ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING MINUTES
3520 GENERAL DEGAULLE DRIVE
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114
November 16, 2017
1. OPENING OF MEETING
Procedural: 1.1 Call to order - Roll call
The Orleans Parish School Board Meeting was called to order by Board Vice President, Leslie Ellison at 5:45 p.m. with the following Board members present: Mr. Ethan Ashley, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Ben Kleban, Mr. Nolan Marshall, Jr. and Ms. Sarah Newell Usdin. Also present were Board Counsel, Ms. Sharonda Williams and Assistant Superintendent, Adam Hawf. Board President, Mr. John Brown, Sr. and Superintendent, Henderson Lewis, Jr. were absent.
Procedural: 1.2 Pledge of Allegiance
Students from Elan Academy and School Leaders, Ms. Melanie Askew led by students from Elan Academy and School Leader, Ms. Melanie Askew.
Action: 1.3 Adoption of the agenda
Motion to adopt the Board meeting agenda as amended, moving the community presentation to the top of the agenda.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
2. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
Action, Minutes: 2.1 Adoption of minutes
Move that the Orleans Parish School board adopts the minutes of the October 26, 2017 Board Business Meeting as printed and waive the reading of the minutes.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Ethan Ashley.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
3. PRESENTATIONS
Information: 3.1 NOCCA Presentation
New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, CEO, Kyle Wedberg along with students celebrates NOCCA's 44 year anniversary. Mr. Wedberg gave a brief overview of the program, expressed support and encourage more arts in schools through 1/2 day programs and referrals. Students Grace Morris and Hope Burke shared samples of their artwork.
Information: 3.2 Presentations to Community Groups
The following groups were recognized for various contributions to students in New Orleans:
The Silverback Society, Son of a Saint, The Orchid Society, The Beautiful Foundation, Girls on the Run, Youth Run NOLA, The Pontchartrain Chapter of the Links, and 100 Black Men of Greater New Orleans.
4. SUPERINTENDENT'S AGENDA
5. ACTION ITEMS
Action: 5.1 OPSB Vision & Strategic Goals
Assistant Superintendent, Mr. Adam Hawf presented OPSB Vision & Goals with the mission statement, goals and targets expected to come at the December 2017 meeting. The following constituents addressed the Board: Brady Shannon addressed the board and expressed that he's looking forward to the strategic planning and steps forward; Mr. Shannon asked how was feedback allowed and how was the feedback used. Mr. Hawf informed Mr. Shannon of the various platforms used such as, Newsletters, website, social media, stakeholders and community leaders. This feedback was used in developing quantitative targets. Mr. Dana Henry addressed the Board in opposition stating that the goals set forth will not push the district a direction that is bold. He believes there is not enough proficiency moving forward. Stating we cannot set mediocre visions and goals and expect extraordinary results. Mr. Patrick Dobard addressed the board in favor of the process of setting visions and goals and stated that as the Board continue to increase A & B schools...we must be reminded that this is a starting point not an ending point and that many organizations are ready to support the Board in this endeavor.
Finally, Mr. Kleban addressed...are we going to execute...critical for the next few years...what will we do to result in different outcomes.
The Administration recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt - A Unified Path Forward: Our Vision and Goals for Public Education in New Orleans.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Ben Kleban.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 5.2 Discontinuation of Direct-Operated Mahalia Jackson ES (Site Code 036089)
The Accountability Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the discontinuation of the district-operated school program and site code 036089 at the Mahalia Jackson ES building, effective at the conclusion of the current (2017-18) school year.
Motion by Ben Kleban, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 5.3 Selection of the Lead Partner at Mahalia Jackson Elementary School Site
The Accountability Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the selection of Dryades YMCA as the lead partner and facility manager at the Mahalia Jackson Elementary School site.
Motion by Ben Kleban, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 5.4 Resolution 61-17 Canvass Resolution
The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 61-17 providing for canvassing the returns and declaring the result of the special election held in Parish of Orleans, State of Louisiana, on Saturday, October 14, 2017, to authorize the levy of special taxes therein.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Sarah Newell Usdin.
The following voice vote was held:
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Absent: John Brown, Jr.
Abstain: None
Action: 5.5 Authorization for Superintendent to Direct Legislative Activity
The Legal/Legislative Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board authorizes its Superintendent to direct and inform the district’s legislative activities in accordance with the School Board’s official legislative agenda and, in the absence of such agenda or in the event that an issue is not covered in such agenda, to direct and inform the district’s legislative activities in accordance with the mission, vision and policies of the Orleans Parish School Board in consultation with the Board President and the Legislative Committee Chair. Pursuant to this authority, the Superintendent and/or designee shall serve as the primary point(s) of contact for the School Board’s governmental relations/lobbying firm and shall direct their activities.
Motion by Ethan Ashley, second by Ben Kleban.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
6. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Action: 6.1 Threatened Litigation re: Einstein Charter Schools’ Demand for Mediation of Student Transportation Requirement
Motion to convene into executive session by Sarah Newell Usdin
Seconded by Woody Koppel
Yea: Ethan Ashley, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
Nay: None
Abstain: None
Absent: John Brown, Sr.
Motion passes
The Board reconvened from executive session at 6:56 PM with the following Board members present: Ethan Ashley, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board authorize the pursuit of any and all available contractual or legal remedies against Einstein Charter Schools, as advised by Board Counsel, to enforce contractual and policy requirements relative to the provision of student transportation.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Ben Kleban.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
7. ADJOURNMENT
Action: 7.1 Adjourn meeting
Motion to adjourn the Board meeting at 7:00 PM.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley