ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

BOARD BUSINESS MEETING 

McDonogh 35 Senior High School, Auditorium

4000 Cadillac Street

New Orleans, LA 70122

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

5:00 PM

 

Members present


Sarah Usdin, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Cynthia Cade, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison

 

Meeting called to order at 5:06 PM

 

1. OPENING OF MEETING

 

Procedural: 1.1 CALL TO ORDER - ROLL CALL

 

The Orleans Parish School Board Business Meeting was called to order at 5:06 by Board President, Seth Bloom. The following board members were present: Mr. John Brown, Ms. Sarah Usdin, Ms. Leslie Ellison, Mr. Seth Bloom, Mr. Woody Koppel, Mr. Nolan Marshall.


Ms. Cynthia Cade joined the meeting at 5:17 PM.

 

Procedural: 1.2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

The pledge of allegiance was led by Rodjonae Sutton, an upcoming Senior at New Orleans Charter Science and Math.

 

Action: 1.3 ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

 

Action item 5.18 Revision to the 2016-2017 OPSB District Calendar was amended to delete the reference to standardize the time and location of future board meetings.

 

Motion to adopt the Board meeting agenda as amended.

 

Motion by Sarah Usdin, second by Leslie Ellison.

Final Resolution: Motion Passes

Yea: Sarah Usdin, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison

Not Present at Vote: Cynthia Cade

 

2. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES

 

Action, Minutes: 2.1 Adoption of Minutes

 

Move to adopt the minutes of May 17, 2016 as printed in the agenda.

 

Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Sarah Usdin.

Final Resolution: Motion Passes

Yea: Sarah Usdin, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison

Not Present at Vote: Cynthia Cade

 

3. INFORMATION

 

Information: 3.1 Update to the Board on LA.R.S. 17:81(T) - Teaching of Dating Violence

 

4. CONSENT AGENDA

 

Action (Consent): 4.1 CONSENT AGENDA

 

Resolution: The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approve Consent Agenda items 5.2 through 5.4 as presented.

 

Move that Orleans Parish School Board approve Consent Agenda items 4.2 through 4.4 as presented.

 

Motion by Sarah Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.

Final Resolution: Motion Passes

Yea: Sarah Usdin, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison

Not Present at Vote: Cynthia Cade

 

Action (Consent): 4.2 DIRECT DIVERSION OF USDA COMMODITIES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2016-2017 FOR THE CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM

 

Resolution: The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board authorize the purchase of Direct Diversion of USDA Donated Products as listed in the rationale for the Child Nutrition Program for the 2016-2017 school year.

 

Move that Orleans Parish School Board approve Consent Agenda items 4.2 through 4.4 as presented.

 

Motion by Sarah Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.

Final Resolution: Motion Passes

Yea: Sarah Usdin, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison

Not Present at Vote: Cynthia Cade

 

Action (Consent): 4.3 CANNED FOODS AND STAPLES FOR THE CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR FISCAL YEAR 2016-2017 INVITATION TO BID NO. 17-CN-0004

 

Resolution: The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the bids meeting specifications for Canned Goods and Staples for the Child Nutrition Program for Fiscal Year 2016-2017.

 

Move that Orleans Parish School Board approve Consent Agenda items 4.2 through 4.4 as presented.

 

Motion by Sarah Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.

Final Resolution: Motion Passes

Yea: Sarah Usdin, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison

Not Present at Vote: Cynthia Cade

 

Action (Consent): 4.4 PAPER PRODUCTS FOR THE CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR FISCAL YEAR 2016-2017 INVITATION TO BID NO. 17-CN-0002

 

Resolution: The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board reject the low bids of All American Poly and Interboro because they did not meet the bid specifications; and approve the bid meeting specifications for Paper Products as listed in the rationale for the Child Nutrition Program for Fiscal Year 2016-2017.

 

Move that Orleans Parish School Board approve Consent Agenda items 4.2 through 4.4 as presented.

 

Motion by Sarah Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.

Final Resolution: Motion Passes

Yea: Sarah Usdin, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison

Not Present at Vote: Cynthia Cade

 

5. ACTION ITEMS

 

Action: 5.1 Charter Amendment - Foundation Preparatory Charter School

 

That the Orleans Parish School Board approve the amendment to the Operating Agreement between OPSB and Foundation Preparatory to reflect the school's new location and to add Pre-Kindergarten, and authorize the Board President to execute said amendment, subject to inspection of the new facility and final approval by district administration of the school's program plan for the new grade.

 

Motion by Sarah Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.

Final Resolution: Motion Passes

Yea: Sarah Usdin, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison

Not Present at Vote: Cynthia Cade

 

Action: 5.2 Donation from National University System

 

Ms. Usdin thanked the National University System for the donation.

 

That the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the donation from the National University System's Sanford Harmony Program in the amount of $1,500.00.

 

Motion by Sarah Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.

Final Resolution: Motion Passes

Yea: Sarah Usdin, Seth Bloom, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison

Not Present at Vote: Woody Koppel, Cynthia Cade

 

Action: 5.3 Resolution 12-16 FEMA Fund Budget Amendment #2

 

The following voice vote was held:


YEA: Mr. Brown, Ms. Usdin, Ms. Cade, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Boom, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall


NAY: None


ABSENT: None


ABSTAIN: None

 

That the Orleans Parish School Board adopts the fiscal resolution 12-16 authorizing the second (2nd) amendment to the Capital Projects Budget of Revenues and Expenditures for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2015 and ending June 30, 2016 waiving the reading of the resolution.

 

Motion by Sarah Usdin, second by Leslie Ellison.

Final Resolution: Motion Passes

Yea: Sarah Usdin, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Cynthia Cade, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison

 

Action: 5.4 Resolution 13-16 Bond Funds Budget Amendment #2

 

That the Orleans Parish School Board adopts the fiscal resolution 13-16 authorizing the second (2nd) amendment to the Capital Projects Budget of Revenues and Expenditures for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2015 and ending June 30, 2016 waiving the reading of the resolution.

 

Motion by Sarah Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.

The following voice vote was held:


YEA: Mr. Koppel, Ms. Cade, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Brown, Mr. Bloom, Ms. Ellison, Ms. Usdin

 

NAY: None


ABSENT: None


ABSTAIN: None

Final Resolution: Motion Passes

 

Action: 5.5 Resolution 14-16 Capital Projects Other Budget Amendment #2

 

That the Orleans Parish School Board adopts the fiscal resolution 14-16 authorizing the second (2nd) amendment to the Capital Projects Budget of Revenues and Expenditures for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2015 and ending June 30, 2016 waiving the reading of the resolution.

 

Motion by Sarah Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.

Yea: Sarah Usdin, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Cynthia Cade, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison

The following voice vote was held:


YEA: Mr. Marshall, Mr. Brown, Mr. Koppel, Ms. Cade, Ms. Usdin, Mr. Bloom, Ms. Ellison


NAY: None


ABSENT: None


ABSTAIN: None

Final Resolution: Motion Passes

 

Action: 5.6 Resolution 15-16, Approval of Superintendent's Implementation of Differentiated Funding Formula

 

The following constituents addressed the board:


James Brown spoke in opposition of the adoption of the policy put forth by the board for a vote.
Brady Shannon spoke in support of Differentiated Funding.


The following board comments were heard:


Mr. Brown reiterated that the board has voted on this item at its meeting in March 15, 2015 because of a state mandate. Board member Brown ask General Counsel, Mr. Edward Morris to provide some clarity on the purpose for a vote at this time. Mr. Morris explained that this resolution approves the Superintendent's proposed distribution of MFP funds to schools upon his assessment of student needs and also approves the allocation of such funds according to processes determined by the Superintendent consistent with the district-level allocation policy that was developed by the collaborative group. This vote is an approval of what the Superintendent has implemented to this date.


That the Orleans Parish School Board approves its Superintendent’s proposed distribution of MFP funds to schools based upon the Superintendent’s assessment of student needs and approving the allocation of such funds according to processes determined by the Superintendent in accordance with law, including charter law, and consistent with the district-level allocation policy that was developed by the collaborative working group established pursuant La. R.S. 17:3995 as amended by Act 467 in 2015 waiving the reading of the resolution.

 

Motion by Sarah Usdin, second by Cynthia Cade.

Yea: Sarah Usdin, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Cynthia Cade, Nolan MarshThe following voice vote was held:
NAY: None

ABSENT: None

Final Resolution: Motion Passes

 

Action: 5.7 Revisions to OPSB Employee Salary Scale for FY2017

 

That the Orleans Parish School Board approves revisions to the OPSB Employee Salary Scale for FY2017.

 

Motion by Sarah Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.

Final Resolution: Motion Passes

Yea: Sarah Usdin, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Cynthia Cade, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison

 

Action: 5.8 Approval of OPSB Stipend and Supplemental Compensation Scale for FY2017

 

That the Orleans Parish School Board approves the OPSB Stipend and Supplemental Compensation Scale for FY2017.

 

Motion by Sarah Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.

Final Resolution: Motion Passes

Yea: Sarah Usdin, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Cynthia Cade, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison

 

Action, Procedural: 5.9 Amendment to Policy GBDB, Employment of Retired Personnel

 

That the Orleans Parish School Board adopts the amendment(s) to Policy GBDB, Employment of Retired Personnel.

 

Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Sarah Usdin.

Final Resolution: Motion Passes

Yea: Sarah Usdin, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Cynthia Cade, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison

 

Action, Procedural: 5.10 Amendment to Policy BE, School Board Ethics

 

That the Orleans Parish School Board adopts the amendment(s) to Policy BE, School Board Ethics.

 

Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Cynthia Cade.

Final Resolution: Motion Passes

Yea: Sarah Usdin, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Cynthia Cade, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison

 

Action: 5.11 OPSB Policy HA Update

 

That the Orleans Parish School Board adopts the proposed revisions to OPSB Policy HA.

 

Motion by Sarah Usdin, second by Cynthia Cade.

Final Resolution: Motion Passes

Yea: Sarah Usdin, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Cynthia Cade, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison

 

Action, Procedural: 5.12 Amendment to Policy IFBGA, Computer Access and Use – Students

 

That the Orleans Parish School Board adopts the amendment(s) to Policy IFBGA, Computer Access and Use - Students.

 

Motion by Sarah Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.

Final Resolution: Motion Passes

Yea: Sarah Usdin, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Cynthia Cade, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison

 

Action, Procedural: 5.13 Amendment to Policy JHB, Student Activity Funds Management

 

That the Orleans Parish School Board adopts the amendment(s) to Policy JHB, Student Activity Funds Management.

 

Motion by Sarah Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.

Final Resolution: Motion Passes

Yea: Sarah Usdin, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Cynthia Cade, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison

 

Action: 5.14 New Policy IDBC -- Child Assault Awareness

 

That the Orleans Parish School Board adopts the New Policy IDBC - Child Assault Awareness.

 

Motion by Sarah Usdin, second by Cynthia Cade.

Final Resolution: Motion Passes

Yea: Sarah Usdin, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Cynthia Cade, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison

 

Action, Procedural: 5.15 New Policy EFAA, Employee Use of Social Media

 

That the Orleans Parish School Board adopts new policy EFAA, Employee Use of Social Media.

 

Motion by Sarah Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.

Final Resolution: Motion Passes

Yea: Sarah Usdin, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Cynthia Cade, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison

 

Action: 5.16 Create Opportunity to Construct New Orleans Charter Science and Math High School at the Site Currently Occupied by Success Preparatory Academy

 

The following constituents addressed the board at this time:


Glenda Larsen addressed the board in favor of this item.


Claire Jecklin addressed the board in favor of this item.


Rodjonae Sutton addressed the board in favor of this item.


The following board comments were discussed:


Ms. Usdin asked that since this project involves the moving of one school what will the timeline be and what accommodations are being made? Ms. Robertson addressed board member Usdin's concern stated that the design time necessary to follow through with the design of the planning of to the building at the Success site will allow the time for the renovation to occur at Marshall so that the students can move prior to the demolition of the building that's currently at the former Wicker site. Can OPSB assist the school with arrangements for a smooth transition? Ms. Robertson assured Ms. Usdin that assistance will be provided.

Ms. Ellison extended congratulations to Sci High's staff and students for being able to move into a newly renovated building.


Superintendent Lewis addressed the Sci High staff, community and working group for working along with OPSB to make this project possible and congratulated Sci High on it's new home.

 

That the Orleans Parish School Board authorize expenditures of up to $5,000,000 to refurbish Thurgood Marshall Elementary for occupancy by Success Preparatory Academy in order for the current Success Preparatory Academy site (formerly Albert Wicker Elementary) to become available for new construction for the New Orleans Charter Science and Math High School.

 

Motion by Sarah Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.

Final Resolution: Motion Passes

Yea: Sarah Usdin, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Cynthia Cade, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison

 

Action: 5.17 Approval of Revised Geographic Catchment Zones

 

The following board discussion was held:


Ms. Cade asked Superintendent Lewis if the foot print put forward to the board in this proposal going to remain exactly as stated or will there be changes? Ms. Cade asked that staff avail themselves to discuss more on the details of catchments zones after the board meeting. Dr. Lewis pointed out that Mary Garton, Chief Portfolio Officer would be available to answer any questions she may have.


The following constituents addressed the board at this time:


Kate Mehok spoke in favor of this item.


Florinta Stagers spoke in favor of this item and asked that the board continue to engage families in the geographic zones.


Brady Shannon spoke in favor of this item.


Terri Smith spoke in favor of this item.


Mr. Brown addressed the board in favor of the proposed catchment zones.


Ms. Ellison expressed the staff's commitment to more actively engage parents in this process moving forward.

 

That the Orleans Parish School Board Adopt the revised geographic catchment zones.

 

Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Sarah Usdin.

Final Resolution: Motion Passes

Yea: Sarah Usdin, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Cynthia Cade, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison

 

Action: 5.18 Revision to the 2016-2017 OPSB District Calendar

 

That the Orleans Parish School Board approve the revisions to the 2016-2017 OPSB District Calendar was amended to delete the reference to standardize the time and location of future board meetings.

 

Motion by Sarah Usdin, second by Leslie Ellison.

Final Resolution: Motion Passes

Yea: Sarah Usdin, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Cynthia Cade, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison

 

Action: 5.19 Casualty Insurance Renewal

 

Administration recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the renewal of the Casualty Insurance package at an amount not to exceed the quotes provided in the supporting documentation.

 

That the Orleans Parish School Board approves the renewal of the Casualty Insurance package in an amount not to exceed the quote provided in the supporting documentation.

 

Motion by Sarah Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.

Final Resolution: Motion Passes

Yea: Sarah Usdin, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Cynthia Cade, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison

 

6. EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

Action, Procedural: 6.1 Convene into Executive Session

 

The board convened into Executive Session at 6:03 PM. The board reconvened from Executive Session at 7:28 PM.

 

That the Orleans Parish School Board convene in to Executive Session.

 

Motion by Leslie Ellison, second by Cynthia Cade.

 

Action: 6.2 Melinda Taylor-Meyers, et al. v. Orleans Parish School Board, et al., CDC 2004-012506; Personal Injury - Settlement Recommendation

 

That the Orleans Parish School Board approves the recommendation of the General Counsel.

 

Motion by Sarah Usdin, second by Cynthia Cade.

Final Resolution: Motion Passes

Yea: Sarah Usdin, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Cynthia Cade, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison

 

Action: 6.3 Doretha Walker, et al. v. AMID/Metro Partnership, LLC, et al., CDC No. 2007-14794; Class Action Litigation - Stipulation re: Property

 

That the Orleans Parish School Board approves recommendation of the General Counsel.

 

Motion by Sarah Usdin, second by Cynthia Cade.

Final Resolution: Motion Passes

Yea: Sarah Usdin, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Cynthia Cade, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison

 

Action, Discussion: 6.4 Discussion of the character, the professional competence, physical or mental health of a person - School Board-appointed personnel.

 

7. ADJOURNMENT

 

Action: 7.1 ADJOURN MEETING

 

Mr. Edward Buckner addressed the Board prior to the adjournment of the meeting concerning Willie Hall Playground in a plea to the board to return Willie Hall Playground to the community. Ms. Usdin informed Mr. Buckner that OPSB took action to restore and return Willie Hall Playground back to the community and the wheels are in motion on the endeavor.


Pastor Lionel Roberts addressed the board with shared sentiments as Mr. Buckner and asked that the board does anything to expedite this project.


Ms. Usdin invited those interested in seeing the plans for Willie Hall Playground and have Ms. Sue Robertson work to make the viewing of the plans possible.


Monique Foche thanked the board for returning Willie Hall Playground to the community.

Motion to adjourn the Board meeting at 7:28 PM.

 

Motion by Sarah Usdin, second by Cynthia Cade.

Final Resolution: Motion Passes

Yea: Sarah Usdin, Seth Bloom, Woody Koppel, Cynthia Cade, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison