MINUTES OF THE
ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114
NOVEMBER 15, 2018
1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call
The Orleans Parish School Board Business Meeting was called to order at 5:34pm by Board President John A. Brown Sr. The following board members were present: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin. Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis Jr. and Board Counsel Sharonda Williams were also present. Board member Ben Kleban arrived at 5:45pm.
1.2 Pledge of Allegiance
The pledge was led by Board President Mr. Brown.
1.3 Adoption of the Agenda
Motion to adopt the board meeting agenda without additions, deletions, or modifications.
· Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Ethan Ashley (waiving the reading)
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yea: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
2.1 Adoption of Minutes
Move that the Orleans Parish School board adopts the minutes of the October 11, 2018 Board Business Meeting as provided waiving the reading of the minutes.
· Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Nolan Marshall Jr. (waiving the reading)
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yea: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
SUPERINTENDENT’S AGENDA
3.1 Honoring LSU Sprinter and 2017-2018 Corbett Award Winner Aleia Hobbs
Nicole Lewis, Director of Community Relations, introduced Aleia Hobbs.
John A. Brown Sr. presented Aleia Hobbs with an award from the school board.
3.2 Superintendent’s Recommendation: Collegiate Academy- Opportunities Academy
Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis Jr. recommended that the Board approve the new start application for Collegiate Academies.
3.3 Superintendent’s Recommendation: Living School
Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis Jr. recommended that the Board approve the new start application for Living School.
3.4 Superintendent’s Recommendation: Community Exceptional Children’s Services Center
Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis Jr. recommended that the Board deny the new start application for Community Exceptional Children’s Services Center
3.5 Superintendent’s Recommendation: KIPP New Orleans
Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis Jr. recommended that the Board approve the new start 9th – 12th grade application, approve the transformation PK – 8th grade application, approve the transformation 9th – 12th grade application for a total of three (3) approved applications for KIPP New Orleans.
3.6 Superintendent’s Recommendation: InspireNOLA Charter Schools
Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis Jr. recommended that the Board approve the new start 9th – 12th grade application, approve the transformation PK – 8th grade application, approve the transformation 9th – 12th grade application for a total of three (3) approved applications for InspireNOLA Charter Schools.
ACTION ITEMS
4.1 Resolution 31-18 re: Early Childhood Education
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 32-18 adopting and supporting the recommendations of the Early Childhood Education Working Group, including the principles for expansion of high-quality early childhood education seats and the commitment to serve as the lead convener and coordinator of partners to pursue a revenue-raising campaign for early childhood education.
· Motion by Ben Kleban, second by Ethan Ashley (waiving the reading)
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yea: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
Public Comments
· Representative from GNO Collaborative expressed support for the Early Childhood Education resolution.
· Community member expressed support for the Early Childhood Education resolution and concern with closing schools.
· Representative from Louisiana Policy Institute for Children expressed support for the Early Childhood Education resolution and cited the importance of early childhood education.
· Representative from New Orleans Campaign for Grade Level Reading expressed support for the Early Childhood Education resolution, and encouraged the board to partner with City Council to fund additional early childcare programs.
· Community member expressed support for the resolution and urged the board to continue dialogue with their constituents.
· Director of Special Education at KIPP Leadership expressed support for the resolution and stressed the importance of preparing children for primary school.
· Community member expressed support for the resolution and emphasized the importance of quality education at every level.
· Community member expressed support for the resolution and encouraged the board to expand access to early childhood seats.
· Dr. Henderson Lewis Jr. acknowledged the Early Childhood Education working group and addressed the need for long-term funding for early childhood education.
· Ben Kleban thanked the working group and reiterated his commitment to funding early childhood education.
· John Brown spoke on behalf of the board in support of funding early childhood education.
4.2 Orleans Parish School Board meeting Schedule for 2019
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposed 2019 Calendar of Committee and Board Business Meetings to be held at 2401 Westbend Parkway, Room 1050, New Orleans, LA 70114.
· Motion by Leslie Ellison, second by Woody Koppel (waiving the reading)
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yea: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr.
· Nays: none
· Recused: Sarah Newell Usdin
Public Comments
· Community member expressed concern with charter model.
· Community member asked that the board agenda be posted 72 hours before board business meetings.
· Community member expressed concern with duties of the school board.
· Representative Dr. Joseph Bouie expressed concern with the charter model and the quality of public schools in New Orleans.
· Community member asked that the time and location for committee meetings be reconsidered.
4.3 School Name Change – Youth Study Center to Travis Hill School
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the change of name for the schools at the Youth Study Center and Orleans Justice Center to “Travis Hill School.”
· Motion by Ethan Ashley, second by Sarah Newell Usdin (waiving the reading)
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yea: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
Public Comments
· Representative from GNO Collaborative spoke in support of the name change.
· Community member expressed concern with the charter model and the quality of schools in New Orleans.
· Community member commended the Travis Hill School for their progress and expressed concern with quality of schools in New Orleans.
4.4 Amendment to the Charter Operating Agreement with Foundation Preparatory, Inc.
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves an amendment to the Operating Agreement between OPSB and Foundation Preparatory, Inc. to add grades 7 and 8 to Foundation Preparatory Charter School and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare the amendment.
· Motion by Nolan Marshall Jr., second by Sarah Newell Usdin (waiving the reading)
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yea: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
Public Comments
· Community member expressed concern with combined K-8 model schools and with the future of Cypress Academy.
· State Senator Wesley Bishop expressed concern with the future of McDonogh 35.
· Community member spoke against item 4.4, expressed concern with the Cypress parent meeting the previous Monday.
o Ms. Ellison asked the community member what questions were unresolved with Cypress parents, and if the community member could direct those parents to school board members or administration.
· Community Member asked about the need for this amendment at this time, considering Foundation Preparatory and Cypress Academy’s current grade spans.
4.5 Amendment to the Operating Agreement with Educators for Quality Alternatives
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves amendments to the charter operating agreements with Educators for Quality Alternatives to permit the operator to serve students in 8th grade at The NET Charter High School, Central City and Gentilly and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare the amendment.
· Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel (waiving the reading)
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yea: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
Public Comment
· Community member expressed concern with the future of Algiers charter schools.
4.6 Amendment to Tyler Technologies Contract for ERP Services
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves an amendment to increase the ERP Services contract with Tyler Technologies by $60,000 to add new module implementation and customization to the current contract scope.
· Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Leslie Ellison (waiving the reading)
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yea: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
Public Comment
· Community member expressed concern with the physical state of school buildings.
4.7 Award of RFP No. 19-0012 Financial (Municipal Advisory Services)
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the RFP submission for Financial Advisory Services from PFM Financial Advisors and authorize General Counsel to prepare the contract for signatures of the Board President and vendor.
· Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Ben Kleban (waiving the reading)
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yea: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
Public Comment
· Community member waived comment
4.8 Award of Mahalia Jackson Elementary School Interior Renovations Project No. 1743.02
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board rescinds its prior bid award to C.D.W. Services, LLC and accepts the second lowest bid of Colmex Construction, LLC for Mahalia Jackson Elementary School Interior Renovations in the amount of $150,000.00 and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare the contract for signatures of the Board President and the Contractor.
· Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Leslie Ellison (waiving the reading)
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yea: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
4.9 Resolution 31-18 re: Capital Projects Amendment #3, Hynes Water Intrusion
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 31-18 authorizing the third (3rd) amendment to the Capital Projects Budget of Revenues and Expenditures for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2018, and ending June 30, 2019.
· Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel (waiving the reading)
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yea: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
4.10 Award of Project No. 2018-0600-0001 Hynes Envelope Repair
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid for Project No. 2018-0600-0001, Hynes Envelope Repairs, from Crescent Commercial Construction. LLC., in the amount of $422,500.00; and authorizes the OPSB General Counsel to prepare the contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
· Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel (waiving the reading)
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yea: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
4.11 Amendment to Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) with the City of New Orleans re: NOPD Active Shooter Training
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves an amendment to the CEA between the OPSB and the City of New Orleans to extend the term of the CEA through June 30, 2019, and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare the amendment.
· Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Ethan Ashely (waiving the reading)
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yea: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
Public Comment
· Community member urged the board to increase parent engagement.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
· Motion by Nolan Marshall Jr. to move to Executive Session
· Leslie Ellison presented a substitute motion to forego Executive Session, second by Ethan Ashley
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yea: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
5.1 Discussion of the character, the professional competence, physical or mental health of a person – School Board personnel
No action taken.
5.2 Prospective Litigation re: Crescent Leadership Academy
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board authorizes its Board Counsel to take any and all steps necessary, including litigation, to recover any damages it incurred as a result of Crescent Leadership Academy’s sudden closure.
· Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Ethan Ashley
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yea: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
5.3 Prospective Litigation re: Audubon (Broadway Campus) Renovation Project
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board authorizes its legal counsel to take all necessary actions, including filing a lawsuit, if necessary, to recover any and all damages incurred by the School Board in relation to the Audubon (Broadway) renovation project.
· Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Ethan Ashley
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yea: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
5.4 Prospective Litigation re: Alice Harte Construction Project
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board authorizes its legal counsel to take all necessary actions, including filing a lawsuit, if necessary, to recover any and all damages incurred by the School Board in relation to the Alice Harte construction project.
· Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Ethan Ashley
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yea: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
5.5 Discussion of the character, the professional competence, physical or mental health of a person – School Board personnel.
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves evaluation procedures for the 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years.
· Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Ethan Ashley
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yea: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
ADJOURNMENT
6.1 Adjourn Meeting
· Motion by Leslie Ellison, second by Sarah Newell Usdin
Meeting Adjourned at 6:56pm.