MINUTES OF THE
ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
3520 GENERAL DEGAULLE DRIVE
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114
May 17, 2018
OPENING OF MEETING
The Orleans Parish School Board Business Meeting was called to order by Board President, John Brown, Sr.
Procedural: 1.1 Call to order - Roll call
The following Board Members answered the roll call: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Sr., 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 the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council.
Mr. Brown thanked the council for its work this year
Interpretation services were announced.
Action: 1.3 Adoption of the agenda
Board Counsel Williams reading into the record the following modifications to the meeting agenda: The addition of action item 4.17, Amendment to the 2018 Board Business Meeting Schedule, Executive Session that appears on the agenda will be deleted, and Action Item 4.16, Resolution 11-18, in the listing of representative there has been a change to Governmental Bureau of Research to The Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools.
Motion to adopt the Board meeting agenda as amended.
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
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
Action, Minutes: 2.1 Adoption of minutes
Move that the Orleans Parish School board adopts the minutes of April 19, 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
SUPERINTENDENT'S AGENDA
Superintendent Lewis thanks families, students, teachers, educators, school leaders and citywide graduating class for a strong finish.
Amanda Aiken, Chief External Officer presented a brief video and information about their work on the Superintendent Student Advisory Council and their beliefs about the work they do. Each team gave presented their reflections on their research and collected survey data. Ms. Aiken echoed the same sentiments of the Superintendent about how proud of the students for all their hard work.
President Brown asked Superintendent what are we doing to make sure charter board and school leaders are hearing the voice of students. Superintendent Lewis explained how this information is share in subsequent schoolwide leader meeting, charter applicants are hearing and incorporating student voice in their application and the application process. Finally the Superintendent commented on the charter accountability framework and communication to families. He supports a robust school to families engagement and urge any one with questions to contact Dina Hasiotis, Executive Director of School Performance.
Board Member Nolan Marshall asked are there school leader councils at their schools by show of hands? The majority of students in attendance affirmed. Mr. Marshall encouraged all schools that have not establiished a council at their school for the upcoming school year.
Action: 4.1 Amendment to Policy HA
APPROVE the amendments to Policy HA, in accordance with the Charter School Accountability Framework.
Motion by Ben Kleban, 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: 4.2 Replacement Policy HB - Charter School Accountability Framework
Move that the Orleans Parish School Board
1)Approve the replacement of Policy HB, in alignment with the Charter School Accountability Framework.
2)Repeal policies HAB and HC in their entirety, and designate the replacement Policy HB as their successor policy, for the purposes of the OPSB Common Charter Contract with amendments suggested by Mr. Kleban that on page 6, the base term of renewal standard for K-12 schools be changed to language that says K-8 schools to say schools receiving an SPRI equivalent to a letter grade of D, any progress that ranks in the top half Citywide as opposed to the top quartile.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Sarah Newell Usdin.
The following constituents addressed the board: Dr. Nathan Barrett addressed the board with regard to value added in the performance framework.
Ms. Valdez addressed the board about the charter accountability framework and thanked the board for working with parents. Jamar Johnson addressed the board about the accountability framework, teacher voice, parent voice and parent involvement and discipline accountability.
Brady Shannon addressed the board in approval of the original CSAF and the way it was written.
Ernest Pettigrew addressed the board concerning lack of communication for parents at Eisenhower and asked that parent concerns are heard.
Holly Reid addressed the board in support of the original version of the accountability framework as first presented Tuesday, May 15, 2018.
Kate Mehok addressed the board in support of the original version.
Mr. Kleban made a brief comment offering a rationale about his suggested changed to the CSAF original policy document and thereafter offered the following substitute motion as was stated in the original motion prior to any amendments in Policy Committee on May 15, 2018:
Move that the Orleans Parish School Board
1) Approve the replacement of Policy HB, in alignment with the Charter School Accountability Framework.
2) Repeal policies HAB and HC in their entirety, and designate the replacement Policy HB as their successor policy, for purposes of the OPSB Common Charter Contract.
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: 4.3 2018 - 2019 School Calendar McDonogh 35 High School
The following constituents addressed the board
Rhonda Romain addressed the board regarding McDonogh 35 not getting the same transparency and having parent and student's voice.
That the Orleans Parish School Board approves the 2018 - 2019 school calendar for McDonogh 35 High School.
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: 4.4 Letters of Reasonable Assurance
That the Orleans Parish School Board approves the Letters of Reasonable Assurance.
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 (Consent): 4.5 Contract Award for Request for Proposal NO. 18-0021 Website and Branding Consultant
That the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the proposal meeting the specifications for Request for Proposal No. 18-0021 for Website and Branding Consultant from Spears Group and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare the contract for signatures of the Consultant and the Board President. The contract period is for six (6) months with the option to extend the contract for six (6) additional one (1) month periods. The total amount of this service is $158,100.00.
Motion by Ethan Ashley, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Abstain: Nolan Marshall
Action: 4.6 Resolution 07-18 Capital Projects Budget Amendment #6 - Facilities Preservation Fund
That the Orleans Parish School Board adopts the fiscal resolution 07-18 authorizing the sixth (6th) amendment to the Capital Projects Budget of Revenues and Expenditures for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2017, and ending June 30, 2018.
The following roll call vote was held:
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: 4.7 Resolution 08-18 Capital Projects Budget Amendment #7 - Capital Projects Other Fund
That the Orleans Parish School Board adopts the fiscal resolution 08-18 authorizing the seventh (7th) amendment to the Capital Projects budget of Revenues and Expenditures for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2017, and ending June 30, 2018.
The following voice vote was held:
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: 4.8 Stipend and Supplemental Compensation Scale
The following public comment was heard:
Gertrude Ivory addressed the board concerning increased compensation for summer teaching staff for the summer school program this year and consider competitive teaching salaries to promote teacher retention and quality teaching.
Superintendent Lewis thanked the entire McDonogh 35 Alumni Association stating that OPSB and the Administration will continue to work toward restoring quality education to all students at McDonogh 35. Please know we are dedicated to restoring academic excellence to McDonogh 35.
That the Board approves increasing supplemental compensation for high school employees for the upcoming summer remediation program at McDonogh 35 High School.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Fails
Not Present at Vote: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 4.9 Flood Insurance Placement
That Orleans Parish School Board approves the placement of flood insurance policies for schools returning from the Recovery School District with American Bankers Insurance Company of Florida through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for a twelve-month period.
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: 4.10 Contract Award for McMain Envelope Repairs
That the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid from Tuna Construction, LLC, meeting the specifications for Invitation to Bid No. 2017-0594-001 for the repair of the McMain Building Envelope in the amount of $3,542,500.00; and to authorize the OPSB General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Nolan Marshall.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 4.11 CEA to enable a Fund Balance Transfer to Significant Educators
That the Orleans Parish School Board approves the CEA with Significant Educators, the Type 3 conversion operator of Bethune Elementary, and authorize the transfer of funds allocated to the school pursuant to Board Policy DC.
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: 4.12 CEA to enable a Fund Balance Transfer to Legacy of Excellence
That the Orleans Parish School Board approves the CEA with Legacy of Excellence, the Type 3 conversion operator of Ben Franklin Elementary, and authorize the transfer of funds allocated to the school pursuant to Board Policy DC.
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: 4.13 Resolution 09-18 re: Denial of Applications for the Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP)
Mr. Kleban stated that he would like to defer this item for one month to allow for time to speak with Mayor Cantrell's Administration with regards to this issue.
The following constituents addressed the board:
Dr. Ken Ducote addressed the board concerning ITEP and historical tax procedure and the needs in local education.
David Alvarez addressed the board in favor of this item. Rev. C.S. Gordon addressed the board in favor of this item. Sean Moses Anglum addressed the board in favor of this item. Debbie Bagart addressed the board in favor of this item. Mike Robert Shaw addressed the board in favor of this item. Rev. Joe Connely addressed the board in favor of this item.
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board defer this item for one month to allow for time to speak with Mayor Cantrell's Administration with regards to this issue.
Motion by Ben Kleban, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Recused: Sarah Newell Usdin
Action: 4.14 Approval of Cooperative Endeavor Agreement With Advocates for Academic Excellence in Education, Inc. for Capital Construction at Benjamin Franklin High School
That the Orleans Parish School Board authorizes the administration to negotiate a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) with Advocates for Academic Excellence in Education, Inc. (AAEE), to allow AAEE to construct a press box and restrooms adjacent to the athletic field at Benjamin Franklin High School and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare the CEA for the Board President's signature.
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: 4.15 Amendment to Lease Between Orleans Parish School Board and the University of Louisiana System for Construction at Benjamin Franklin High School
That the Orleans Parish School Board authorizes an amendment to the existing lease with the Board of Supervisors for the University System With and On Behalf of University of New Orleans to allow facility improvements at Benjamin Franklin High School.
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: 4.16 Resolution 11-18 Early Childhood Education Working Group
The following constituent addressed the board:
Dr. Ken Ducote addressed the board in favor of this item. Brady Shannon addressed the board in favor of this item.
Board Member Usdin asked that clarification is given of who the group consists of and asked that GNO, Inc and school leaders group nominate a school leader.
A brief discussion was heard. Board Member Usdin offered the following amendment to the resolution adding GNO, Inc. and ask the School Leaders Council to nominate a school leader who has experience in this area to the original motion.
An amendment was added to the resolution offered by Sarah Newell Usdin to add GNO, Inc. and ask the School Leaders Council to nominate a school leader who has experience in this area.
Substitute motion:
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Ben Kleban.
Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 11-18 establishing an Early Childhood Education Working Group to research and provide recommendations to the School Board regarding a strategy to expand access to high-quality early childhood education to families and children in Orleans Parish adding GNO, Inc. and ask the School Leaders Council to nominate a school leader who has experience in this area.
Amended motion with the waiving of the reading of the resolution
Motion by Leslie Ellison, second by Ethan Ashley.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
The following voice vote was held: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
Action: 4.17 Amendment to the 2018 Board Meeting Schedule
That the Orleans Parish School Board amends its 2018 Meeting Schedule to change the 2018 Committee and Business Meetings from June 12 and 14, respectively, to a combined meeting to be held on June 7, 2018.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley
5. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Discussion: 5.1 Discussion of the character, the professional competence, physical or mental health of a person - School Board-appointed personnel.
This item was deleted at the beginning of the meeting, therefore, not needed.
6. ADJOURNMENT
Action: 6.1 Adjourn meeting
Motion to adjourn the Board meeting
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