ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016
MINUTES
5:00 p.m.
Members present
Cynthia Cade, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Sarah Usdin, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison, John Brown
1. OPENING OF MEETING
Procedural: 1.1 CALL TO ORDER - ROLL CALL
Mr. Bloom called the meeting into order at 5:40 p.m.
Procedural: 1.2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Action: 1.3 ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
Motion to adopt the Board meeting agenda as presented.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Seth Bloom.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Cynthia Cade, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Sarah Usdin, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison, John Brown
2. SUPERINTENDENT'S AGENDA
Information: 2.1 Superintendent's Report
3. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
Action: 3.1 Adoption of OPSB Board Business Meeting - January 14, 2016
Move to adopt the OPSB Business Meeting Minutes of January 14, 2016.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Sarah Usdin.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Cynthia Cade, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Sarah Usdin, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison, John Brown
4. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Action: 4.1 Committee Reports
Motion to accept and waive reading of Committee Reports from March 10, 2016.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Sarah Usdin.
Motion Passes
Yea: Cynthia Cade, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Sarah Usdin, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison, John Brown
5. ACTION ITEMS
Action: 5.1 Year 3 Extension: InspireNOLA Charter Schools (Harte & Karr)
That the Orleans Parish School Board approves the Administration’s recommendation that the Orleans Parish School Board grants a full extension of the charter operating agreement with InspireNOLA Charter Schools for both Alice Harte ES and Edna Karr HS, for each school to complete the initial five-year charter term as provided for under state law.
Motion by Sarah Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
Motion Passes
Yea: Cynthia Cade, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Sarah Usdin, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison, John Brown
Action: 5.2 Year 3 Extension: Homer A. Plessy Community School
That the Orleans Parish School Board approves the Administration’s recommendation that the Orleans Parish School Board grant a probationary extension of the charter operating agreement with the Citizen’s Committee for Education for Homer A. Plessy Community School to complete its initial five year charter term, subject to review of the school’s academic performance at the conclusion of the school’s fourth year.
Motion by Sarah Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Cynthia Cade, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Sarah Usdin, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison, John Brown
Action: 5.3 Year 3 Extension: Bricolage Academy
That the Orleans Parish School Board approves the Administration’s recommendation that the Orleans Parish School Board grants a full extension of the charter operating agreement with Bricolage Academy, to complete the school’s initial five-year charter term as provided for under state law.
Motion by Leslie Ellison, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Cynthia Cade, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Sarah Usdin, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison
Abstain: John Brown
Action: 5.4 Type 3B Transfer Acceptance: Mary D. Coghill Charter School
A voice vote was held in the following order: Mr. John Brown, Ms. Cynthia Cade, Ms. Sarah Usdin, Ms. Leslie Ellison, Mr. Seth Bloom, Mr. Woody Koppel and Mr. Nolan Marshall.
That the Orleans Parish School Board adopts the resolution accepting jurisdiction of Mary D. Coghill Charter School as a Type 3B school with independent LEA status, and authorizing the execution of a Type 3B charter contract between the Orleans Parish School Board (“OPSB”) and Better Choice Foundation, Inc.
Motion by Cynthia Cade, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Cynthia Cade, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Sarah Usdin, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison, John Brown
Action: 5.5 Type 3B Transfer Acceptance: Fannie C. Williams Charter School
A voice vote was taken in the following order: Mr. Nolan Marshall, Mr. Woody Koppel, Ms. Sarah Usdin, Mr. Seth Bloom, Ms. Leslie Ellison, Ms. Cynthia Cade, Mr. John Brown. The following constituents addressed the Board: Ms. Karen Harper-Royal addressed the board to consider giving neighbor students preference in neighborhood schools.
That the Orleans Parish School Board adopts the resolution accepting jurisdiction of Fannie C. Williams Charter School as a Type 3B school with LEA status, and authorizing the execution of a Type 3B charter contract between the Orleans Parish School Board (“OPSB”) and Community Leaders Advocating Student Success (C.L.A.S.S.)
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Sarah Usdin.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Cynthia Cade, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Sarah Usdin, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison, John Brown
Action: 5.6 Type 3B Transfer Acceptance: KIPP Renaissance High School
A voice vote was taken in the following order: Mr. Seth Bloom, Ms. Sarah Usdin, Mr. Woody Koppel, Ms. Cynthia Cade, Mr. Nolan Marshall, Ms. Leslie Ellison, Mr. John Brown. The following constituents addressed the Board: Ms. Rhonda Eloise, CEO KIPP Renaissance spoke regarding their return to Orleans Parish School Board and ACT 467.
That the Orleans Parish School Board adopts the resolution accepting jurisdiction of KIPP Renaissance High School as a Type 3B school with independent LEA status, and authorizing the execution of a Type 3B charter contract between the Orleans Parish School Board (“OPSB”) and KIPP New Orleans Schools.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Sarah Usdin.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Cynthia Cade, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Sarah Usdin, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison, John Brown
Action: 5.7 Type 3B Transfer Acceptance: New Beginnings School Foundation – Pierre
A. Capdau Charter School & Lake Area New Tech Early College High School
A voice vote was held as in the following order: Mr. Nolan Marshall, Mr. Woody Koppel, Mr. Seth Bloom, Ms. Cynthia Cade, Ms. Sarah Usdin, Ms. Leslie Ellison, Mr. John Brown. The following constituents addressed the Board: Karen Harper-Royal encouraged neighborhood schools.
That the Orleans Parish School Board adopts the resolution accepting jurisdiction Pierre A. Capdau Charter School and Lake Area New Tech Early College High School as Type 3B schools with independent LEA status, and authorizing the execution of a Type 3B charter contract between the Orleans Parish School Board (“OPSB”) and New Beginnings Schools Foundation.
Motion by Cynthia Cade, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Cynthia Cade, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Sarah Usdin, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison, John Brown
Action: 5.8 Charter Operating Agreement Amendment – Bricolage Academy
Mr. Brown abstained.
That the Orleans Parish School Board approves the amendment to the Operating Agreement between OPSB and Bricolage Academy to provide for a preference for students designated as “economically-disadvantaged” pursuant to state law, and authorize General Counsel to prepare and the Board President to execute the amendment.
Motion by Sarah Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Cynthia Cade, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Sarah Usdin, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison
Abstain: John Brown
Action: 5.9 OPSB Approval of Dissemination of Reasonable Assurance of Employment Letters to OPSB Employees
That the Orleans Parish School Board approves dissemination of a letter of reasonable assurance of employment to each employee covered under Louisiana Revised Statute 23:1600.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Cynthia Cade.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Cynthia Cade, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Sarah Usdin, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison, John Brown
Action: 5.10 OPSB Approval of the 2016-17 Academic Calendar
That the Orleans Parish School Board approves the 2016-2017 Academic Calendar.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Seth Bloom.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Cynthia Cade, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Sarah Usdin, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison, John Brown
Action: 5.11 Acceptance of Grant Award, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Fesitval Foundation - Eleanor McMain School
That the Orleans Parish School Board approves the acceptance of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Foundation Community Partnership grant for Eleanor McMain Secondary in the amount of $3,000.00 be moved to the full board for approval.
Motion by Seth Bloom, second by Nolan Marshall.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Cynthia Cade, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Sarah Usdin, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison, John Brown
Action: 5.12 Better Than Ezra Grant Continuation Award Acceptance- Bethune Elementary
That the Orleans Parish School Board approves the acceptance of the Better Than Ezra Foundation Continuation grant for Bethune Elementary in the amount of $12,700.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Leslie Ellison.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Cynthia Cade, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Sarah Usdin, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison, John Brown
Action: 5.13 Acceptance of the Grant Award, The Jefferson Convention and Visitors Bureau, Inc - McDonogh 35
That the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the Jefferson Convention and Visitors Bureau, Inc - McDonogh 35 donation.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Cynthia Cade.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Cynthia Cade, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Sarah Usdin, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison, John Brown
Action: 5.14 OPSB Safe Routes to Schools CEA between Orleans Parish School Board and City of New Orleans
That the Orleans Parish School Board approves the Safe Routes to Schools CEA with the City of New Orleans for a two (2) year period at $70,000 per year. This CEA will enhance transportation corridors and safety plans, provide training to cross guards, and numerous other safety precautions.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Leslie Ellison.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Cynthia Cade, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Sarah Usdin, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison, John Brown
Action: 5.15 Approval of a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Advocates for Arts-Based Education Corporation (AABE) for Capital Improvements to the Lusher Middle and High School Facility.
That the Orleans Parish School Board authorizes AABE to renovate an area on the first floor of the Lusher Middle and High School building (5654 Freret Street) to construct a performance area and performing arts support spaces.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Leslie Ellison.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Cynthia Cade, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Sarah Usdin, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison, John Brown
Action: 5.16 Second Reading of New Policy FHA, Final Acceptance of Construction Projects
That the Orleans Parish School Board adopts new OPSB Policy Section FHA, Final Acceptance of construction projects.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Cynthia Cade.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Cynthia Cade, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Sarah Usdin, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison, John Brown
Action: 5.17 Second Reading of New Policy FHAA, Liquidated Damages
That the Orleans Parish School Board adopts new OPSB Policy Section FHAA, Liquidated Damages.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Sarah Usdin.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Cynthia Cade, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Sarah Usdin, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison, John Brown
Action: 5.18 Second Reading of New Policy FJ, Orleans Parish School Facility Preservation Program
The following public comments was heard: Brenda Square addressed the board urging that when OPSB New Policy FJ is implemented that the Board take into consideration legacy gifts, preserve artifacts and history. A brief discussion followed.
That the Orleans Parish School Board adopts new OPSB Policy Section FJ, Orleans Parish School Facility Preservation.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Sarah Usdin.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Cynthia Cade, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Sarah Usdin, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison, John Brown
Action: 5.19 Second Reading of Revised OPSB Policy Sections J and K and New Section L
That the Orleans Parish School Board adopts the comprehensive revisions to OPSB Policy Sections J and K and new Section L.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Sarah Usdin.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Cynthia Cade, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Sarah Usdin, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison, John Brown
Action: 5.20 Resolution No. 07-16 Regarding Act 467
Mr. Nolan Marshall offered a substitute motion. Seconded by Ms. Ellison. Ms. Sarah Usdin followed up with a substitution to Mr. Nolan Marshall's substitute motion. Mr. Nolan Marshall accepted Ms. Sarah Usdin's substitution as an amendment to his substitute motion. Mr. Bob Hammonds of Hammonds and Sills gave an explanation of the impact of Ms. Usdin's amendment to the motion offered by Mr. Marshall stating that the amendment does not change the motion other than addition the wording to include "Charter Law".
The following constituents addressed the board regarding Resolution No. 07-16 (ACT 467): Katie Caroll, Patrick Dobard, James Brown, Wiley Abes, Elizabeth Ostberg, Kelly Bryson, Terri Smith, Cay Kimbrell, Morgan Guyton, Claudia Barker, Charles, Medley, Amy Collins, Lois Parsons, Jay Altman, Marilyn Sorto, Rita Legrand, Margaret Leaf, Christopher Hines, Doris Hicks, Chris Lyman, Ben Kleban, Eboni Walker, Amanda Aiken, Rhonda Aluise, Towana Pierre-Floyd, Jonathan Bertsch, Melashaun Franklin, Rhonda Dale, Kira Fredrich, Michael Stone, Ethan Ashley, Josh Denson, Mickey Landry, Kevin Cox, Stefan Lallinge, Jennifer Weishaupt, Meredin O'neel, John Martin, Gilbert Tomas, Sibia Murcia, Brady Shannon, Jennifer Coco, Shirley Batiste, Dan Holmes, Karla Romero, Karran Harper-Royal.
The following voice vote was held, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Bloom, Ms. Cade, Ms. Usdin, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison.
That the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution No. 07-16, authorizing and ratifying its Superintendent’s: 1) participation in the collaborative process facilitated by the Louisiana Department of Education pursuant to Act 467 of the 2015 Regular Legislative Session; 2) in his discretion accept the district-level computation developed through the collaborative process; and 3) development of any additional budgetary procedures necessary to implement the district-level computation as developed by the collaborative process; for use by the Board in the preparation of its budget for the 2016-17 budget year, and subsequent years, and in providing guidance to its charter schools for the preparation of their budget submissions for the 2016-17 budget year, and subsequent years.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Leslie Ellison.
Motion Fails
Not Present at Vote: Cynthia Cade, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Sarah Usdin, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison, John Brown
That the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution No. 07-16, authorizing and ratifying its Superintendent’s: 1) participation in the collaborative process facilitated by the Louisiana Department of Education pursuant to Act 467 of the 2015 Regular Legislative Session; 2) in his discretion accept the district-level computation developed through the collaborative process; and 3) development of any additional budgetary procedures necessary to implement the district-level computation as developed by the collaborative process; for use by the Board in the preparation of its budget for the 2016-17 budget year, and subsequent years, and in providing guidance to its charter schools for the preparation of their budget submissions for the 2016-17 budget year, and subsequent years.
Motion by Nolan Marshall, second by Sarah Usdin.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Cynthia Cade, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Sarah Usdin, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison, John Brown
6. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Action: 6.1 RECESS TO EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion to convene to Executive Session
Motion by Seth Bloom, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Cynthia Cade, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Sarah Usdin, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison, John Brown
Action: 6.2 RECONVENE FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION / ROLL CALL
The board reconvened from Executive Session with all board members present.
Motion to reconvene from Executive Session
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Sarah Usdin.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Cynthia Cade, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Sarah Usdin, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison, John Brown
Action: 6.3 Shannon Easterling v. Orleans Parish School Board; CDC No. 2005-12112; Div. “J-13”; Personal Injury Litigation.
Move that the Orleans Parish School Board approves settlement of this matter as recommended by the General Counsel.
Motion by Sarah Usdin, second by Cynthia Cade.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Cynthia Cade, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Sarah Usdin, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison, John Brown
7. PUBLIC COMMENT
8. ADJOURNMENT
Action: 8.1 ADJOURN MEETING
The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM.
Motion to adjourn the Board meeting
Motion by Leslie Ellison, second by Cynthia Cade.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Cynthia Cade, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Sarah Usdin, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison, John Brown