Orleans Parish School Board
3520 General DeGaulle Drive, Suite, 1050
New Orleans, LA 70114
Board Business Meeting
Minutes of
January 24, 2018
1. OPENING OF MEETING
Procedural: 1.1 Call to order - Roll call
The Orleans Parish School Board Business Meeting was called to order by Board President, John Brown, Sr. at 5:35 p.m. with the following Board members present: Ethan Ashley, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, and Sarah Newell Usdin. Also, present, Superintendent, Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. and Board Counsel, Sharonda Williams. Board member Nolan Marshall was absent due to illness.
Procedural: 1.2 Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Karr students, Devin Bush and Lamar Johns.
Action: 1.3 Adoption of the agenda
Motion to adopt the Board meeting agenda as presented waiving the reading of the minutes.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, 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 adopts the minutes of the December 14, 2017 Board Business Meeting and Special Board Business Meeting of December 21, 2018 as printed waiving the reading of the minutes.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Ethan Ashley.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
3. SUPERINTENDENT'S AGENDA
Prior to recognitions and presentations the Superintendent addressed the Board and public as the District starts a new era with a "Unified School District". Dr. Lewis extended thanks to the community partners for working with the District to resolve its problems.
The Board presented a recognition award to Edna Karr High School for winning the 2017 Louisiana 4A Championship and exhibiting excellence on the field and in the classroom.
Cate Swinburn of Youth Force Nola highlighted the work they do for students in New Orleans to provide support and placement in internships that provide real-world skills and real-life success. Board members briefly discussed supporting endeavors and how the City of New Orleans' support impacts the program. Board President Brown commended Youth Force Nola for their work and looks forward to a continued partnership in hopes to help expand the work they do for the betterment of students and families in New Orleans.
Erika McConduit and Dr. Roshida Golvin, presented the Urban League's Equity in Education Report and gave an overview of data points such as student outcomes, school choice and enrollment, high level curriculum, teacher quality, funding and discipline. Board Members discussed and heard feedback concerning next steps relative to the report offered; partnering, specific barriers to access to equitable opportunities such as enrollment priorities, and high-level curriculum were among the barriers discussed.
Jamar McKneely and Kevin Burns, InspireNola presented information on Project Live & Achieve and invited to Board and public to a "Rally for Excellence", Friday, February 2, 2018 at the Xavier University Convocation Center that is free and open to the public. Project Live & Achieve goal is to decrease violence and crime for New Orleans youth and strive for higher academic outcomes for students.
Superintendent extended thanks to partners and community leaders expressing that it is important that the district, school leaders and community leaders work together as we continue to unify schools in Orleans Parish, thanking the Urban League for not only the presentation but also their partnership.
Chief External Relations Officer, Amanda Aiken announced the onset of establishing a Parent Advisory Council that would advise the OPSB Superintendent and Leadership Team on important school issues from a parent's perspective. The information soon to be released on the Orleans Parish School Board website to inform parents how they may apply to be a part of the group.
Discussion: 3.3 Transformation Siting Decision
Lewis sited InspireNola as the new operator for the Eisenhower building and FirstLine Schools will operate the building at ReNew Cultural Arts. Dr. Lewis thanked everyone who participated in the siting process and wished InspireNola and FirstLine success.
4. ACTION ITEMS
Action: 4.1 Election of Board President and Vice President
A motion was made by Sarah Newell Usdin nominating John Brown, Sr. Board President for 2018.
Second by Leslie Ellison
Ethan Ashley motion to close nominations for Board President, Second by Leslie Ellison
Final motion: Passes
Yea: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Sarah Newel Usdin
Absent: Nolan Marshall, Jr.
A motion was made by Ethan Ashley nominating Leslie Ellison, Board Vice President for 2018.
Second by Sarah Newell Usdin
Woody Koppel motion to close nominations for Board Vice-President, Second by Sarah Usdin
Final Motion: Passes
Yea: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Sarah Newel Usdin
Absent: Nolan Marshall, Jr.
Board President Brown thanked his colleagues for their support of his leadership and looks forward to a productive year as our district move towards unification. Board Vice President Ellison thanked her colleagues for entrusting her to serve as Board Vice-President stating that she's honored to serve alongside Mr. Brown who's been a phenomenal leader for the Board and leading it toward its current direction.
Action: 4.2 Resolution 01-18 Authorizing the Board President and Vice President as Signatories
There were no changes in Board officers therefore; this item did not necessitate a resolution.
Action: 4.3 Orleans Parish School Board Meeting Schedule for 2018
That the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposed 2018 Calendar of Committee and Board Business Meetings to be held at 3520 General DeGaulle Drive, Suite 1050, New Orleans, LA 70114.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 4.4 2017-2018 Pupil Progression Plan
The Accountability Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt the 2017-2018 Pupil Progression Plan as written.
Motion by Ben Kleban, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 4.5 Donations to Orleans Parish School Board's Exceptional Children's Services Department in honor of Iris Haydel
The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the board accept said donations.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Ethan Ashley.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 4.6 Approval of Bid Award for Play Structures for Bethune Elementary at Bradley and Ben Franklin Elementary at Chatham Modulars
The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid from Hahn Enterprises, Inc., in the amount of $243,945, and authorizes the OPSB General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Sarah Newell Usdin.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 4.7 Resolution 02-18 - General Fund Budget Amendment #2
The following voice was held:
Yea: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Sarah Newell Usdin
Nay: None
Absent: Nolan Marshall, Jr.
Abstain: None
Final motion: Passes
The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt fiscal resolution 02-18 authorizing the second (2nd) amendment to the General Fund Budget of Revenues and Expenditures for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2017 and ending June 30, 3018.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Ben Kleban.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
5. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Discussion: 5.1 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
Motion to convene to Executive Session by Sarah Newell Usdin at 6:40 p.m., second by Ethan Ashley
Final motion: Passes
Yea: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Sarah Newell Usdin
Absent: Nolan Marshall
Motion to reconvene from Executive Session by Leslie Ellison at 6:55 p.m., second by Woody Koppel
Final motion: Passes
Yea: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Sarah Newell Usdin
Absent: Nolan Marshall
Board Counsel, Sharonda Williams announced that the Board went into Executive Session to discuss the matter of Orleans Parish School Board and Louisiana Recover School District, U.S. Civilian Board of Contract Appeals, CBCA 5457-FEMA, FEMA Arbitration - Status Report and no action was taken.
6. ADJOURNMENT
Action: 6.1 Adjourn meeting
In closing, Board member Ashley wished his mom a Happy Birthday.
Motion to adjourn the Board meeting at 6:56 p.m.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley