DOJ, MCSB resolve some staffing questions
In a conference call Friday, U.S. District Judge Robbie James set deadlines for the Monroe City School District and the U.S. Department of Justice to communicate and work to resolve ongoing problems with the district's consent decree.
The hearing focused on data provided by the district on Oct. 25 and a subsequent response from the Department of Justice. Both the Department of Justice's report on the data and a response to that report on behalf of Superintendent Brent Vidrine were filed under seal.
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A problem with one teacher was a mistake and had been resolved. The district clarified that prekindergarten teachers are classified as special education teachers, so that issue also has been resolved.
A Department of Justice attorney still questions the calculations being used at some schools. The attorney asked that the district require 25 teachers who did not fully complete surveys in which they list their race and credentials to do so.
Vidrine's attorney asked that the Department of Justice provide a list of specific deficiencies they have found so the district can work to resolve them. He argued the surveys were not necessary given the certification of the classroom rosters provided by the district in October.
James instructed counsel for Vidrine and the school board to have the surveys completed by Dec. 2.
The judge instructed the Department of Justice to provide a list of deficiencies to the district by Dec. 9. He specified that the report should list specific concerns so the district can work to resolve them as quickly as possible.
The Department of Justice attorney said they plan to file a response to the school board's pending motion for judgement on the pleadings. James agreed to defer any further briefing on Vidrine's behalf at the time to focus on addressing the Department of Justice's staffing concerns. If Vidrine chooses to file a brief, he can move the court for leave to do so.
A status conference for attorneys is set for 3 p.m. Dec. 15.
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