ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
Orleans Parish School Board
3520 General DeGaulle Drive, Room 1050
New Orleans, LA 70114
Thursday, March 16, 2017
5:00 PM
Members present
Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
1. OPENING OF MEETING
Procedural: 1.1 CALL TO ORDER - ROLL CALL
The Board meeting was called to order at 5:03 PM by Board President, John Brown with the following Board members present: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, Sarah Usdin. Also present were Superintendent Henderson Lewis, Jr. and General Counsel, Ed Morris.
Procedural: 1.2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The pledge of allegiance was led by, Lela Green, 5th grader at Andrew Wilson Elementary Charter.
Action: 1.3 ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
Motion to adopt the Board meeting agenda as printed.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Leslie Ellison.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
2. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
Action, Minutes: 2.1 ADOPTION OF MINUTES
That the Orleans Parish School Board adopts the minutes of the February 16, 2017 Board Business Meeting as presented.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Sarah Newell Usdin.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
3. INFORMATION
Information: 3.1 SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Prior to the Superintendent's report Board member Woody Koppel asked for personal preference to allow public comment from Edward Haik addressing the board to request a delay of auction on the Carrollton Courthouse Building to allow the organization, School for the Building Arts more time to raise money for the startup school that would service 17-20 students in masonry, carpentry and plastering.
The Superintendent asked for a moment of silence for the recent tragedy encountered by the Smith Family: Monique Smith, Jumyrin Smith, Justin Smith and surviving daughter, A'Miya Smith.
The Superintendent congratulated New School for New Orleans CEO, Patrick Dobard, LDOE Chief of Staff, Kunjan Narechania and CEO of Baton Rouge Achievement Zone, Dana Peterson on their new roles and thanked them for their efforts on unifying schools in New Orleans.
The Superintendent announced that Foundation Preparatory has been sited as the long-term occupant at Gaudet Elementary School Site.
In recognition of National Social Workers Month, Superintendent Lewis recognized social workers for all they do in public schools and presented proclamations on behalf of OPSB members.
The Superintendent recognized Landry-Walker Boys Basketball Team and coaches for winning the Louisiana Class 5A State Championship.
The Superintendent recognized Numan Joseph, a senior at Landry-Walker High School and Louisiana Student of the Year finalist.
The following OPSB schools received recognition for achieving outstanding academic performance and top gains measured by the 2016 school performance scores:
Outstanding Academic Performance- Mahalia Jackson Elementary School: SPS increase of 10.2 points
- Robert Russa Moton Charter School: SPS 85.9 points
- Eleanor McMain Secondary School: SPS 89.2 points
- Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School: SPS 89.5 points
- New Orleans Charter Science & Mathematics High School: SPS 94.4 points
- Benjamin Franklin Elementary School: SPS 95.4 points
Award of Highest Growth
- Andrew Wilson Charter School: SPS 39.7 points
"A" Award of Top Achievement receiving a letter grade of "A"
- KIPP Renaissance High School: SPS 100 points
- Warren Easton Charter School: SPS 100.7 points
- Alice M. Harte Charter School: SPS 104.3 points
- Edna Karr High School: SPS 106.9 points
- Audubon Charter School: SPS 112.2 points
- Edward Hynes Charter School: SPS 113.7 points
- Lake Forest Elementary Charter School: SPS 127.5 points
- Lusher Charter School: SPS 137 points
- Benjamin Franklin High School: SPS 140.3 points
4. ACTION ITEMS
Action: 4.1 Resolution 16-17 Congratulating the Graduates of the Orleans Public Education Network's 2017 Children's Leadership Training Institute
The Board recognized and congratulated graduates of OPEN's 2017 Children's Leadership Training Institute. Director, Tiqina Santos gave a brief description of the program.
That the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 16-17, recognizing and congratulating the graduates of the Orleans Public Education Network's 2017 Children's Leadership Training Institute, thanking their parents for allowing them to exercise their leadership, and commending the Orleans Public Education Network for creating and hosting such an important program that develops our youth in New Orleans. (Waiving the reading of the resolution)
Motion by Leslie Ellison, second by Sarah Newell Usdin.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
The following voice vote was held:
Yea: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, Sarah Newell Usdin
Action (Consent): 4.2 Type 1 (Transformation) Charter Recommendation: InspireNOLA Charter School - McDonogh #42 ES
Resolution: WAIVE the School Board's right under R.S. 17:10.7.1(F)(1)(b) to reject the recommendation of the Superintendent regarding the Type 1 charter application submitted by InspireNOLA Charter Schools
WAIVE the School Board's right under R.S. 17:10.7.1(F)(1)(b) to reject the recommendation of the Superintendent regarding the Type 1 charter application submitted by InspireNOLA Charter Schools
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 4.3 Revised OPSB Policy Section FE, Facilities Planning
David Alvarez addressed the board in opposition off selling the Carrollton Courthouse and other old OPSB prime school properties.
The Policy Committee recommends that Orleans Parish School Board approves the revisions to OPSB Policy Section FE, Facilities Planning
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 4.4 Revised OPSB Policy Section FJ, Orleans Parish School Facility Preservation Program
The Policy Committee recommends that Orleans Parish School Board approves the revisions to OPSB Policy Section FJ, Orleans Parish School Facility Preservation Program
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 4.5 Revised OPSB Policy Section HD, Charter School Facilities Management
The Policy Committee recommends that Orleans Parish School Board approves the revisions to OPSB Policy Section HD, Charter School Facilities Management
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 4.6 New Policy HAA: Charter School Operating Agreement
The Policy Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Policy HAA, Charter School Operating Agreement.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 4.7 New Policy HAC: Local Education Agency Status
The Policy Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approves OPSB Policy HAC, Local Education Agency Status.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 4.8 Request for Independent LEA Status - Benjamin Franklin High School
Action items 4.8 through 4.22 were taken in global to request independent LEA status.
The Accountability Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the request from Advocates for Academic Excellence in Education, Inc. to convert Benjamin Franklin High School to independent LEA status effective July 1, 2017.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 4.9 Request for Independent LEA Status - Robert Russa Moton Charter School
Action items 4.8 through 4.22 were taken in global to request independent LEA status.
The Accountability Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the request from Advocates for Innovative Schools, Inc. to convert Robert Russa Moton Charter School to independent LEA status effective July 1, 2017.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 4.10 Request for Independent LEA Status - Einstein Charter School at Village De L'Est
Action items 4.8 through 4.22 were taken in global to request independent LEA status.
The Accountability Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the request from The Einstein Group, Inc. to convert Einstein Charter School at Village De L'Est to independent LEA status effective July 1, 2017.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 4.11 Request for Independent LEA Status - Einstein Charter High School at Sarah Towles Reed
Action items 4.8 through 4.22 were taken in global to request independent LEA status.
The Accountability Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the request from The Einstein Group, Inc. to convert Einstein Charter High School at Sarah Towles Reed to independent LEA status effective July 1, 2017.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 4.12 Request for Independent LEA Status - Einstein Charter School at Sherwood Forest
Action items 4.8 through 4.22 were taken in global to request independent LEA status.
The Accountability Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the request from The Einstein Group, Inc. to convert Einstein Charter School at Sherwood Forest to independent LEA status effective July 1, 2017.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 4.13 Request for Independent LEA Status - ENCORE Academy
Action items 4.8 through 4.22 were taken in global to request independent LEA status.
The Accountability Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the request from ENCORE Learning to convert ENCORE Academy to independent LEA status effective July 1, 2017.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 4.14 Request for Independent LEA Status - Alice M. Harte Elementary Charter
Action items 4.8 through 4.22 were taken in global to request independent LEA status.
The Accountability Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the request from InspireNOLA Charter Schools to convert Alice Harte Elementary to independent LEA status effective July 1, 2017.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 4.15 Request for Independent LEA Status - Einstein Charter Middle School at Sarah Towles Reed
Action items 4.8 through 4.22 were taken in global to request independent LEA status.
Approve the request from The Einstein Group, Inc. to convert Einstein Charter Middle School at Sarah Towles Reed to independent LEA status effective July 1, 2017.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 4.16 Request for Independent LEA Status - Edna Karr High School
Action items 4.8 through 4.22 were taken in global to request independent LEA status.
The Accountability Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the request from InspireNOLA Charter Schools to convert Edna Karr High School to independent LEA status effective July 1, 2017.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 4.17 Request for Independent LEA Status - Lake Forest Elementary Charter School
Action items 4.8 through 4.22 were taken in global to request independent LEA status.
The Accountability Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the request from Lake Forest Elementary Charter School Corporation to convert Lake Forest Elementary Charter School to independent LEA status effective July 1, 2017.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 4.18 Request for Independent LEA Status - Lusher Charter School
Action items 4.8 through 4.22 were taken in global to request independent LEA status.
The Accountability Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the request from Advocates for Arts-based Education Corporation to convert Lusher School to independent LEA status effective July 1, 2017.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 4.19 Request for Independent LEA Status - New Orleans Charter Science and Mathematics High School
Action items 4.8 through 4.22 were taken in global to request independent LEA status.
The Accountability Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the request from Advocates for Science & Mathematics Education, Inc. to convert New Orleans Charter Science and Mathematics High School to independent LEA status effective July 1, 2017.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 4.20 Request for Independent LEA Status - Andrew Wilson Elementary
Action items 4.8 through 4.22 were taken in global to request independent LEA status.
The Accountability Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the request from InspireNOLA Charter Schools to convert Andrew Wilson Elementary to independent LEA status effective July 1, 2017.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 4.21 Request for Independent LEA Status - Audubon Charter School
Action items 4.8 through 4.22 were taken in global to request independent LEA status.
The Accountability Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the request from French and Montessori Education, Inc. to convert Audubon Charter School to independent LEA status effective July 1, 2017.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 4.22 Request for Independent LEA Status - Bricolage Academy
Action items 4.8 through 4.22 were taken in global to request independent LEA status.
The Accountability Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the request from Bricolage Academy to convert Bricolage Academy to independent LEA status effective July 1, 2017.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 4.23 Approval of Design Contract for a New School for the New Orleans Charter Science and Math High School
The following public comment regarding this item was heard:
Mary Zervigon addressed the board in appreciation for their consideration and approval of this agenda item.
Rajone Sutton and Greg Grayor both seniors at New Orleans Science and Math High School address the board with thanks and spoke of the process by which the project for the new school came to fruition.
Lorraine Washington addressed the board in opposition.
Board member Leslie Ellison ask Dr. Ken Ducote to speak to this item as a personal privileged:
Dr. Ken Ducote addressed the board to give a brief history of the design of the current school on site.
The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board authorize execution of design contract with Verges Rome Architects, APAC, to design the New Orleans Charter Science and Math High School at 2011 Bienville Street, New Orleans, LA 70112.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Leslie Ellison.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Abstain: Sarah Newell Usdin
Action: 4.24 Resolution 14-17 - Capital Projects Amendment #8 - FEMA Fund
The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts the fiscal resolution 14-17 authorizing the eighth (8th) amendment to the Capital Projects Budget of Revenues and Expenditures for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2016 and ending June 30, 2017. (Waiving the reading of the resolution)
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
The following voice vote was held:
Yea: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, Sarah Newell Usdin
Action: 4.25 Resolution 15-17 - Capital Projects Amendment #9 - Capital Projects Other
The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts the fiscal resolution 15-17 authorizing the ninth (9th) amendment to the Capital Projects Budget of Revenues and Expenditures for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2016 and ending June 30, 2017. (Waving the reading of the resolution)
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
The following voice vote was held:
Yea: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, Sarah Newell Usdin
Action: 4.26 Approval of RSD CEA for Facilities Training and Oversight
The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the expenditure of up to $154,214 for services that RSD facilities staff will provide to OPSB in the areas of facility lease training and oversight, facility inspection program training and oversight, and Building Automation System (BAS) training and oversight and authorizes administration and legal counsel to negotiate a CEA for this transfer.
Motion by Ethan Ashley, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 4.27 Transfer Funds to RSD for Thurgood Marshall Elementary Refurbishment
The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the transfer of up to $5,000,000 for the refurbishment of Thurgood Marshall Elementary and authorizes administration and legal counsel to negotiate a CEA for this transfer.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Nolan Marshall.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 4.28 Resolution 17-17-Supporting the Recommendations of Louisiana's School and District Accountability Commission pursuant to the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
Dina Hasiotis addressed the board with an abbreviated presentation to help the public better understand the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
Superintendent Lewis stated that on the evening prior to the OPSB March meeting the School Leader Forum met and voted in favor of the framework as presented by the Accountability Commission and the school leaders called out three areas: 1)raising the bar for excellence with mastery becoming the new basic by 2025, recognizing the importance of growth by including the growth factor of 25% of the SPS for K-8 in transitioning thoughtfully so you won't see an immediate decline as we transition to the higher standards.
The resolution was read into record by General Counsel, Ed Morris.
Board member Kleban expressed his beliefs: 1) the most important thing is the inclusion of the growth index, and 2)parents should know who students are being served as opposed to who schools are serving.
Brady Shannon addressed the Board in support of this endeavor.
Board member Ashley commented that we are off to a great start but we must make sure that throughout this process we're cognizant of how we engage our parents, students, and community about ESSA and what it means for the accountability system, being transparent throughout the process.
Board member Kleban ask for a brief personal privilege on a different topic: City Hall has found a location for the small barrier homeless shelter originally slated to be right next to Sylvania Williams Elementary. Mr. Kleban thanked the Landrieu Administration for the efforts in making a decision that was in the best interest of all those affected by the decision.
That the Orleans Parish School Board adopts a resolution of support for the recommendations of Louisiana’s School and District Accountability (Accountability) Commission in its role in the submission of Louisiana’s Consolidated State Plan by the Louisiana Department of Education pursuant to the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Ben Kleban.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
The following voice vote was held:
Yea: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, Sarah Newell Usdin
5. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Action: 5.1 Shontell A. Julian, et al. v. Orleans Parish School Board
The Board convened into Executive Session with all board members present.
The Legal/Legislative Committee recommends that the OPSB approve the recommendation of the General Counsel.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Nolan Marshall.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Discussion: 5.2 Discussion of the character, the professional competence, physical or mental health of a person - School Board-appointed personnel.
The Board reconvened from Executive Session with all board members present.
6. ADJOURNMENT
Action: 6.1 ADJOURN MEETING
Motion to adjourn the Board meeting at 6:58 PM.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Fails
Not Present at Vote: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley