7,500.
Board Member Brandon Johnson thanked the administration and supervisors for their attendance and appreciate their hard work. Mr. Johnson voiced his concerns about attacking the Superintendent and Mrs. Howard. He would like the board to allow Superintendent Moore and his staff to do their job.
Board Member Brenda Shelling noted she attended the LSBA conference in Lake Charles and gained knowledge of Superintendents and their contracts, she stated it appears that they are taking all the right steps. She reported that she learned from the ethics board about things they should know about hiring. She learned about the accountability system and new requirements at this workshop.
Board Member Jennifer Haneline reported the Monroe Youth Symphony Orchestra is having a performance she believes on April 18th and with quite a few Monroe City Schools students participating. She stated it would be great to show them some support on attending. She noted for all Neville High School parents/guardians to be looking out for the ballot in reference to the Neville High School Charter. Appreciation was expressed to board members who consistently attend meetings. She voiced her concerns about some members’ absences, emphasizing the responsibility of elected officials to attend meetings as they receive compensation for their service. Ms. Haneline is excited and looking forward to the new Ouachita parish Library site. Ms. Haneline recognized all the employees that are retiring this year.
Ms. Haneline stated for the record she thinks it’s important, saying that public schools are founded in ensuring that people of lesser means are afforded the same educational opportunities as those with greater means. Even those with disabilities should have those opportunities. DEI may be DEAD, but what public schools stand for is not. And while figureheads may be making unilateral decisions, teachers and staff are making people’s decisions. She thanked the staff, teachers, people who work in our schools, who work one-on-one with these students, for putting the students first and really taking care of America’s future. Because what these classes tell me now and then is that we’re not going back in time, we’re going to make sure we take care of our students at Monroe City Schools, and we’re going to make sure people have the opportunities they need to get ahead and be successful in life.
Agenda Item 6A – Future Meetings
Board Meetings – April 8, 2025, and May 6, 2025, at 6:00pm
Action Item 7– Recess/Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the board, on a motion by Ms. Haneline and seconded by Mr. Johnson, the meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.mBottom of Form
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/Betty Ward Cooper/___ /Sam L. Moore, III/___
Betty Ward Cooper Sam L Moore, III
Board President Superintendent
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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.
