MINUTES of
ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
3520 GENERAL DEGAULLE DRIVE
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
March 22, 2018
The Orleans Parish School Board Business meeting was called to order by Board President, John Brown, Sr. at 5:45 PM.
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.
Pledge of Allegiance
The pledge of allegiance was led by Julia Simon, a 12th-grade student from Lusher Charter School and Samaj Robertson, a 12th-grade student from Capdau led the pledge of allegiance.
Adoption of the agenda
Motion to adopt the Board meeting agenda as amended deferring Action item 5.13 concerning Willie Hall Playground CEA.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Nolan Marshall.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
2.1 Adoption of minutes
Move that the Orleans Parish School board adopts the minutes of the February 22, 2018 Board Business Meeting 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, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
SUPERINTENDENT'S AGENDA
The following remarks were made by Superintendent Lewis:
The Orleans Parish School Board is responsible for ensuring schools provide appropriate transportation to students, as required by board policy, state law and their charter contract. Unfortunately, Einstein Charter Schools is refusing to provide appropriate transportation as required in its charter contract, despite OPSB’s continued efforts to compel compliance. Therefore, the district will be moving forward with revoking Einstein’s charters at Village De L’Est and at Sherwood Forest. That means the district is beginning the process of terminating Einstein’s authority to run those two schools for next school year (2018-2019). Noting that nothing will change the 2017-2018 school year for families currently at Village De L’Est and Sherwood Forest and that no additional action is required at this time for parents or guardians. The district will continue to work in good faith with Einstein’s leadership to resolve this issue in a transparent manner, ensuring fairness for both the school and for all families. Additionally, the OPSB has made itself available to respond to any questions parents and school staff may have in the coming weeks. We will keep the community apprised of the situation as updates become available.
RECOGNITIONS
National Board Certified Teachers recognitions were presented to Lisa Borne (not present), Jacob Gleghorn (not present), Rachel Tabak (not present), and Lauren Druel.
Teacher of the Year recognitions were presented to Taaqua Lacy-Williams, Jodi Sanchez, Rebecca Olide, Lydia Austin, Alexis Martin, Stephen Goodly and Robin Hills.
Presidential Scholar Nominees were presented to Kaitlyn Grace Calabresi, Vanessa Doris Chambers, Jack Hollis Falstad, Mariza Francis, Manasa Narayanamoorthy and Jack J-Y Wang of Ben Franklin High School and Julian Simon and Henry Wiefeldt of Lusher.
The Principal of the Year recognition was presented to Sandra Parker.
Superintendent Lewis recognized New Orleans Police Department Chief, Michael Harrison, and Commander, Christopher Goodly for all the work they do every day to keep our families and communities safe and for their recent and future work with schools and school leaders active-shooter training and simulation.
Commander Goodly received the recognition on behalf of Chief Harrison and NOPD.
Superintendent Lewis thanked the entire NOPD team for the work they do every day to keep our families and community safe. Mentioning, earlier this month 200+ school & city personnel participated in an OPSB & NOPD active-shooter training & simulation. It was an invaluable experience. And after months of work, a new agreement between OPSB and NOPD will further enable additional active-shooter training & simulations for school leaders & police.
Commander Goodly spoke on behalf of Chief Harrison and NOPD.
Prior to moving forward with action items the Board following public comment was heard regarding the Superintendent's report:
Ronald Magee addressed the Board concerning criteria for the Parent Advisory Council that were addressed separately by Chief External Engagement Officer, Amanda Aiken.
Mario Mendoza addressed the Board concerning strictly enforcing the terms of the charter contract with Einstein with regards to transportation and thanked the Board for steps that it's currently taking to resolve the issues.
Mr. Kleban asked the Superintendent work with the administration to look into providing emergency transportation assistance to families as the Board and works through this process.
ACTION ITEMS
Action: 5.1 Ratification of Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) with the City of New Orleans re: NOPD Active Shooter Training
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board ratifies the CEA with the City of New Orleans to further the mission and goals of public safety, particularly in public schools, for the mutual benefit, recognition, and advantage to be derived by the Parties in identifying and improving active shooter response capability.
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
Action: 5.2 Employment Calendars
The Accountability Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the 2018-19 Employment Calendars for Central Office and School Support Personnel.
Motion by Leslie Ellison, 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 Ratification of Memorandum of Understanding between the OPSB and the Southern Initiative Algebra Project
That the Orleans Parish School Board approves the MOU between the OPSB and the Sothern Initiative Algebra Project in the amount of $130,000, and authorizes the OPSB President sign the MOU.
Motion by Nolan Marshall, 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: 5.4 JCFA Charter Extension Request
The Accountability Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board grant JCFA a 12-month extension to begin operation on the charter approved by the Orleans Parish School Board on May 17, 2016.
The following discussion took place: Ms. Usdin stated that the motion as read did not reflect the discussion in committee. Mr. Morgan approached the podium with further explanation that the amendment requested in committee is reflected in the rationale. Ms. Usdin asked that the motion be changed to reflect what's written in the rationale prior to the vote.
Board President Brown asked Board Counsel Williams to restate the motion as stated in the rationale as follows:
Board Counsel then read the following into record: The Accountability Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board grant JCFA a 12-month extension to begin operation on the charter approved by the Orleans Parish School Board on May 17, 2016. Such extension shall include district review of the operator’s Pre-Opening Plan, including any material changes in the applicant team. In the case of a material change in the applicant team, the district will conduct further due diligence and may reconsider the application.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
No further discussion transpired.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action (Consent): 5.5 Request for Proposal no. 18-0017 E-Rate Services Providers
Resolution: The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the proposals meeting the specifications for E-rate Services Providers from Cox Communications and AT&T and authorize General Counsel to prepare contracts for signatures of the Board President and the Services Providers. The initial contract period will be for one (1) year with the option to renew for two (2) additional one (1) year periods. The contract period will be from July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019. The annual cost for Cox Communications is $95,400.00 and the cost for three (3) years is $286,000.00. The annual cost for AT&T is $124,500.00 and the cost for three (3) years is $373,000.00. The total cost for services from proposers listed above over three (3) years are $659,000.00. Funds are available in the E-Rate Technology Budget.
The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the proposals meeting the specifications for E-rate Services Providers from Cox Communications and AT&T and authorize General Counsel to prepare contracts for signatures of the Board President and the Services Providers. The initial contract period will be for one (1) year with the option to renew for two (2) additional one (1) year periods. The contract period will be from July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019. The annual cost for Cox Communications is $95,400.00 and the cost for three (3) years is $286,000.00. The annual cost for AT&T is $124,500.00 and the cost for three (3) years is $373,000.00. The total cost for services from proposers listed above over three (3) years are $659,000.00. Funds are available in the E-Rate Technology Budget.
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: 5.6 Approval of Audubon Charter School Gentilly Terrace Lease
The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the attached lease for use with the Gentilly Terrace site awarded to Audubon Charter School.
Motion by Ben Kleban, 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: 5.7 Deferred Revenue Distribution Fiscal Year 17
The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Board approves the distribution of Excess Revenues from Fiscal Year 17 to Orleans Parish schools.
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 Contract Amendment #8 for Jacobs/CSRS Project Management/Construction Management Services
The Budget & Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approves Amendment No.8 to the Program Management/Construction Management Services contract with Jacobs/CSRS. This amendment will cover the full contract period through March 31, 2019.
Motion by Leslie Ellison, second by Woody Koppel
The following Board discussion took place:
Board member Kleban asked administration this is the final extension? Deputy Chief of Facilities, Sue Robertson responded in the affirmative.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 5.9 Extension of current Property, Boiler & Machinery, Terrorism and Disaster Management Insurance
The Budget and Finance Committee Recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board extends the current Property, Boiler & Machinery, Terrorism and Disaster Management insurance coverage through Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Consulting Services, Inc. to June 30, 2018, and authorizes the Board President to sign the agreement binding the extension of coverage.
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 Resolution 03-18 - Capital Projects Budget Amendment #5 - FEMA Funds
Motion by Leslie Ellison, second by Woody Koppel
No delegations addressed the Board at this time.
No Board discussion.
The following voice vote was held:
Yea: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
Nay: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion carried.
Action: 5.11 Amendment to GCR Contract
The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board APPROVE amending the current contract with GCR
1) to include geocoding of addresses for enrollment processes, and other analyses and presentation of demographic data,
2) to extend such contract to terminate on September 1, 2018, and
3) to provide for additional expenses, not to exceed $25,000, associated with the above changes
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 McDonogh 19 Property
The Property Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the OPSB administration to negotiate with representatives from Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO) to transfer the McDonogh 19 property from OPSB to HANO for a price that is not less than the appraised value, as authorized by La. R.S. 41:905.
The following constituents addressed the Board:
Leona Tate gave a brief history of McDonogh 19 and
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: 5.13 Will Hall Playground CEA
This item was deferred. No action was taken.
Action: 5.14 Black Men of Labor CEA
The Property Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the proposed CEA between OPSB and Black Men of Labor relative to an urban farming project at the former Harden school site.
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: 5.15 Request for Conflict Waiver re: Phelps Dunbar, LLP
The Legal/Legislative Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) waives any potential conflict of interest arising from Phelps Dunbar, LLP's representation of the OPSB while also representing The Hanover Insurance Group, and adverse party in an OPSB litigation matter, and authorizes the General Counsel to execute the necessary documents to effectuate such a waiver.
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
Action: 5.16 OPSB Legislative Agenda: 2018 Regular Session
The legislative agenda was taken up separately by the Board as follows:
Motion by Ethan Ashley, second by Leslie Ellison
1. SB 89 - Requires parent representation on every charter governing board
Brady Shannan addressed the Board in favor of the spirit of the bill.
It is recommended that the Board monitor SB 89.
Motion unanimously carried.
Motion by Sarah Usdin, second by Ethan Ashley
2. SB 381 - Provides relative to unified enrollment system in certain school systems.
The following Board comment was heard:
Board member Usdin spoke about bringing back local control and unification in the City of New Orleans as a rationale for monitoring this SB 381
It is recommended that the Board monitor SB 381
The following constituents addressed the Board at this time:
Marilyn Vargas addressed the Board concerning parent engagement in school performance.
Unanimously carried.
Motion by Ethan Ashley, second by Woody Koppel
3. HB 509 - Requires school boards to make presentations at public meetings relative to plans for schools in need of academic improvement.
It is recommended that the Board support HB 509
Unanimously carried.
Motion by Ethan Ashley, second by Woody Koppel
4. HB 565 - Changes the timelines for school board elections to align with gubernatorial election cycles.
It is recommended that the Board monitor HB 565.
No public comment was offered at this time.
Unanimously carried.
Motion by Leslie Ellison, second by Woody Koppel
5. HB 666 - Restricts the hiring of special counsel by school boards.
Board member Kleban offered a substitute motion to oppose HB 666.
The following discussion was held:
Mr. Kleban believes this bill as it stands to be antithetical to the current Board's purpose and puts forth a substitute motion to oppose HB 666.
Board member Ellison withdrew her original motion and accepted Mr. Kleban's substitute motion as follows:
It is recommended that the Board oppose HB 666.
The substitute motion was seconded by Sarah Newell Usdin.
No further discussion was held.
Unanimously carried.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel
6. SB 292 - Requires the approval of the legislative auditor before charters can be authorized or renewed.
No public comment was offered at this time.
It is recommended that the Board oppose SB 292.
Action: 5.17 Amendment to OPSB Policy JGCD, Administration of Medication
Board member Ellison motion to take Action item 5.17 through 5.29 in global, second by Sarah Newell Usdin
The following constituents addressed the Board concerning Action Item 5.27, Amendment to OPSB Policy IDDH, Limited English Proficiency Program:
Mavet Valdez addressed the Board with regards to item 5.27 with the following concerns:
1. Who is going to supervise that what's being said is actually going to be done?
2. Does the schools have the resources to make sure they come through what's been discussed?
3. What are the methods that will be used to help children as learners of English as a second language?
Chief Equity & Student Services Officer, Mary Garton addressed the parent privately about her concerns.
The Orleans Parish School Board adopts all OPSB Policy amendments set forth in action items 5.17 through 5.29 in global.
Action: 5/17 Amendment to OPSB Policy JGCD, Administration of Medication
Action: 5.18 Amendment to OPSB Policy EB, Buildings and Grounds Management
Action: 5.19 Amendment to OPSB Policy GAMA, Employee Tobacco Use
Action: 5.20 Amendment to OPSB Policy JCDAA, Student Use of Tobacco
Action: 5.21 Amendment to OPSB Policy KF, Use of School Facilities
Action: 5.22 Amendment to OPSB Policy DFL, Sale of Buildings and Lands
Action: 5.23 Amendment to OPSB Policy ECA, Authorized Use of Equipment
Action: 5.24 Amendment to OPSB Policy GBRIB, Sick Leave
Action: 5.25 Amendment to OPSB Policy EE, Child Nutrition Program Management
Action: 5.26 Deletion of OPSB Policy IDCJ, Supplemental Educational Services
Action: 5.27 Amendment to OPSB Policy IDDH, Limited English Proficiency Program
Action: 5.28 Amendment to OPSB Policy GBC, Recruitment
Action: 5.29 Amendment to OPSB Policy IFDA, Parental Rights/Student Rights to Privacy
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
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Action: 6.1 Onsunta Brumfield v. Orleans Parish School Board, et al., OWC No. 17-04043; Louisiana Workers Compensation Corporation Claims Nos. 191425 and 189468; Workers Compensation - Settlement Recommendation
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Leslie Ellison
To waive Executive Session on this matter since it was discussed during Legal/Legislative Committee, Tuesday, March 20, 2018.
Unanimously carried.
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves settlement of this matter as recommended by the General Counsel.
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
ADJOURNMENT
Action: 7.1 Adjourn meeting
Motion to adjourn the Board meeting at 6:40 PM.
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