MINUTES
REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING OF
ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
3520 GENERAL DEGAULLE DRIVE, STE. 1050
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114
Thursday, February 22, 2018
The Orleans Parish School Board Meeting was called to order by Board President, John Brown, Sr. at 5:33 PM.
1. OPENING OF MEETING
Roll call
The following Board members were present: Ethan Ashley, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, Jr. and Sarah Newell Usdin. Superintendent, Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. and Board Counsel, Sharonda Williams were also present.
Procedural: 1.2 Pledge of Allegiance
The pledge of allegiance was led by District and Citywide students of the year.
Action: 1.3 Adoption of the agenda
Motion to adopt the Board meeting agenda as presented.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Ethan Ashley.
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 adopts the minutes of January 24, 2018, Board Business Meeting as printed waiving the reading of the minutes.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Ben Kleban.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
3. SUPERINTENDENT'S AGENDA
Information: 3.1 2018 Students of the Year
Ms. Cathy Toni-Chase introduced the 2018 District and Citywide Students of the year and the Board presented awards as follows: Sofia Francesca Giarrusso, 5th Grade District Winner - Edward Hynes Charter School, Akeel Salah Haroon, 5th Grade Runner-up - Bethune Elementary School, Trea'Sure Miniya McMaster, 5th Grade Runner-up - Ben Franklin Elementary School, Danya Magee, 5th Grade Runner-up, Pierre Capdau @ Avery Alexander, Trinity Wickliff, 5th Grade Finalist - Medard H. Nelson, Trent Antee, 5th Grade Winner - Lusher Charter School, Stoney Augustine McKnight, 8th Grade District Winner - Ben Franklin Elementary School, Helena Marie Usey, 8th Grade Runner-up - Edward Hynes Charter School, Solveigh Brean Perrilliat, 8th Grade Runner-up - Bethune Elementary School, Zayid Bethune, 8th Grade Winner - Langston Hughes Academy, Samajh Robinson, 8th Grade Finalist - Pierre Capdau @ Avery Alexander, Tyler Ballom, 8th Grade Runner-up - Medard H. Nelson, Andrew D. Green, 8th Grade Winner - Eleanor McMain Secondary School, Jonathan Newton, 8th Grade Winner - Wilson Charter School, Kiara Kentrell Lewis, 12th Grade District Winner, Warren Easton Charter High School, Kaleb Carter, 12th Grade Finalist - Lake Area, Julia Simon, 12th Grade Winner - Lusher Charter, Corielle M. Chandler, 12th Grade Winner - Eleanor McMain Secondary School, Destiny Monee`, 12th Grade Winner - Edna Karr High School, and Maanasa Narayanamoorthy, 12th Grade Winner - Ben Franklin High School
Information: 3.2 POSSE Scholarship Awards Ms. Amanda Aiken introduced the 2018 POSSE Scholars who were selected to receive 4-Year scholarships from the POSSE Foundation and the Board presented awards as follows: Daut'e Martin, Cohen College Prep to Notre Dame, Jose Gonzalez, Ben Franklin High School to Case Western Reserve, Deonta Mitchell, Edna Karr High School to Illinois Wesleyan, Gwendolyn Yates, Lusher Charter High School to Case Western Reserve, Zoe Nguyen, Lusher Charter High School to Case Western Reserve and Blake Woods, KIPP Renaissance to Notre Dame
Information: 3.3 Retirement Award Presentation
The Board also presented Ms. Alexina Medley with an award for over 40 years of service to educating students in New Orleans. Ms. Medley gave brief remarks on her experiences in education with all that she encountered.
4. PRESENTATIONS
Information: 4.1 University Medical Center Presentation "Stop the Bleed Program"
Dr. Kristy Guidry and Dr. Patrick McGrew of University Medical Center of New Orleans addressed the Board about their Stop the Bleed program that provides basic techniques to stop a bleeding womb. UMCNO "Stop the Bleed" doctors spoke about their program and the opportunity to go into schools to teach school nurses techniques they can use in the event of a school shoot or other emergencies and in turn have school nurses to train faculty and staff. Stop the Bleed are also looking for support to of going into schools and purchasing stop the bleed kits (much like AED kits) as well as support with access charter leaders about the program.
Board member Marshall elaborated on everyday incidents that can benefit from the program because of its practical applications. Superintendent Lewis said that the Administration would make the opportunity to ensure that all schools are well informed of the program at through its various ways of communicating and at monthly school leaders meetings.
Information: 4.2 Youth Opportunity Center
Gabby Fighetti, Assistant Superintendent of School Enrollment and Angela Williams provided information about the Youth Opportunity Center (YOC). The center connects students and families of needed services to remain engaged in school and their education. Providing monitoring, transition, and re-entry plans help in the success of this program. The center provides a myriad of other services and works with the juvenile court to place students back in a school setting prior to being released from the juvenile system.
The following discussion was held:
Board member Ellison addressed Ms. Wiggins asking if she could explain what would be a minor offense for a student. Ms. Wiggins responded: Simple battery, a first offense of marijuana, criminal mischief, etc. Ms. Ellison asked Ms. Wiggins to explain the process whereby a student would be taken to the juvenile center, who determines the risk scale used in making decisions about students and if the students get counseling and the release process. At that time, Ms. Wiggins explained that a social worker is housed inside the juvenile court to assist both sides with what is the best way to get the students set up with a plan to transition back into a regular school setting. YOC sometimes provide the juvenile judge with records and help get clarity of school processes as needed. Board member Marshall addressed Ms. Wiggins about the follow-up process once students are released and return to a regular school setting, asking if it would be beneficial to have someone in the school to provide that service. Ms. Wiggins explained that YOC does provide that type of service in some instances and informed the Board that parents must consent to the services prior to the service being provided. If a family is highly connected to providers outside YOC, it does not get involved.
Mr. Kleban addressed the Board explaining that he invited Ms. Wiggins (YOC) to come out and present because this is one of the central services that's been managed by RSD but is now going to be transitioning to OPSB through Unification. He asked Ms. Wiggins how the Board could best work with other governmental organizations that are responsible for some of the services discussed. After presenting, Mr. Kleban asked Ms. Wiggins to give the Board as concrete a list as possible for what the Board can go and advocate for on YOC's behalf. Board member Marshall addressed the Board, urging them to pay attention to students who are disengaging in school because it is no longer relevant to them and try to get resources in schools that can help with keeping students engaged. Board President Brown thanked YOC staff for all they do to help families and students.
The following Public Comment was held:
Judge Mark Dorty addressed the Board about the valuable components the Youth Opportunity Center brings to families and students as well as the juvenile system.
Ann Miar addressed the Board concerning the value that the Youth Opportunity Center brings to the community.
In conclusion, Superintendent Lewis acknowledged and thanked the YOC staff for the presentation and Board member Kleban thanked YOC on behalf of the Board for their services and the compassionate way in which they provide those services.
5. ACTION ITEMS
Action: 5.1 Approval of 2018 Board Committee Appointments
That the Orleans Parish School Board approves the committee appointments as recommended by the Board President.
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 Donations to Orleans Parish School Board's Exceptional Children's Services Department in honor of Iris Haydel
The Budget & Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board accept said donations.
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 Legacy Park CEA
The Property Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approve a CEA between OPSB, RSD, Downtown Development District, and the International High School of Louisiana for the erection of a recreational park on the school site.
The following public comment was heard:
Dr. Kenneth Ducote thanked the Board on behalf of International High School of Louisiana for the process and they are looking forward to working with their new partner the Downtown Development District on this project.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Ben Kleban.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 5.4 Resolution 04-18 re: Task Force to Address Teacher Shortage
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves Resolution 04-18, supporting the Louisiana State Association of School Personnel Administrators’ request that the Governor and/or State Legislature creates a Task Force to address the shortage of certified teachers in the State of Louisiana, and urging the State Legislature to address barriers that restrict the ability of retired teachers to return to work, waiving the reading of the resolution.
Motion by Leslie Ellison, second by Woody Koppel
The following voice vote was held:
Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Keban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Motion carries 7 yeas, 0 nays
6. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Board President received a motion to convene into Executive Session at 6:42 PM:
Moved by Sarah Usdin, second by Ethan Ashley
Motion unanimously passes.
The Board reconvened from Executive Session at 7:58 PM with all Board members present. Also present was Superintendent, Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. and Board Counsel, Sharonda Williams.
Discussion: 6.1 Threatened Litigation re: Gibbs Construction, L.L.C. Legal Demand for Payment for McMain Chiller Replacement - Status Report
No action was taken on this item.
Discussion: 6.2 Orleans Parish School Board v. Woodrow Wilson Construction, LLC and Hanover Insurance Company, CDC No. 2016-12346; Construction Litigation - Status Report
No action was taken on this item.
Discussion: 6.3 Orleans Parish School Board, et al. v. The Einstein Group, Inc., CDC No. 2017-11398; Litigation Status Report
No action was taken on this item.
Discussion: 6.4 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
No action was taken on this item.
Action: 6.5 Troy Magee v. Orleans Parish School Board, et al., CDC No. 2010-03354; Personal Injury Litigation - Settlement Recommendation
After discussion, the Board approved the settlement recommendation in the matter of Troy Magee v. Orleans Parish School Board, et al., CDC No 2010-033354; Personal Injury Litigation.
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the settlement of this matter as recommended by the General Counsel.
Motion by Ethan Ashley, 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: 6.6 In the Matter of J.S., by and through K.B., State of Louisiana Division of Administrative Law, Department of Education, No. 2017-9863-DOE-IDEA; Due Process - Settlement Recommendation
After discussion, the Board approved settlement recommendation in the matter of J.S., by and through K.B., State of Louisiana Division of Administrative Law, Department of Education, No. 2017-9863-DOE-IDEA; Due Process.
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the settlement of this matter as recommended by the General Counsel.
Motion by Leslie Ellison, second by Ethan Ashley.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ethan Ashley
Nay: Ben Kleban
7. ADJOURNMENT
Action: 7.1 Adjourn meeting
Motion to adjourn the Board meeting at 8:00 P.M.
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