ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING MINUTES
Orleans Parish School Board
3520 General DeGaulle Drive, Suite 1050
New Orleans, LA 70114
May 18, 2017
5:00 PM
1. OPENING OF MEETING
Action, Procedural: 1.1 CALL TO ORDER - ROLL CALL
The Orleans Parish School Board Business Meeting was called to order at 5:10 PM by Board President, Mr. John Brown, Sr. with the following Board members present: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, and Ms. Newell Usdin. Also present, Dr. Henderson Lewis Jr., and Mr. Edward Morris.
Procedural: 1.2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The pledge of allegiance was led by Komadi Kirkpatrick, a rising 7th grader who will be attending Arthur Ashe Charter School next year.
Action: 1.3 ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
Action item 5.5 modification was read into record as follows by General Counsel, Mr. Edward Morris:
Recommended Action: That the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) 1) approves the proposed facilities lease template to be executed by charter schools in OPSB-controlled facilities; 2) establishes a deadline of June 30, 2017, for execution of said lease by those charter operators who have been approved to occupy OPSB-controlled facilities commencing July 1, 2017, operators that are already utilizing OPSB-controlled facilities without having executed a lease, and operators whos current OPSB facility leases expire prior to July 1, 2017; and 3) establishes a termination date for the proposed lease template of June 30, 2021, except that the termination date for any RSD school returning to OPSB in 2017 or 2018 shall be the date the returning school's current operating agreement terminates or June 30, 2021, whichever occurs first. If the operating agreement terminates prior to the June 30, 2021, the returning school shall receive a new lease commencing on the effective date of renewal and terminating on June 30, 2021.
Motion to adopt the Board meeting agenda as amended.
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
2. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
Action, Minutes: 2.1 ADOPTION OF MINUTES
That the Orleans Parish School Board adopts the minutes of the April 20, 2017 Board Business Meeting as printed and waive the reading.
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
The Superintendent made mention of his network school visits to wish teachers and employees a happy summer and to take time to relax, rejuvenate and spend time with their family. He also recognized retirees the school system will be losing at the end of this school year and invited the retirees to the June board meeting to be recognized for all their years of service to the school district.
The Superintendent yields to Ms. Ellison for a special recognition. Ms. Jenkins of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., New Orleans Chapter addressed the board in support of OPSB partnership with Delgado Community College, citing many scholarship programs available for youth ranging from ages 11 to 18 yrs for young ladies and ages 14 to 18 yrs in young men,. She also spoke of youth initiatives, HBCU tours and community service programs that their organization offer. In closing, Ms. Jenkins pledged Delta Sigma Theta's continued support of the Orleans Parish School Board as it works for the betterment of children in Orleans Parish through education.
Information: 3.3 Kingmakers of Oakland
The Superintendent spoke about the current state of our city and African American males. He along with Mr. Ashley have been studying and looking at successful programs across the country as well as visiting some of cities doing this work. Dr. Lewis mentioned that if it is our plan to put a program in place we should be able to speak to the successes of programs currently being operated successfully.
Oakland Unified School District in Oakland California, AAMA
Mr. Christopher Chapman and the Kingmakers of Oakland presented best practices and pitfalls of running their program. Several student leaders ranging from 6 - 12 grades shared their personal experiences and how Kingmakers has affected their lives.
Mr. Ashley addressed the audience sharing that the entire Orleans Parish School Board is in favor of supporting African American youth in the City of New Orleans. He gave particular thanks to supporters in the audience who are a part of the black male collaborative in New Orleans including Dr. Nick Mitchell, from Loyola University, Royce Duplessis, Damond Burnes, Will Snowden, Nick Rashard, Stephan Lollinger, Chris Newsom, Michael Meredith, Josh Cox, and Jabar Greer are all supporters of this effort.
The Superintendent concluded with recognition of Dr. Yu Jiang, director of the Xavier University’s Confucius Institute for their efforts and dedication to our students and having earned 2016 global "Confucius Institute of the Year Award" which was celebrated earlier this year.
Presentation: 3.6 Presentation of Budget vs. Actuals for FY17
Information items 3.6, 3.7 and 3.8 were taken after item 3.15 to allow time to get larger printed copies for the Board to review. An overview was given by Mr. Seling regarding Quarterly fund balance update for debt service, capital projects, enterprise fund, and clearing fund as of March 31, 2017, general fund revenue and expenditure projections through April 30, 2017, and ongoing and new capital projects and repairs.
Information: 3.7 Quarterly Fund Balance Update (Debt Service, Enterprise Fund, Clearing Fund)
Information: 3.8 Capital Projects Report
Information: 3.9 Notice of Intent: Charter School Transportation
Mr. Morgan presented information regaridng OPSB notice of its intent to introduce policy relative to charter school transportation requirements, including but not limited to the provisions of HB 660 of the 2017 Regular Legislative Session.
Mr. Morgan presented the Superintendent's recommendation for items 3.10 through 3.14:
Report: 3.10 Superintendent’s Recommendation: The Center for Resilience
The Superintendent's recommendation is to Deny the Type 1 charter application for The Center for Resilience.
Report: 3.11 Superintendent’s Recommendation: IDEA Public Schools - New Orleans
The Superintendent's recommendation is to approve the application for Collegiate Academies to operate 2, Type 1 charter schools which are subject to the provision of state law relative to the timeline of opening for approved schools.
Report: 3.12 Superintendent’s Recommendation: Lyceum Schools
The Superintendent's recommendation is to deny the Type 1 charter application for Lyceum Schools.
Report: 3.13 Superintendent’s Recommendation: New Harmony High
The Superintendent's recommendation is to deny the Type 1 charter application but urge to consider applying for Type 2 charter with the state.
Sonny Summers addressed the Board with respect of the process and will pursue the Type II Charter with the state as recommended by the Superintendent.
Report: 3.14 Superintendent’s Recommendation: Collegiate Academies
Steve Rosenthal addressed the Board regarding the student population and complexities of that population at Collegiate Academies.
Report: 3.15 Superintendent’s Recommendation: French and Montessori Education, Inc. (F.A.M.E.)
The Superintendent's recommendation is to approve 1 (K-8) Type 1 charter school for French and Montessori Education
4. CONSENT AGENDA
Action (Consent): 4.1 Consent Agenda
Resolution: Move that the Orleans Parish School Board approve Consent Agenda items 4.1 through 4.4 as presented in global.
Move that the Orleans Parish School Board approve Consent Agenda items 4.1 through 4.4 as presented in global.
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 Environmental Assessment Services
Resolution: That the Orleans Parish School Board approves the award for environmental assessment services to Materials Management Group in the not to exceed amount of $100,000.00 per year for three (3) years and authorize General Counsel to prepare a contract.
Move that the Orleans Parish School Board approve Consent Agenda items 4.1 through 4.4 as presented in global.
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 Historic Tax Credit Cost Certification Auditing Services
Resolution: That the Orleans Parish School Board approves the award for historic tax credit cost certification auditing services to Novogradac in the amount of $51,000 and to Carr, Riggs and Ingram in the amount of $55,500 and authorize General Counsel to prepare the contracts.
Move that the Orleans Parish School Board approve Consent Agenda items 4.1 through 4.4 as presented in global.
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 Professional Governmental Relations Services
Resolution: That the Orleans Parish School Board approves the award for professional governmental relations services to Roedel, Parsons, Koch, Blache, Balhoff, and McCollister in the not to exceed amount of $95,000.00 per year for two (2) years and authorize General Counsel to prepare a contract.
Move that the Orleans Parish School Board approve Consent Agenda items 4.1 through 4.4 as presented in global.
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 Mahalia Jackson Engagement Process
The following constituents addressed the Board at this time:
Thelma French addressed the board bringing historic information about the Mahalia Jackson school and spoke in support of the engagement process.
Avis Broch thank Mr. Kleban for coming out and supporting the community and in favor of the process.
Tanya James spoke in favor of this process and looks forward to the partnership.
The following Board comment was heard:
Ms. Ellison asked if a task force should be formed. Dr. Lewis explained that conversations with partners and the central city community are ongoing.
Mr. Kleban Commended the Superintendent for bringing Ms. London back to Mahalia in it's final year.
The Superintendent recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board direct the Superintendent to provide a full status report and recommendations relative to the Mahalia Jackson program and facility inclusive of a summary of all feedback received during community engagement efforts pursuant to the Board’s April deferral, at the June Accountability Committee meeting.
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: 5.2 Public Warehouse Storage of USDA Food Commodities For Child Nutrition for the 2017-2018 School Year Award No. 2252579
No discussion was heard on this item.
Move that the Orleans Parish School Board approve Warehouse Services and Storage for the USDA Food Commodities donated to Louisiana through the Food Distribution Program for the 2017-2018 School year from Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans in the not to exceed amount of $140,000.00 and authorize General Counsel to prepare the contract for signatures of the Board President and the Service Provider.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Leslie Ellison.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ethan Ashley
Not Present at Vote: Ben Kleban
Action: 5.3 Donation from NFL Foundation
No discussion was heard on this item.
Move that the Board accepts said donation.
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, Ethan Ashley
Not Present at Vote: Ben Kleban
Action: 5.4 Legacy Park CEA
No comment was heard regarding this item.
Move that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the Legacy Park CEA between the Downtown Development District, International High School, OPSB, and RSD to transform portions of a parking lot located at the Rabouin building into a community park.
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, Ethan Ashley
Not Present at Vote: Ben Kleban
Action: 5.5 Approval of Lease Template
The following public comment was heard:
Graham Williams addressed the Board in favor of this item and thanked the Board and Superintendent for the inclusive process on this collaborative effort.
Approval of template for facilities leases to be executed with charter schools in Orleans Parish School Board facilities
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Sarah Newell Usdin.
Amendment: That the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) 1) approves the proposed facilities lease template to be executed by charter schools in OPSB-controlled facilities; 2) establishes a deadline of June 30, 2017, for execution of said leas by those charter operators who have been approved to occupy OPSB-controlled facilities commencing July 1, 2017, operators that are already utilizing OPSB-controlled facilities without having executed a lease, and operators whose current OPSB facility leases expire prior to July 1, 2017, whichever occurs first. If the operating agreement terminates prior to June 30, 2021, the returning school shall receive a new lease commencing on the effective date of renewal and terminating on June 30, 2021.
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
Action: 5.6 Resolution 28-17 - Capital Projects Amendment #12 - Facilities Preservation Fund
Mr. Seling addressed the Board to give clarity explaining the resolution is being brought forth to dedicate facilities preservation funds for emergency repairs at five different sites.
The Administration recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approval the adjustment to the capital projects budget by the Facilities Preservation Fund funding source to reflect the costs for such eligible projects.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Sarah Newell Usdin.
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
Nay: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Action, Information: 5.7 Suspension of Policy BD and First Reading of Amendment to Policy HA: School Board Charter Authority (Test Monitoring)
The following comment was heard:
Ms. Hasiotis addressed the Board with a brief summary of Policy BD.
Ms. Ellison asked why the policy is being fast traced? Ms. Moss addressed the Board explaining that due to the Board suspending it's monthly committee meetings for the month of May it necessity the policy to be brought forth at this meeting as a First Reading instead of at the committee meeting as required by the Board policy.
Ms. Hasiotis continued with the briefing.
Move that the Orleans Parish School Board dispenses with the Policy Revision and Adoption procedures set forth in OPSB Policy BD to receive the first reading of the amendment to Policy HA at this regular board business meeting, instead of at a Policy Committee meeting as required by Policy BD.
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: 5.8 Charter Operating Agreement Amendments to Reflect Charter School Independent Local Education Agency (LEA) Status
No public comment was heard on this item.
Move that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposed amendments to the Operating Agreements between OPSB and
Ben Franklin HS, Bricolage Academy, Alice Harte & Edna Karr, Lake Forest, Lusher, and Andrew Wilson, to provide for a change in LEA status.
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
Action: 5.9 Amendment to Policy HA: School Board Chartering Authority (Operator Enrollment Limit)
No public comment was heard on this item.
Move that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts the amendment to Policy HA, School Board Chartering Authority, relative to the operator enrollment limit, without the necessity of another second reading.
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: 5.10 Extend deadline for Execution of 2017 Charter Operating Agreement
The following constituent addressed the Board at this time:
Ernest Pettigrew addressed the Board regarding the Unification survey asking if charter schools were included in the survey and how were the survey distribution was implemented if so.
Ms. Ellison asked the Superintendent to address the concerns of Mr. Pettigrew.
Superintendent Lewis explained that all charter schools were contacted and given the opportunity to choose the way they wanted to conduct the survey at their school levels. Many of the charter schools asked for paper copies which were provided by OPSB, some schools asked for the survey link to share with parents, and some asked for both.
No further comment was heard on this item.
Move that the Orleans Parish School Board extend the deadline set at the April Board Business Meeting for schools to execute Operating Agreements effective July 1, 2017 from May 31, 2017 to June 9, 2017.
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
Action: 5.11 Approval of Local Educational Agency (LEA) Agreement
Graham Williams addressed the Board in support of this item and thank the Administration and Board for their collaborative effort on this agreement.
Move that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposed LEA Agreement for charter schools remaining in the School Board's LEA and establishes a deadline of June 30, 2017, for charter operators to execute said 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: 5.12 Amendment to OPSB Policy BBE, School Board Attorney
No public comment was heard on this item.
Move that the Orleans Parish School Board dispenses with the policy revision procedures set forth in OPSB Policy BD, School Board Policy, and approves the proposed amendment to OPSB Policy, BBE, School Board Attorney.
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: 5.13 Appointment of Board Counsel
No public comment was heard on this item.
Move that the Orleans Parish School Board appoints Sharonda R. Williams, of Fishman Haygood, LLP, as its Board Counsel and approves the related Contract for Legal Services.
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: 5.14 Approval of Superintendent's Appointment of a General Counsel
No public comment was heard on this item.
That the Orleans Parish School Board approves the Superintendent's appointment of the current Deputy General Counsel, Kathy A. Moss, to the position of General Counsel, effective July 1, 2017.
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
Action: 5.15 OPSB Resolution 30-17 re OPSB support and endorsement of HB No. 660 Rep. Gary Carter) of the 2017 Reg. Session La. State Leg.
The following public comment was heard:
Kate Mehok addressed the Board in opposition the it's support of HB No. 660 and was of the opinion that a better policy can be formed if the process were handled locally.
Ms. Ellison explained how this particular piece of legislation came about which included several neighborhood leaders met and this was one of the issues that came up. Many complaints were heard. Ms. Ellison suggested that Ms. Mehok work with Representative Carter on this endeavor. Discussion continued.
Mr. Brown posed the question that what if the bill doesn't get passed? Would the City Council be about to do something to impose regulations on the nearly 45 schools that would not fall under the districts' umbrella? Further discussion took place. Mr. Brown suggested that maybe the administrative staff could reach out to the City Council to see if this is something they can act on.
Brady Shannon addressed the Board in echo of Ms. Mehok in opposition of OPSB's support of HB No. 660.
Ms. Ellison asked about the 200 other buses by schools that are run by the state and BESE?
Mr. Marshall commented that his main concern is that whether the bill would help children. Stating that even though this particular process may not have been perfect the Board will keep in mind suggestions made this evening for further communications with the charter organizations.
Ms. Usdin asked to speak directly with someone from the administration who can speak directly to the content of the bill. Jason Hughes took the podium as Ms. Usdin asked him to give a summary of the bill and what OPSB would and would not be allowed to do and if the bill passes what exactly would OPSB be supporting? Ms. Hughes explained being that the Board has not yet taken position on the bill a policy brief was not prepared. However, he offered to do so and have it to her by the next day. Ms. Usdin wondered if the Superintendent worked collaboratively with RSD about this bill and at what level of conversation has taken place. Superintendent Lewis, explained while no discussion were held he did share with RSD Superintendent Kunjun his efforts within OPSB District to charge school bus owners/operators to have school buses properly marked.
Mr. Morris restated the resolution and it's purpose.
Mr. Kleban commented that while the process could have been better he feels that the process should be commensurate with the significance of the issue. Let's not belabor the point of labeling busses and therefore moves to call the question.
Ms. Usdin asked that in the future when resolutions such as this is brought before the Board that the administration prepares a full briefing accordingly.
No further discussion was heard.
Move that OPSB approve Resolution No. 30-17 supporting House Bill No. 660 (Rep. Gary Carter) requiring identification lettering on all school buses used to transport students to public schools in Orleans Parish.
Motion by Leslie Ellison, second by Ethan Ashley.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
The following voice vote was held:
Yea: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Nolan Marshall
Nay: Woody Koppel
Abstain: Sarah Newell Usdin
6. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Action: 6.1 Convene into Executive Session
The Board convened into Executive Session at 8:01 PM.
Move that the Orleans Parish School Board convene into Executive Session.
Motion by Ethan Ashley, second by Ben Kleban.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Discussion: 6.2 Discussion of the character, the professional competence, physical or mental health of a person - School Board-appointed personnel.
The Board reconvened at 8:36 PM will the following Board members present: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin.
7. ADJOURNMENT
Action: 7.1 ADJOURN MEETING
Motion to adjourn the Board meeting at 8:36 PM.
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