ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
Orleans Parish School Board
3520 General DeGaulle Drive, Suite 1050
New Orleans, LA 70114
Thursday, April 20, 2017
5:00 PM
Members present
Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Meeting called to order at 2:50 PM
1. OPENING OF MEETING
Procedural: 1.1 CALL TO ORDER - ROLL CALL
The Orleans Parish School Board Meeting was called to order by Board President, John Brown at 5:05 PM with the following Board members present: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Mrs. Newell-Usdin. Also present were Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. and Mr. Ed Morris.
Procedural: 1.2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of allegiance was led by Ruth Ester Jewels, 5th Grade Honor Student at Hynes Charter School enrolled in the French Immersion Program since Kindergarten. Ruth led the pledge first in French and following in the English language.
Action: 1.3 ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
Motion to adopt the Board meeting agenda as presented.
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
2. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
Action, Minutes: 2.1 ADOPTION OF MINUTES
That the Orleans Parish School Board adopts the minutes of the March 16, 2017 Board Business Meeting as presented.
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
Board member Koppel requested point of personal privilege to allow Andrew from New York to address the Board regarding the Future Project, a non-profit organization that ignite the passion of students, help them develop a vision for their future, a vision for how they can improve their community and learn the skills they need to succeed and flourish in the 21st Century in this new economy and fast changing world.
3. INFORMATION
Information: 3.1 SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
The Superintendent and the Board recognized the following students, educators and parents of Orleans Parish Schools as Chief of Staff, Mr. Adam Hawf, introduced the recipients:
Tien Nguyen, Einstein Charter Middle School - 29th Annual New Orleans Spelling Bee Champion on Saturday, March 18, 2017
Anthony Rhodes, Benjamin Franklin Elementary School - 1st Place Winner in the category of Engineering Mechanics at the New Orleans Science and Engineering Fair and the Louisiana State Science Fair
Bryson White, Benjamin Franklin Elementary School - 1st Place Winner in the category of Animal Science at the New Orleans Science and Engineering Fair
Stoney McKnight, Benjamin Franklin Elementary School - 1st Place Winner in the category of Chemistry at the New Orleans Science and Engineering Fair
Louisiana Department of Education 2018 Teacher of the Year Semi-Finalists
Alex Bell, Collegiate Academies
Brittany Smith, Edward Hynes Charter School
Ingrid Rachal, Bethune Elementary
Lorraine Fedison-Winder, Firstline School
The membership of the Urban League of Louisiana Parent Leadership Academy (PRIDE) "Parents Ready to be Involved to Deliver Excellence “were recognized for there commencement of the academy.
The Superintendent addressed the audience with his recommendation for the future of Mahalia Jackson Elementary School. While difficult but not taken lightly the recommendation was based on an overview of citywide and school-specific enrollment and financial data and with the Superintendent's determination the K-6 portion of Mahalia Jackson is not sustainable as a district operated school therefore, it was recommended the phase out of the district operated K-6 school program at this campus, effective at the conclusion of next school year, 17 -18 school year. The Superintendent stated that the announcement is being made at an early stage to provide families and staff every opportunity to prepare for the transition. For families wishing to remain at MJE for the 2017-18 school year, OPSB is committed to running a high quality school program at Mahalia Jackson next year. Families who seek another school placement will also be provided support. The district is committed to working with the school community, our partners housed at the MJE Facility, and other Central City Community Stakeholders in an inclusive process to determine the best future use for the Mahalia Jackson Facility.
The Superintendent recommended the Type 3 Conversion of Eleanor McMain Secondary School to a public charter school under InspireNola, as an automatic replication of Edna Karr High School. He stated that the replication of Edna Karr at McMain presents the opportunity to build on the tradition and history of Eleanor McMain, and the legacy of its Alumni Community, who have indicated their strong support for the recommendation.
Information: 3.2 Acknowledgement of School Board Member Continuing Education
The following Board members were recognized for their annual completion of continuing education and ethics training units:
Board Member, Seth Bloom - 20 CLU's
Board Member, John Brown, Sr. - 38.75 CLU's
Cynthia Cade - 20 CLU's
Leslie Ellison - 29 CLU's
Woody Koppel - 23.5 CLU's
Nolan Marshall - 54.5 CLU's
Sarah Usdin - 7 CLU's
Discussion, Information: 3.3 Notice of Public Meeting To Call An Election
General Counsel, Mr. Ed Morris publicly announced the following notice, Notice is hereby given that the Orleans Parish School Board plans to consider a resolution ordering and calling for an election to be held within the Parish of Orleans to authorize the levy of ad valorem taxes at the School Board Meeting on May 25, 2017 at 8:45 AM, at Orleans Parish School Board, 3520 General DeGaulle Drive, Suite 1050, New Orleans, LA 70114.
Information: 3.4 Notice of Intent-Charter Operator Engagement
Chief Strategy Officer, Mr. Morgan addressed the Board regarding the Common Charter contract pursuant to the amendments that were made in committee it was requested and the Superintendent is providing notice of it's intent to present draft amendments to section: H of the OPSB Policy Manual, for First Reading in May relative to provisions that were struck from the Common Charter contract.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
Action (Consent): The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Boards accepts consent agenda items 4.1 through 4.4 as presented.
Motion by Sarah Newell-Usdin, second by Woody Koppel
Final Resolution Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action (Consent): 4.1 Hot Water System Replacement at Warren Easton High School
Resolution: The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid from Arc Mechanical Contractors, Incorporated in the amount of $137,500.00; and authorize the OPSB General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid from Arc Mechanical Contractors, Incorporated in the amount of $137,500.00; and authorize the OPSB General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
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 (Consent): 4.2 Fan Coil Repairs at Frederick A. Douglass
Resolution: The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid from Corporate Mechanical Contractors, Incorporated in the amount of $102,000.00; and authorize the OPSB General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid from Corporate Mechanical Contractors, Incorporated in the amount of $102,000.00; and authorize the OPSB General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
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 (Consent): 4.3 Bethune Refurbishment
Resolution: The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid from Construction Masters in the amount of $1,010,000.00; and authorize the OPSB General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid from Construction Masters in the amount of $1,010,000.00; and authorize the OPSB General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
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 (Consent): 4.4 Warren Easton High School Courtyard Waterproofing
Resolution: The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid from Thigpen Construction Company, Incorporated in the amount of $467,100.00; and authorize the OPSB General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor. Thigpen Construction has committed to a 35% DBE goal.
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
5. ACTION ITEMS
Action: 5.1 Approval of the Common Charter Contract
The Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposed Common Charter Contract and proposes a deadline of April 27, 2017 for Charter operators to execute said contracts as recommended by the legal and legislative committee.
Ms. Ellison offered the following amendment: To strike the aforementioned language and replace with, The Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposed Common Charter Contract and establishes a deadline to execute said contract of April 27, 2017 for charter operators exiting the School Board's LEA and of May 21, 2017 for all other charter operators executing contracts this year.
The substitute motion moved by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Ben Kleban.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
The following constituents addressed the Board at this time: Graham Williams addressed the Board regarding several last minute changes, 4.41 regarding MFP funds present no problems, 9.4, page 47, the Dispute Resolution proposed changes and proposed the following language: In an event of a dispute between Charter operator and OPSB regarding the terms of this operating agreement or any other issue regarding the relationship between Charter operator and OPSB the party shall notify the other in writing of the specific disputed issues. The party shall submit all disputes to mediations in New Orleans, Louisiana with a mediator jointly selected by the parties. The parties will make a good faith effort to resolve the disputed issue or issues in mediation if the dispute is not for any reason resolved through mediation within 45 days of written notification of the dispute or other agreed upon time frame, the parties may proceed to pursue any and all remedies related to the disputed issues to which they may be entitled.
Deputy General Counsel, Kathy Moss addressed the Board stating the aforementioned language was previously provided to the Legal Department of Orleans Parish School Board and there are no issues with said language.
Motion by Ms. Ellison, that the Board deletes the language currently in Section 9.4 of the Common Charter Contract and replace it with the language that was read into the record by Mr. Williams
Second by Ms. Newell Usdin
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Mr. Graham addressed no issues with Section 1.9.2 and 1.9.3 and asked that the Board to support the Common Charter Contract as written.
Mr. Ashley commended all involved parties for a well handled process but regret the fact that Charter Boards did not pursue the opportunity to partake in this process and asked that in the future on this issue he asked to here more from Charter Board Members (partners) because they're signators to this contract.
Mr. Kleban expressed gratitude to all participating parties, notably Kathy Moss and Sharonda Williams as well as all of the lawyers and leaders for working so diligently on a project that was not easy.
Superintendent Lewis echoed the comments of Mr. Ashley and Mr. Kleban commending members of the administrative team, Colleston Morgan, Kathy Moss, Sharonda Williams and Aaron Bloch. Dr. Lewis said, this contract is putting us on the right path for all schools to be held accountable and of the same academic standards because we have an obligation to make sure that we educate every single young person that is entrusted to us by our parents and our community.
Action: 5.2 New Policy DCBA: District-Level Funding Allocation
The Policy Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approves new Policy DCBA, District-Level Funding Allocation.
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: 5.3 Mahalia Jackson ES - Phase-Out of ES Grades (K-6)
The Accountability Committee recommends approval of the recommendation of the Superintendent to phase out the district-operated K-6 school program at Mahalia Jackson, effective at the conclusion of the 2017-18 school year.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Sarah Newell Usdin.
The following constituents addressed the Board at this time: Brother, Al Mimms, Jr. addressed the Board in opposition of the phase out of Mahalia Jackson and in opposition of the 5 PM time of the meeting. Angela Turner addressed the Board in opposition of the phase out of Mahalia Jackson and spoke of the tight knitted school community. Ms. Ellison asked Ms. Turner when did she get the notification of the phase out plan for Mahalia Jackson elementary School. Ms. Turner responded, about two week prior to this Board meeting. Brunika Ware addressed the Board in opposition of the phase out of Mahalia Jackson and the notification. Lloyd Kelly addressed the Board to reconsider their position on Mahalia Jackson. Caletha Pindle addressed the Board in opposition of the phase out plan for Mahalia Jackson. Lamont Douglas addressed the Board of the closure of Mahalia Jackson. Attorney, Willie Zanders addressed the Board in opposition of the closure of Mahalia Jackson (asked that his 3 pg. letter be placed in the record). Tonette Porter addressed the Board in opposition of the phase out plan to close Mahalia Jackson. Christy Washington addressed the Board in opposition of the closure and the timing of the notice. Walter Goodwin spoke in opposition of the school closure.
Mr. Kleban offered a substitute motion to defer this item second by Ms. Ellison. Mr. Kleban addressed the constituents regarding the notification of the phase out plan for Mahalia Jackson received by parents, faculty and staff and is in disagreement with the enrollment data. While he supports the Superintendent's intent not to have Mahalia Jackson be run as a direct run school he cannot support closure as it may not be in the best interest of the students and community, stating that he believes the Board owes it to the community to take more time and listen to them before it moves any further.
Brenda Square addressed the Board in opposition of the phase out plan for Mahalia Jackson and a lack of response to the community's concern.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
The following voice vote was held:
Yea: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
Ms. Ellison ask General Counsel, Mr. Morris to explain to the general public the process that just took place. Mr. Morris explained that the original motion as printed on the agenda, followed by a substitute motion by Mr. Kleben to defer any action to be taken towards Mahalia Jackson. Further, that the substitute motion was made and seconded followed by a unanimous vote of the Board in support of Mr. Kleban's substitute motion.
Action: 5.4 Eleanor McMain Type 3 Conversion Request: InspireNOLA Automatic Replication
The Accountability Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board grant permission to InspireNOLA’s request for permission for automatic replication of Edna Karr as a Type 3 charter school with independent LEA status through the conversion of Eleanor McMain Secondary School.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Leslie Ellison.
The following constituents addressed the Board at this time: Willie Calhoun, Jr., addressed the Board in opposition of McMain becoming a Type 3 charter. Lamont Douglas addressed the Board in favor of InspireNola's automatic replication of Karr at McMain Secondary School. Walter Goodwin addressed the Board in opposition of McMain becoming a Type 3 charter under the Leadership of InspireNola. Brenda Square addressed the Board in opposition of McMain becoming a Type 3 charter under the Leadership of InspireNola.
Mr. Ashley addressed Ms. Square to clarify a statement she made about being unable to access local charter boards. Ms. Square explained that Local Charter Boards are not elected officials, when she has concerns there are means of communication to reach an elected board member such as OPSB. However, she doesn’t vote for any charter board member, she not sure how they are selected, but feels there is no accountability there for here. She would have to reach out to different CMO Board members, attend various CMO Board meetings that are sometimes held at 10 AM.
Mr. Ashley asked that the Administration follow up with charter boards about concerns with accessibility. Attorney, Willie Zanders addressed the Board in opposition of McMain becoming a Type 3 charter.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 5.5 Approval of Employee Letters of Reasonable Assurance of Employment
The Accountability Committee recommends that recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the distribution of letters of reasonable assurance of employment to nine and ten month school based employees, as necessary.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Leslie Ellison.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 5.6 Approval of the 2017-18 Academic Calendar
The Accountability Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the 2017-18 Academic Calendar.
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 items 5.7 through 5.14 Type 3 transfer acceptance to be taken in globo.
The Accountability Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts the resolution accepting jurisdiction of the following schools 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 the said school:
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
Esperanza Charter School
Lafayette Academy Charter School of New Orleans
Sci Academy
Arthur Ashe Charter School
Samuel J. Green Charter School
Langston Hughes Academy
Phillis Wheatley Community School
Edgar P. Harney Spirit of Excellence Academy
5.7 The following voice vote was held for Esperanza Charter School
Motion Passes: 7 - 0
Yea: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
5.8 The following voice vote was held for Lafayette Academy Charter School of New Orleans
Motion Passes: 7 - 0
Yea: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
5.9 The following voice vote was held for Sci Academy
Motion Passes: 7 - 0
Yea: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
5.10 The following voice vote was held for Arthur Ashe Charter School
Motion Passes: 7 - 0
Yea: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
5.11 The following voice vote was Samuel J. Green Charter School
Motion Passes: 7 - 0
Yea: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
5.12 The following voice vote was held for Langston Hughes Academy
Motion Passes: 7 - 0
Yea: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
5.13 The following voice vote was held for Phillis Wheatley Community School
Motion Passes: 7 - 0
Yea: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
5.14 The following voice vote was held for Edgard P. Harney Spirit of Excellence Academy
Motion Passes: 7 - 0
Yea: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
Action: 5.15 Donation from West Bank Holdings II
The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts said donation.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Leslie Ellison.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action (Consent): 5.16 Orleans Justice Center Educational Program
The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the award to operate the Orleans Justice Center Educational program to the Center for Educational Excellence in Alternative Settings (CEEAS) a non-profit organization in the not to exceed amount of $975,000 per year for two (2) years and authorize General Counsel to prepare a contract.
The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid from Arc Mechanical Contractors, Incorporated in the amount of $137,500.00; and authorize the OPSB General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
Motion by Leslie Ellison, second by Sarah Newell Usdin.
The following constituent addressed the Board at this time: Anna Galliger addressed the Board to urge their support of this recommendation. Superintendent Lewis spoke briefly about the state of the OJC and ALI at the onset of his superintendency, having had the opportunity to visit other facilities under the leadership of CEEAS and believes that all young people deserve the right to a public education.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 5.17 Exercise the Option to Amend the Third Party Contracts for Nonpublic Schools Title I Services
The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the option to amend the following contracts for Title I services to eligible students enrolled in nonpublic schools: Catapult Learning contract to increase from $3,425,194.53 to $4,100,651.11; the Nonpublic Educational Services contract to increase from $178,942.30 to $215,001.92; and the Sylvan Learning contract to increase from $9,996.78 to $12,011.28.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Leslie Ellison.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 5.18 Exercise the Option to Amend the Third Party Contracts for Nonpublic Schools Title II Part A Services
The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the option to amend the following contracts for Title II Part A services to eligible students enrolled in nonpublic schools: Catapult Learning contract to increase from $628,692.99 to $970,030.01 plus the administrative cost of 7% of services provided and the Nonpublic Educational Services contract to increase from $8,647.01 to 13,261.80 plus the administrative cost of 7% of services provided.
Motion by Leslie Ellison, 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
Action: 5.19 Resolution 26-17 - Capital Projects Amendment #10 - Capital Projects Other
The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approval the adjustment to the capital projects budget by the Capital Projects Other funding source to reflect the costs for such eligible projects.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Leslie Ellison.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
The following voice vote was held:
Yea: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
Action: 5.20 Amendment to the OPSB 2017 Calendar of Committee and Board Business Meetings
OPSB Administration is seeking to adjust the calendar for the regular Board Business and Committee Meetings of the school board for May 2017. The request is to conduct the OPSB Committee Meetings on Thursday, May 18, 2017 beginning at 1pm and the Board Business Meeting at 5pm (as originally scheduled). This change is necessitated due to a scheduling conflict with OPSB Network Schools Graduations (McMain and McDonogh 35) that will take place on May 16, 2017.
The recommendation is that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposed changes to the 2017 Calendar of Committee and Board Business Meetings to be held at 3520 General DeGaulle Drive, Suite 1050, New Orleans, LA 70114.
Mr. Marshall asked the Board is it a necessity to meet in committees since they will be held on the same day as the Board meeting. Superintendent Lewis yields to the wishes of the Board since the requirements be met with respect to Charter Applications.
Mr. Marshall offered a substitute motion to dispense with the committee meetings for the month of May and place all action items on the agenda for the Board meeting on May 18, 2017, second by Mr. Koppel.
Ms. Ellison asked the administrative staff how will they handle items that Board members have questions or concerns? The Superintendent stated the item(s) will have to be deferred to the next month. The Board moved forward with the substitute motion.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Ms. Newell Usdin asked that the administration get the information regarding the May 18th Board Meeting and the dispense of the committee meetings are advertised immediately to afford the public ample notice everything will be condensed to one meeting.
Action: 5.21 Orleans Parish School Board - Property, Boiler & Machinery, and Full Terrorism Insurance Annual Renewal; Disaster Mgmt. addition
That the Orleans Parish School Board renews the Property, Boiler & Machinery, and Full Terrorism and place Disaster Management insurance coverage through Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Consulting Services, Inc. and authorizes the Board President to sign the agreements.
Motion by Leslie Ellison, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Mr. Kleban asked for point of personal privilege to make a statement with regard to the ExCeed Charter Network decision to withdraw it's application and that he would not have support of moving forward believing the Board must uphold the standard it has set. However, he would like to see the ExCeed application return before the Board and he sees room for improvement.
Ms. Ingrid Bishall from Bethune Elementary School was recognized as well as her Principal Ms. Haynes-Smith.
The Superintendent recognized his Administrative Assistant, Ms. Linda Arruebarrena for her years of service with Orleans Parish School Board. Linda will be leaving the system at the end of the month and we wish her well in her future endeavors.
6. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Move that the Board convene to Executive Session
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Leslie Ellison
Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 6.1 Woodrow Wilson Construction Company, Inc., Delay Claims re: North Kenilworth (Moton PreK-8) Construction Project - Potential Litigation
Action: 6.2 Gibbs Construction, L.L.C. Legal Demand for Payment re: McMain School Gymnasium Project/Chiller Relocation - Potential Litigation
Discussion: 6.3 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 the following Board members present: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
General Counsel, Mr. Ed Morris addressed the Board concerning Executive Session stating the following: Members of the Board, we met in Executive Session for the discussion of two matters,
The discussion of Woodrow Wilson Construction Company, the North Kenilworth Project and we would ask that the Board approve denying Woodrow Wilson's delay claim and to authorize the General Counsel's office to take all necessary actions, including filing a lawsuit if necessary to collect liquidated damages owed to the school board by Woodrow Wilson and its surety, Western Surety Company as regards to North Kenilworth Construction Project.
The second matter that was considered and discussed was the Gibbs Construction legal demand for payment in connection with the McMain Gymnasium Project the chiller relocation issue. We would ask that the Board would approve and authorize the General Counsel's Office to take all necessary action including filing a lawsuit if necessary to recoup from the responsible parties, the loses incurred by the School Board due to the need to relocate a chiller at the McMain School Gymnasium Project.
General Counsel Office asks the Board to approve both actions submitted to the Board at this time. To be voted on individually.
Approval of the recommendation from General Counsel regarding Action Item 6.1 as proposed: That the Board approve denying Woodrow Wilson's delay claim and to authorize the General Counsel's office to take all necessary actions, including filing a lawsuit if necessary to collect liquidated damages owed to the school board by Woodrow Wilson and its surety, Western Surety Company as regards to North Kenilworth Construction Project.
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Marshall
Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Approval of the recommendation from General Counsel regarding Action Item 6.2 as proposed: That the Board would approve and authorize the General Counsel's Office to take all necessary action including filing a lawsuit if necessary to recoup from the responsible parties, the loses incurred by the School Board due to the need to relocate a chiller at the McMain School Gymnasium Project.
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Ellison
Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
7. ADJOURNMENT
Action: 7.1 ADJOURN MEETING
Motion to adjourn the Board meeting
Motion by Nolan Marshall, 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
The board business meeting was adjourned at 7:41 PM.