MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

BOARD BUSINESS MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

JANAURY 17, 2019

1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call

The Orleans Parish School Board Business Meeting was called to order at 5:30pm by Board President John A. Brown Sr. The following board members were present: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin. Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis Jr. and Board Counsel Sharonda Williams were also present.

1.2 Pledge of Allegiance

The pledge was led by Board President Mr. Brown and the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council.

1.3 Adoption of the Agenda

Motion to adopt the board meeting agenda with amendments and deletions.

·        Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Sarah Newell Usdin (waiving the reading)

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, 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 December 18, 2018 Board Business Meeting as provided waiving the reading of the minutes.

·        Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Sarah Newell Usdin (waiving the reading)

·        Final Resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin

·        Nays: none

SUPERINTENDENT’S AGENDA

3.1 Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council

Erica Freeman, Director of Program Operations, introduced the new members of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council.

3.2 Honoring Edna Karr and Warren Easton Football Teams

Ulyses Collins, Executive Director of School Operations, recognized the Edna Karr and Warren Easton football teams

3.3 School Performance and Growth Recognition

Dina Hasiotis, Senior School Support and Improvement Officer, honored the schools that achieved “A” and “B” letter grade performance for the 2017-18 school year, and the schools that achieved “A” growth for the 2017-18 school year.

3.4 Presentation by New Orleans Children and Youth Planning Board

Karen Evans, Executive Director of the New Orleans Children and Youth Planning Board, presented information on the current priorities of CYPB, including a status update on the Task Force on Childhood Trauma and goals for the upcoming year.

Reverend Torin Sanders, Parliamentarian of the New Orleans Children and Youth Planning Board, encouraged and thanked the board for their continued support for CYPB.

Mr. Brown thanked Reverend Sanders and the Children and Youth Planning Board for their work.

Mr. Brown congratulated board member Ben Kleban on the birth of his child.

ACTION ITEMS

4.1 Election of Board President and Vice President

This action complies with OPSB Policy BBA, Officers of the School Board.

Motion by Ben Kleban to suspend BBA so that the current officers, President Brown and Vice President Ellison, could continue in their officer positions for an additional year, which is consistent with Louisiana law.

·        Motion by Ben Kleban, second by Sarah Newell Usdin.

·        Final Resolution: Motion passes to suspend board policy BBA.

·        Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin

·        Nays: none

Nominations: President

·        John A. Brown Sr. Nomination by Ben Kleban, second by Ethan Ashley

Nominations: Vice President

·        Leslie Ellison. Nomination by Ben Kleban, second by Ethan Ashley

·        Nolan Marshall Jr. Nomination by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel

Close Nominations

·        Motion by Leslie Ellison, second by Woody Koppel.

·        Final Resolution: Motion passes to close nominations

·        Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin

·        Nays: none

Vote: President

·        Ethan Ashley: vote cast for Mr. Brown

·        John A. Brown Sr.: vote cast for Mr. Brown

·        Leslie Ellison: vote cast for Mr. Brown

·        Ben Kleban: vote cast for Mr. Brown

·        Woody Koppel: vote cast for Mr. Brown

·        Nolan Marshall Jr.: vote cast for Mr. Brown

·        Sarah Newell Usdin: vote cast for Mr. Brown

John A. Brown Sr. elected Board President with unanimous vote.

Vote: Vice President

·        Ethan Ashley: vote cast for Leslie Ellison

·        John A. Brown Sr.: vote cast for Leslie Ellison

·        Leslie Ellison: vote cast for Leslie Ellison

·        Ben Kleban: vote cast for Leslie Ellison

·        Woody Koppel: vote cast for Nolan Marshall Jr.

·        Nolan Marshall Jr.: vote cast for Nolan Marshall Jr.

·        Sarah Newell Usdin: vote cast for Nolan Marshall Jr.

Leslie Ellison elected Board Vice President with majority vote.

Public Comment

·        Community member expressed concern with the leadership qualifications of a nominee.

·        Community member expressed concern with accessibility to board meetings and urged the board to post the agenda seventy-two hours before public meetings.

·        Community member expressed concern with past public comment of a nominee.

·        Community member expressed support for a nominee.

·        Community member expressed concern with the quality of charter schools and accessibility to board meetings.

·        Community member expressed support for a nominee.

·        Community member expressed concern with a nominee and future protections for all Orleans Parish students.

·        Community member expressed importance of acceptance and safety of all students.

·        High school student expressed importance of protections for all Orleans Parish students, and concern with the leadership qualifications of a nominee.

·        Community member expressed concern with qualifications of a nominee and concern for the safety and equality of all students.

·        Community member expressed importance of diversity, inclusion, and equality for all students.

·        Community member expressed support for a nominee.

·        Community member expressed support for a nominee.

·        High school student expressed concern with past public comment and qualifications of a nominee.

·        Community member expressed importance of protections for all Orleans Parish students.

·        Representative from Beloved Community expressed importance of inclusion of all Orleans Parish students and integrity of board members.

·        Community member expressed concern for a nominee.

·        Community member expressed support for a nominee.

·        Representative from Louisiana Trans Advocates expressed concern with qualifications of a nominee.

·        Community member expressed concern for safety of students.

·        Community member expressed concern with quality of schools and safety and protections for students.

·        Community member expressed opposition to a nominee.

·        Student from Benjamin Franklin High School expressed importance of students’ safety and opposition to a nominee. 

·        Representative from Forum for Equality expressed concern with a nominee.

·        Representative from Human Rights Campaign expressed impact of trauma on youth concern for representation of all students.

·        Community member expressed concern for election process of school board officials.

·        Representative from New Orleans Peoples Assembly expressed concern with past public comment of a nominee.

·        Community member expressed importance of inclusion of all students.

·        Representative from Break Out expressed concern with a nominee and stressed the importance of safety and equality for all students in Orleans Parish.

·        Representative from Hospitality Workers Alliance expressed concern for equality for Orleans Parish students and concern with charter model.

4.2 Resolution 01-19 Authorizing the Board President and Vice President as Signatories

That the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 01-19, authorizing the Board President to sign contracts and other official documents on behalf of the Board and authorizing the Vice President to sign in the President’s absence.

·        Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel (waiving the reading)

·        Final Resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin

·        Nays: none

4.3 Amendment to Policy JCAB, School Searches

It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts the proposed amendment to Policy JCAB, School Searches.

·        Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Leslie Ellison (waiving the reading)

·        Final Resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: 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 school searches being conducted equally and without prejudice.

·        Community member expressed concerned with additional rules and regulations of students at school, and with presence of police and disciplinary officers at school.

·        Community member expressed concern with lack of parent communication written into the amendment.

Ben Kleban offered a motion to amend the agenda by moving items 4.14, 4.15, and 4.16 to the next agenda items for consideration.

·        Motion by Leslie Ellison, second by Ethan Ashley

·        Final Resolution: Motion passes to amend the agenda

·        Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin

·        Nays: none

4.14 Award of RFP No. 19-0013 for Risk Management Consulting Services

It is recommended that Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Inc. be awarded the contract for Risk Management Consulting Services in an amount not to exceed $44,650.00 for an initial twelve (12) month period, with the option to extend the contract for two (2) additional one (1) year periods, subject to OPSB approval.

Leslie Ellison offered a substitute motion to amend the recommended action to strike the option to extend the contract for two (2) additional one (1) year periods.

Sarah Newell Usdin asked the administration to respond to the implications of this amendment.

Eric Seling responded that this amendment would force the administration to release a bid for risk management consulting services after the twelve (12) month contract; this would not cost the district additional money and would not interrupt operations.

Sarah Newell Usdin accepted the substitute motion to award the contract to Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Inc. for an initial twelve (12) month period.

·        Motion by Leslie Ellison, second by Ben Kleban

·        Final Resolution: Motion passes to award the RFP to Arthur J. Gallagher for twelve (12) months with no option to extend the contract.

·        Yeas: John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin

·        Nays: Ethan Ashley

Public Comment

·        Comment waived/no response

4.15 Award of RFP No. 19-0016 for Program Management Services – Grants Management

It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the proposal from CSRS for Program Management Services – Grants Management in an amount not to exceed $2,110,515.78 over a three (3) year period and authorizes the OPSB General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.

Leslie Ellison asked the administration about the financial implications of amending the contract to a one (1) year period.

Eric Seling responded that reducing the contract would provide operational challenges.

·        Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel (waiving the reading)

·        Final Resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin

·        Nays: Ethan Ashley

4.16 Award of RFP No. 19-0014 for Program Management Services – Current Projects

It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the proposal submitted by A Joint Venture of CBRE/Heery, Inc. & Vanir Construction Management, Inc. for Program Management Services – Current Projects in amount not to exceed $1,999,200.00 over a three (3) year period and authorizes the OPSB General Counsel to prepare a 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

·        Yeas: John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin

·        Nays: Ethan Ashley

Public Comment

·        Representative from GNO Collaborative commended the staff on the review process and of the length of the contract.

o   Ethan Ashley asked the speaker if they were on the evaluation committee.

o   The speaker confirmed that they were on the evaluation committee.

o   Ben Kleban asked the speaker if they were paid by the district to be on the committee, or if it is a voluntary.

o   The speaker confirmed that they were not paid to be on the committee and that it is voluntary.

4.4 Amendment to Policy JCDB, Student Dress Code

It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts the proposed amendment to Policy JCDB, Student Dress Code.

·        Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Nolan Marshall Jr. (waiving the reading)

·        Final Resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin

·        Nays: none

·        Absent: Ben Kleban

Public Comment

·        Community member urged the board to implement a teacher dress code and expressed importance of maintaining student individuality.

·        Community member expressed concern for the implications of dress codes and denying students the right to express individuality.

·        Community member expressed concern for the effects of dress codes on students.

·        Community member expressed concern with depth and accuracy of parent-facing school information.

4.5 New Policy JGCF, Behavioral Health Services for Students

It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts the proposed new Policy JGCF, Behavioral Health Services for Students.

·        Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Sarah Newell Usdin (waiving the reading)

·        Final Resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin

·        Nays: none

·        Absent: Ben Kleban

Public Comment

·        Community member expressed support for behavioral health services, and concern for the role of medication in schools.

·        Community member expressed concern for role of medication in schools and urged the board to provide quality assurance for behavioral health service providers.

·        Community member expressed concern for length of charter contracts.

·        Community member expressed support for service providers in schools, and concern for school turnover.

4.6 Amendment to Policy EBBC, Emergency/Crisis Management

It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts the proposed amendment to Policy EBBC, Emergency/Crisis Management.

·        Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel (waiving the reading)

·        Final Resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin

·        Nays: none

·        Absent: Ben Kleban

4.7 Amendment to Policy IFBGA, Computer Access and Use - Students

It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts the proposed amendment to Policy IFBGA, Computer Access and Use – Students.

·        Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel (waiving the reading)

·        Final Resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin

·        Nays: none

·        Absent: Ben Kleban

4.8 Extension of Center for Resilience’s deadline to open its approved charter

It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board grants Center for Resilience an extension to begin operations on the charter approved by the Orleans Parish School Board on December 17, 2017 to first serve students by the 2021-22 school year. 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 (waiving the reading)

·        Final Resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin

·        Nays: none

·        Absent: Ben Kleban

Public Comment

·        Community member expressed concern with quality assurance.

4.9 Resolution 03-19 Capital Projects Budget Amendment #5, Benjamin Franklin Elementary Renovation Contents

It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 03-19 authorizing the fifth (5^th) 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 Woody Koppel, second by Sarah Newell Usdin (waiving the reading)

·        Final Resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin

·        Nays: none

·        Absent: Ben Kleban

Public Comment

·        Community member expressed support for renovations projects, and concern for schools’ equal access to capital projects.

·        Community member expressed concern with funding for school materials.

4.10 Donation from Louisiana High School Athletic Association

It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts a donation in the amount of $1,800.00 from the Louisiana High School Athletic Association.

·        Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Ethan Ashley (waiving the reading)

·        Final Resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin

·        Nays: none

·        Absent: Ben Kleban

4.11 Amendment to School Management Agreement with CEEAS for Educational Services at Orleans Justice Center (OJC)

It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves an amendment to the School Funding provision of the School Management Agreement with CEEAS to provide for automatic adjustments to funding based on the actual cost of increased student enrollment.

·        Motion by Ethan Ashley, second by Sarah Newell Usdin (waiving the reading)

·        Final Resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin

·        Nays: none

·        Absent: Ben Kleban

Public Comment

·        Community member expressed concern with funding for schools.

4.12 Acceptance of NSNO Charter School Mid-Year Closure Support Grant

It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the Charter School Mid-Year Closure Support Grant, in the amount of $27,000, awarded by New Schools for New Orleans (NSNO) to support retention stipends for transitioning instructional and student support staff of Edgar P. Harney Spirit of Excellence Academy and authorizes the payment of said stipends to eligible staff in accordance with the grant award payment schedule.

·        Motion by Ethan Ashley, second by Leslie Ellison (waiving the reading)

·        Final Resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr.

·        Nays: none

·        Recused: Sarah Newell Usdin

·        Absent: Ben Kleban

Public Comment

·        Comment waived/no response

·        Comment waived/no response

4.13 Resolution 02-19 General Fund Budget Amendment #3, Edgar P. Harney Elementary

It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt Resolution 02-19 authorizing the third (3^rd) amendment to the General Fund Budget of Revenues and Expenditures for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2018 and ending June 30, 2019.

·        Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Sarah Newell Usdin (waiving the reading)

·        Final Resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin

·        Nays: none

·        Absent: Ben Kleban

Public Comment

·        Community member expressed concern with financial stability of E.P. Harney and impact on students.

·        Community member urged the board to approve the entire amount that is needed for the remainder of the school year.

·        Community member expressed concern with stability and future of E.P. Harney.

·        Community member concerned with the future of E.P. Harney

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Motion to adjourn to Executive Session at 8:07pm.

·        Motion by Ethan Ashley, second by Woody Koppel

Reconvened from Executive Session at 8:29pm. 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. Ben Kleban was absent.

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: Alice Harte Construction Project

It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board provides settlement authority in this matter as recommended by the Board Counsel.

·        Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel (waiving the reading)

·        Final Resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin

·        Nays: none

·        Absent: Ben Kleban

5.3 Prospective Litigation re: Civil District Court Costs

It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board authorizes its legal counsel to take any and all steps necessary to obtain relief from unincurred court costs.

·        Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel (waiving the reading)

·        Final Resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin

·        Nays: none

·        Absent: Ben Kleban

5.4 Margarette Leonard-Wicker v. OPSB, H&G Claim No. 24414; Worker’s Compensation – Settlement Recommendation

It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves settlement of this matter as recommended by General Counsel.

·        Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Leslie Ellison (waiving the reading)

·        Final Resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin

·        Nays: none

·        Absent: Ben Kleban

ADJOURNMENT

6.1 Adjourn Meeting

·        Motion by Nolan Marshall Jr., second by Sarah Newell Usdin

John A. Brown Sr. thanked the board for their voter confidence, and thanked Dr. Lewis, the administration, students and families.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:32pm.