Monroe City School Board of Education
2006 Tower Drive
Monroe, Louisiana 71201
MINUTES
The Monroe City School Board met in special session, Tuesday, October 30, 2023 at Monroe City School District Central Office, 2006 Tower Drive, Monroe, Louisiana 71201. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Board President Bill Willson. Prayer was offered by Pastor Vance Price and Pledge was led by Board Member, Mrs. Brenda Shelling.
Agenda Item 1C – Roll Call
Present: Mr. Sampognaro, Ms. Jennifer Haneline, Mr. Willson, Mr. Daryll Berry, Mrs. Betty Ward Cooper, Mr. Johnson, and Mrs. Brenda Shelling
Agenda Item 1D – Adoption of the Agenda
Board President Willson noted that agenda item 2B (The board will take such additional action to authorize, to the extent needed the school districts appointment of an Interim Chief Academic Officer) should be deleted.
On a motion by Mrs. Shelling and seconded by Ms. Haneline the board approved the agenda with the deletion of agenda item 2B. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Agenda Item 2A New Business – The Board will take action to appoint an Interim Superintendent of Schols for the Monroe City School District
It was moved by Ms. Haneline and seconded by Mrs. Shelling to appoint the role of acting Co-Superintendents Mr. Sam Moore and Serena White to carry out the duties of the superintendent’s position.
Mr. Johnson voiced his concerns about the President and Vice President appointing roles for the Co Superintendents. One or the other must have authority when making a final decision.
Mrs. Cooper commented on the notes that were received regarding the state law governing this, saying it dilutes the position of Superintendent.
Mr. Willson noted this is on a short-term basis not to exceed six months.
Ms. Haneline noted there are a lot of different opinions near and far. This is a way to come together to represent different strengths within employees who know our system and can hit the ground running so we won’t miss a beat. There will be some potential hiccups, but she also believes that our system deserves the best that we have. This decision was made quickly and do not have all the answers. Ms. Haneline biggest interest is to keep the district healthy.
In Favor: Mr. Sampognaro
Ms. Haneline
Mrs. Shelling
Mr. Willson
Against: Mrs. Cooper
Mr. Johnson
Mr. Berry
Mrs. Shelling voiced her concerns about the Leadership of the Co Superintendents.
Agenda Item 3A Executive Session – the board will convene in executive session to discuss prospective litigation based on receipt of a formal written demand {Ref. LRS-42:17 (A) (2)}.
On a motion by Ms. Haneline and seconded by Mr. Sampognaro the board approved to convene in executive session at 6:14pm for 1 hour. The motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item 4A Open Session – The Board will consider action to approve the potential settlement of a matter that is the subject of threatened prospective litigation.
On a motion by Mr. Johnson and seconded by Ms. Haneline the board reconvened in open session at 7:21pm. The motion carried unanimously.
On a motion by Ms. Haneline and seconded by Mr. Berry the Board approved to accept the legal council’s recommendation of a tentative settlement agreement regarding the retirement of Dr. Brent A. Vidrine from the Monroe City School Board.
Public Comment: Mrs. Bryant noted wrong was done and we don’t need another wrong to try to make something right. Mrs. Bryant hopes the Board stands its ground and expects the right thing to be done.
Public Comment: Mrs. Krutzer spoke on behalf of the Monroe City School Stakeholders, the taxpayers. She asked that the Board consider any kind of negotiated settlement for the reported misuse or mismanagement of school board funds that any such settlement include at least the very minimum is a return to the Monroe City School Board. All funds deemed to have been misused, misdirected, or otherwise wrongfully disbursed, she hopes and sincerely wishes that the Board Members that the public elected to represent them will do the right thing.
In Favor:
Mr. Sampognaro
Ms. Haneline
Mrs. Cooper
Mr. Johnson
Mr. Berry
Mr. Willson
Opposed:
Mrs. Shelling
Agenda Item 5 – Recess/Adjourn
There being no further business to come before the board, on a motion by Ms. Haneline and seconded by Mr. Sampognaro, the meeting adjourned at 7:28p.m. The motion carried unanimously.
Bottom of Form
William Willson___________Brent Vidrine____
William “Bill” 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.
