Monroe City School Board of Education
2006 Tower Drive
Monroe, Louisiana 71201
MINUTES
The Monroe City School Board met in special session, Friday, October 6, 2023 at Monroe City School District Central Office, 2006 Tower Drive, Monroe, Louisiana 71201. The meeting was called to order at 12:02 p.m. by President Bill Willson. Prayer was offered by Pastor Douzart and Pledge was led by Board Member Michael Sampognaro.
Agenda Item 1C – Roll Call
Present: Mr. Sampognaro, Mr. Willson, Mr. Daryll Berry, Mrs. Betty Ward Cooper, Mr. Johnson, and Mrs. Brenda Shelling
Absent: Ms. Jennifer Haneline
Agenda Item 1D – Adoption of the Agenda
On a motion by Mr. Johnson and seconded by Mr. Sampognaro the board approved the agenda as printed. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Action Item 2A Executive Session – The Monroe City School Board will convene in Executive Session to receive information concerning an ongoing misconduct investigation and to have follow-up discussion regarding possible employee misconduct.
On a motion by Mr. Sampognaro and seconded by Mr. Berry the Board will convene in executive session.
Public comment: Mrs. Krutzer voiced her concerns about this being the fourth executive session and no action items in the past coming out. Mrs. Krutzer stated there was a public request sent in from Mrs. Bryant on September 29th and has not been fulfilled as of now, she asked the board to look at it for her.
Public comment: Mr. Verbon Muhammad voiced his concerns about the public losing trust in the board. He stated he is not sure what is going on but there is a lot of rumors, and the Board President needs to quiet some of this down. He stated the policy is not being followed. Mr. Muhammad stated this is a serious issue that needs to be addressed and take some type of action.
Board Member Mrs. Shelling explained the first time the board went into executive session, she wanted to add to the agenda to take action that day. The second time she tried to add it she stated Mr. Willson refused to let her add it. Today she asked to add that item to the agenda and to address it when the Board comes out. Mr. Willson explained the process on adding an agenda item and stated to Mrs. Shelling he was more than willing to entertain that item being placed for a vote to be added to the agenda, but she chose not to under 7A at the last Board meeting. She stated she tried to add the agenda item by sending Mr. Willson an email and text He Stated he did not get it until about 6:30.
It was moved by Mrs. Shelling and seconded by Mr. Johnson to add this item to the agenda.
Mr. Willson asked Mrs. Shelling what the agenda item she would like to add. She stated addressing Superintendent Vidrine continuing position with the district or not and act upon it. Mr. Willson asked to what extent. Mrs. Shelling stated, leave of absence with pay. Mr. Willson asked her to restate her motion that he did not want to put words in her mouth. Mrs. Shelling stated to address Dr. Vidrine continuing with the district but with absence with pay and they act upon it then. Attorney Lawrence noted there should be clarification on how Mrs. Shelling wants to word her motion. Mrs. Shelling stated to be put on a 30-day absence with pay pending the outcome of the investigation and act upon it then. Attorney Lawrence explained the requirements on voting to add this item to the agenda. It was moved by Mrs. Shelling and seconded by Mr. Johnson to add this item to the agenda. Mr. Sampognaro asked if this item can be voted on after the executive session. Mr. Willson stated it can be done ither way. Mr. Johnson called for question.
In favor: Mrs. Cooper
Mr. Johnson
Mrs. Shelling
Opposed: Mr. Sampognaro
Mr. Berry
Mr. Willson
The motion failed.
Absent: Mrs. Haneline
On a motion by Mrs. Shelling and seconded by Mr. Johnson the board convenes in executive session at 12:17pm with an anticipated time of 30 minutes. The motion carried unanimously.
On a motion by Mr. Johnson and seconded by Mrs. Shelling the Board reconvened in open session at 12:49pm. The motion carried unanimously.
On a motion by Mrs. Shelling and seconded by Mr. Johnson the board approved adding the engagement workplace Investigations of South LLC to the agenda. In accordance with the written consultation Services agreement relative to the investigation of an employee. The motion carried unanimously.
In Favor: Mr. Sampognaro
Mr. Berry
Mrs. Cooper
Mr. Johnson
Mrs. Shelling
Mr. Willson
Absent: Mrs. Haneline
Board President open the floor to the public for discussion on the added agenda item.
Public Comments: Mr. Muhammad noted the person that is being investigated should be off with pay and the Board is not following their policy.
Mrs. Krutzer noted the contract should be followed and to do the right thing. For the record Mrs. Krutzer wanted to know who invited Mr. Blackwell. Mrs. Krutzer stated the public needs to know and ask for clarification and to be open.
Mrs. Adams stated it’s about the children in the district and feels the public is being eliminated. Decisions made today will impact you for a lifetime.
Mr. Johnson gave clarification on how decisions are made by the Board as an individual Board Member and as a whole Board. Mr. Johnson noted that he is grateful for his district 6 that put him in his position for 3 terms and will represent his District to the best of his ability.
Mrs. Shelling promised the public they are not keeping them out of the loop. When issues are being addressed and voted on is one thing but what happens in closed doors cannot be discussed.
Mr. Willson echoed Mr. Johnson and Mrs. Shelling. The public does not know what goes on in the executive session and ask for respect based on performance shown in the past. He stated the Board tries to uphold their duties to the public.
Mr. Johnson called for question.
On a motion by Mrs. Shelling and seconded by Mr. Johnson the board approved the engagement workplace Investigations of South LLC. The motion carried unanimously.
In Favor:
Mr. Sampognaro
Mr. Berry
Mrs. Cooper
Mr. Johnson
Mrs. Shelling
Mr. Willson
Agneda Item 3 – Recess/Adjourn
There being no further business to come before the board, on a motion by Mr. Johnson and seconded by Mr. Berry, the meeting adjourned at 1:02p.m. The motion carried unanimously.
_Willliam 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.
