ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING MINUTES
3520 General DeGaulle Drive, Suite 1050
New Orleans, LA 70114
December 14, 2017
1. OPENING OF MEETING
Procedural: 1.1 Call to Order - Roll Call
The Orleans Parish School Board was called to order by Board President, John Brown, Sr. at 5:05 PM with the following Board members present: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, Jr., and Sarah Newell Usdin. Also, present, Superintendent, Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr., and Board Counsel, Sharonda Williams.
Procedural: 1.2 Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Paige Magee (NOSM) - Vice President of BETA Club, Senior Council Representative, College Track Participant - full ride to Tulane where she will major in pre-med/biology and Wade Marshall - member of BETA Club, dual-enrollment at Tulane currently - planning on studying theoretical computer science at USC next year.
Action: 1.3 Adoption of the Agenda
Motion to adopt the Board meeting agenda as amended with the addition of Action item 4.4 (Timbers Building, Suite 1030, Renovation).
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
Move that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt the minutes of the Public Hearing and Board Business Meeting November 16, 2017 and waive the reading of the minutes.
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
3. SUPERINTENDENT'S AGENDA
Recognition: 3.1 2016-2017 Academic Recognitions
Prior to announcing 2016-17 academic recognition the Superintendent Lewis addressed the public remarks regarding Orleans Parish Schools unified path forward, its vision & goals and Board's role moving forward.
Also, prior to 2016-17 academic recognition by Chief of External Community Engagement, Amanda Aiken presented the 2018 Superintendent's Student Advisory Council Members and the 2017 Holiday Card Contest runner-up, Dina Robinson (Einstein Charter) and winner, Isiah Washington (McDonogh 35 High School) whose card has been selected to be printed and distributed by the district.
2016-17 academic recognitions for outstanding performance were presented by Executive Director of School Performance, Dina Hasiotis to the following OPSB Direct Run and Authorized Charter Schools:
Schools of Distinction
New Orleans Charter Science and Math - 98.7, Principal, Chana Benison
Bricolage Academy - 97.5, CEO, Josh Denson
Benjamin Franklin Elementary - 90.2, Principal, Charlotte Matthew
KIPP Renaissance High School - 88.5, Principal, Twana Pierre-Floy,
A Award of Top Achievement
Alice Harte Charter School - SPS of 100.6 - CEO, Jamar McKneely
Edna Karr - SPS of 104.3 - CEO, Jamar McKneely
Warren Easton - A, letter grade and Top Gains Distinction - Joe Guillio
Edward Hynes Charter School - SPS of 107 - Principal, Michelle Douglas
Audubon Charter School - SPS of 108 - CEO, Tatoye Brown
Lake Forest Charter School - SPS of 120.6 - Principal, Robert Bell
Lusher Charter School - SPS of 136.8, CEO, Kathy Reidlinger
Benjamin Franklin High School - SPS of 144.3 - Principal, Pat Wedham
Information: 3.2 2017-2018 Renewal Recommendations
Superintendent Lewis announced the following renewal recommendations:
Bricolage Academy - 7 years
Alice Harte Charter School - 10 years
Edna Karr High School - 10 years
Homer Plessy School - 3 years
Information: 3.3 Notice of Intent re: Amendment to OPSB Policy HC, Charter School Monitoring, Intervention, and Closure
Presented a formal notification to the Board and the public about a future policy change per Policy Engagement Process. The Administration will come back at a future meeting with a recommendation on this item soon.
Presentation: 3.4 Superintendent’s Recommendation: Significant Educators
The Superintendent announced charter recommendations on proposals for new charter schools as follows:
For Type I Transformations:
InspireNola
Firstline Schools
Dr. Lewis addressed Type I Transformation applicants not approved for recommendation stating that the Third Party Reviews are a result of the assessment of their written application and interview relative to application standards, not a critique of your their contribution to Orleans Parish system of schools. Further stating that he is grateful for their hard work on the application process and pleased to know there will be other opportunities in the future to apply for additional Type I Transformational Charters.
Type I New Charters
Center for Resilience
Significant Educators (Bethune Elementary)
Legacy of Excellence (Benjamin Franklin Elementary)
The Superintendent also addressed Type I Charter applicants not approved and thank them for participating in the application process.
In closing, the Superintendent's monthly video update was presented.
Board Counsel, Sharonda Williams alerted Board President Brown that although items the Superintendent just presented were not action items the Board's will is to allow public comment at this time.
The following constituents addressed the Board:
Brandy Shannon addressed the Board in appreciation for the application process and third party evaluation process.
Patrick Dobard addressed the Board in appreciation for the application process.
Presentation: 3.5 Superintendent’s Recommendation: Lyceum Schools
Presentation: 3.6 Superintendent’s Recommendation: InspireNOLA Charter Schools
Presentation: 3.7 Superintendent’s Recommendation: FirstLine Schools
Presentation: 3.8 Superintendent’s Recommendation: Legacy of Excellence
Presentation: 3.9 Superintendent’s Recommendation: Young Audiences Charter Association
Presentation: 3.10 Superintendent’s Recommendation: Crescent City Schools
Presentation: 3.11 Superintendent’s Recommendation: Center for Resilience
4. ACTION ITEMS
Action: 4.1 Orleans Parish School Board Meeting Schedule for 2018
No public comment was offered. Ms. Usdin addressed the Board and offered a substitute motion.
That the Orleans Parish School Board set the January Committee and Board Business Meeting dates as follows; January 22, 2018 (Committees) and January 24, 2018 (Board Business Meeting @ 5:30 PM) per the email received by the Board, and approve the remaining 2018 schedule at the January Board Business Meeting.
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: 4.2 Site Renovations - Old McDonogh 35 (1331 Kerlerec St.)
The following constituents addressed the Board regarding this item:
Patrick Dobard commended the Board and Superintendent for their work on the CEA for site renovations.
The Property Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) between the School Board and the Recovery School District to renovate the facility at 1331 Kerlerec Street for the purpose of providing a career and technical education (CTE) training program and other educational programming for students in New Orleans.
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 Resolution 62-17 re: Student Transportation and Enrollment
The following constituents addressed the Board regarding this item:
Patrick Dobard addressed the Board in appreciation for the work that went into this resolution, and the Board consider school budget deadlines of June 2018 when implementing in the resolution and will gladly participate in any endeavor moving forward. When asked by Board Member Ashley, would NSNO be willing to put forth funds to support this endeavor, Mr. Dobard responded in the affirmative stating if NSNO have to fundraise and there is a clear plan that NSNO can strongly support they would be happy to work with OPSB and support this endeavor.
Maria Harmon addressed the Board asked the Board to consider recommendations from Step Up LA about timing and bus monitors. Ms. Harmon offered feedback from their school transportation surveys collected by Step Up Louisiana. Board President Brown stated that someone would reach out to Ms. Harmon in order to receive the feedback information.
Mickey Landry addressed the Board citing the need for the transportation study and its timing.
Board Member Sarah Newell Usdin encourages the use of the Student Advisory Committee to help solve the transportation issues, as well as working in partnership with schools leaders.
Board President Brown closed with saying that he looks forward to working on this endeavor with the cooperation of school bus companies.
The Accountability Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt Resolution 62-17 supporting the engagement of a consultant to make well-researched, strategic policy reform recommendations to improve the experience of students and parents with school transportation and school enrollment.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
The following voice vote was held:
Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, Jr. Sarah Newell Usdin
Nays: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Final resolution: Motion passes
Action: 4.4 Timbers Building, Suite 1030, Renovation
Mr. Seling addressed the Board regarding the receipt of bids for this project at 3:00 PM, December 14, 2018 requiring Board approval to expedite the permit process for this project.
Board Member Kleban asked Mr. Seling to explain the need for the renovation. Mr. Seling explained that bringing on the EnrollNOLA team this space was deemed to be the largest available and most economical space, as well as provide access to the public. Mahalia Jackson is being considered as an addition satellite site for EnrollNOLA.
Board Member Ellison asked in reference to the satellite offices, how many would we have around the city. Mr. Seling responded, an eastbank and a westbank site, when a site is placed at Mahalia Jackson.
Board member Ashley asked Mr. Seling to tell a little bit about PPS. PPS completed the 5th floor renovation of room 5000 and OPSB had success with the company in the past with quality work.
That the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid from PPS Commercial Unlimited LLC, in the amount of $102,123.00; and to authorize the OPSB General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractors.
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
5. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Discussion: 5.1 Orleans Parish School Board, et al. v. The Einstein Group, Inc., CDC No. 2017-11398; Litigation Status Report
Motion to convene into Executive Session was made by Board member Leslie Ellison, Seconded by, Sarah Newell Usdin.
The Board reconvened from Executive Session with the following Board members present: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, Jr. Sarah Newell Usdin. Also, present, Superintendent, Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. and Board Counsel, Sharonda Williams.
Board Counsel, Sharonda Williams announced the matters discussed in Executive Session after reconvening.
Discussion: 5.2 In the Matter of Orleans Parish School Board and Louisiana Recovery School District, U.S. Civilian Board of Contract Appeals, CBCA 5457-FEMA; FEMA Arbitration - Status Report
6. ADJOURNMENT
Action: 6.1 ADJOURN MEETING
Motion to adjourn the Board meeting at 6:33 PM
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Ethan Ashley.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley