MCSB: Give Vidrine 30-month contract

The Monroe City School Board voted 6-1 to negotiate a 30-month contract with Superintendent Brent Vidrine to begin at the end of his current contract, which will expire in December.

Only board Vice President Brenda Shelling opposed.

Board President Rodney McFarland said Vidrine knows the district well and they have a good working relationship that will continue to improve through continued efforts to improve schools and performance scores.

Vidrine said he looks forward to extending his efforts to increase student test scores, which ultimately leads to better ranking schools. He said a strong school system is important to drawing new business and development to the area.  Higher expectations are better for the community, he said, and advocated that parents with questions visit schools and see how the district cares for its students.

He also said the district is working on several capital improvement projects, including some that the public generally doesn't see but are important to the continued safety and well-being of the students.

Board member Bill Willson said the contract extension will ensure the district continues the great progress made so far under Vidrine's leadership. The contract length, he said, will keep the next board to be elected from having to determine whether to renew Vidrine's contract again while they're new to office.

The board also approved a 4 percent raise for some staff members at the Tuesday night meeting. All classified employees with the exception of central office administrators will benefit from the increase.

Board member Daryll Berry called the raise a step in the right direction to let employees know how much they're appreciated.

Board members also recognized Louisiana Elementary Teacher of the Year 2017 Ann Cook, who leads Cypress Point University Elementary. She won the statewide award Friday in recognition of her efforts to benefit students and raise test scores.

Cypress Point is a high-performing, high-poverty school. In 2015, the school gained 17.6 points on its Student Performance Score and was named a Top Gains school by the Louisiana Department of Education. Cook said that boosted the school from a C to a B, and it was within 3 points of an A. Cook said her teachers work really hard and their goal is to continue improving.

The board also lauded new Wossman High School Principal Eric Davis. McFarland said the school is in the heart of his district and commended Davis.

The board also approved insurance coverage for the 2016-17 fiscal year. Board member Vickie Dayton said the program is well assembled and continues previous rejection of uninsured motorists coverage.

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